Rebuilding a Mako Center Console Stringer System with Plywood Epoxy — Built to Last

The right stringer system doesn't just float your boat — it defines how long it lasts. Watch Metan Marine rebuild the complete stringer system on a 1985 Mako 254 using professional-grade plywood and epoxy resin construction — the same method that outlasts factory originals by decades. A rotted or water-damaged stringer system is one of the most common — and most serious — structural failures in fiberglass boats from the 1960s through the 1980s. In this episode, Metan Marine takes on the full stringer rebuild of a 1985 Mako 254, known in our shop as the "Modern Mako," restoring it to a structural standard that exceeds its original factory build.Why Plywood Epoxy Construction? Unlike foam or polyester-saturated cores that absorb water and degrade over time, a properly encapsulated plywood-and-epoxy stringer system creates a waterproof structural matrix. When built correctly — with full epoxy saturation and fiberglass lamination over every surface — this method resists rot, moisture intrusion, and delamination for the lifetime of the boat.What You'll See in This Video: Full removal of the old, degraded stringer system Proper layout and fitting of marine-grade plywood stringers Epoxy resin saturation and encapsulation techniques used by professional builders 01:58 – Introduction: The 1985 Mako 254 (Modern Mako) Project 02:20 – Assessing the Damage: Why Stringers Fail 02:37 – Full Stringer Removal 03:48 – Marine Plywood Layout & Fitting 05:10 – Epoxy Resin Saturation & Encapsulation 09:17 – Fiberglass Lamination Over New Stringers 14:40 – Why Plywood Epoxy Outlasts the Original Build 19:28 – Final Inspection & Results Fiberglass lamination over the new stringer assembly Why this method is superior to polyester resin construction With over 30 years of professional experience in fiberglass repair, boat restoration, and custom boat building, the team at Metan Marine has rebuilt stringer systems in everything from Boston Whalers and Seacrafts to offshore center consoles. We don't cut corners, and we don't chase shortcuts — we build it the way it should have been built from the factory.This is boat restoration done right. #BoatRestoration #Mako254 #StringerRepair #FiberglassBoatRepair #EpoxyBoatBuild #PlywoodStringers #MetanMarine #ClassicBoatRestoration #MarineRepair #BoatLife