Im currently looking for used gamblers and wondering when and if anyone knows when gambler switched to composite construction for hull/transoms. I am trying to open the manufacturer website but cannot seem to get it, I may have to call a company rep, see if they know. I am assuming they used wood for stringers and transoms/decks up until composite materials were available.
I believe since 1992 there hasn't been any wood. My '94 has one piece of wood on the backside of the drivers side console. It helps hold the steering wheel contraption. There's a gambler brochure on here somewhere with specs for older boats.
Fish Don't Have Hands!
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by rockitsauce »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Im currently looking for used gamblers and wondering when and if anyone knows when gambler switched to composite construction for hull/transoms. I am trying to open the manufacturer website but cannot seem to get it, I may have to call a company rep, see if they know. I am assuming they used wood for stringers and transoms/decks up until composite materials were available.</td></tr></table>
About 1992 Gamber went to 100% composite (ie no wood). But the term "composite" could mean a layer of glass, a layer of wood, and another layer of glass. In boat building over the last 20 or so years the term has come to mean "without wood", but plywood itself is indeed a composite material. Contary to popular belief, foam cores have some of the same problems as does wood. For example, if you do not totally encapsulate a Klegecell foam stringer, the foam wild absorb water and begin to break down. It is not the same as wood rot, but the end result is about the equiv. Wood when totally encapsulated does indeed make a strong and virtually rot proof stringer system when done correctly. Its drawbacks are weight, not strength or the problem of rotting. The rot occurs when the boat builder doesn't do his job well..... when water and air are allowed to enter the wood. The very same can be said of poorly laminated foam cores such as Klegecell. Gambler/Sterling has a leg up in this regard since they use a complete hull "liner" system. A very difficult and costly way to build a boat, but there is no better way on Earth than this method, period!
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Ben Harris »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">
About 1992 Gamber went to 100% composite (ie no wood). But the term "composite" could mean a layer of glass, a layer of wood, and another layer of glass. In boat building over the last 20 or so years the term has come to mean "without wood", but plywood itself is indeed a composite material. Contary to popular belief, foam cores have some of the same problems as does wood. For example, if you do not totally encapsulate a Klegecell foam stringer, the foam wild absorb water and begin to break down. It is not the same as wood rot, but the end result is about the equiv. Wood when totally encapsulated does indeed make a strong and virtually rot proof stringer system when done correctly. Its drawbacks are weight, not strength or the problem of rotting. The rot occurs when the boat builder doesn't do his job well..... when water and air are allowed to enter the wood. The very same can be said of poorly laminated foam cores such as Klegecell. Gambler/Sterling has a leg up in this regard since they use a complete hull "liner" system. A very difficult and costly way to build a boat, but there is no better way on Earth than this method, period!</td></tr></table>
What he said
1997 gambler intimidator
Ben from what Gambler248 told me in April 2010 there is not wood in the transom.
<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by herk91 »</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Ben from what Gambler248 told me in April 2010 there is not wood in the transom.</td></tr></table>
That is true now, but has not always been so. IN the early years Gambler used wood just as ever other boat company in the world did. IN about 1992 they converted over to the foam core products that are so highly touted as being the best building materials for boats. And they are, but not for the reason of wood rot, it is for weight savings and the ability to conform to complex shapes easily. It has not been too many years back I had the opportunity to tour the Delta Queen River Boat, At well over 100 years old it was still in service and doing well......the hull and stringers made totally of wood.
If you can keep the wood dry, and maintained, it will remain strong.
Thanks guys. I was just wanting to know as I am in the final stages of restoring a 93 stratos including stringers. I never ever want to go through that again. Looking to sell and move on to hopefully an outlaw.
Good Luck with it Rocket! When you do get yourself a G-boat come join this crowd!
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