subfloor

['75 Miller]

Cas, why do you keep referring to them as "stringers"? Are they stringers or not?

[Cas]

In essence, that's what it is. A stringer in construction is a long horizontal timber used as a support or connector and that's exactly what those long pieces are doing. The difference is that in a boat, the stringers need to be of a size that can handle the pounding force of the water. Wrapping the timber in fiberglass strengthens the piece quite a bit so long as there is a real good bond. Stringers of a smaller size will need additional reinforcing and that's where the glassed in floor comes in.
I've seen a couple of boats with broken stringers one of which snapped with a piece of it sticking through the bottom of the boat.
BTW, I've almost typed floor joists a couple of times

[boater012]

Does the engine mount to them?????? If the answer is yes then they are in fact stringers!!!! My hallet has no floor and is very stiff. I'd say the boat would be fine without them unless you are planning to jump the wake from some 50 footers in its lifetime!!!!