foam filled Pontoon leak

[cbanks]

I have a 1970ish pontoon that I have started to restore. I took it to a highly recommended aluminum welder to check out the toons. I know I have some leaks and was hoping to get them sealed. The welder has informed me that these old toons are filled with foam and that he has been told not to weld on such toons as this could start a fire resulting in an explosion.

My question is how can I get this fixed and what do the forum members recommend as far as drying the foam out....etc. This is my first pontoon and I have no idea how to proceed. Please help!

 

[EGlideRider]

Re: foam filled Pontoon leak

I would find another welder. It is next to impossible for a fire to start inside a toon nor for an explosion to occur.

 

[lncoop]

Re: foam filled Pontoon leak

Actually, I've heard that concern voiced elsewhere. Try a search in this section regarding your issue and see what you come up with. I think it's been discussed on here.

 

[cbanks]

Re: foam filled Pontoon leak

I am from the Northern Alabama Southern Tennesse area. Does anyone know where I could take this boat to get the repairs? Also, any suggestions on drying the foam out?

 

[lmuss53]

Re: foam filled Pontoon leak

I don't think you can dry it out. I would look for a welding shop willing to open the tubes up and remove the wet foam, and then do the repairs. I know this would involve several cuts and rewelds to get it out of the various sections, but I don't see any other way. Then you have to consider whether or not the foam adds any structure to the log, and if it does it would have to be replaced.

Even a JB weld repair that closed the leaks wouldn't get rid of the soaked foam and you don't want to haul that around with you.

 

[lncoop]

Re: foam filled Pontoon leak

I don't think you can dry it out. I would look for a welding shop willing to open the tubes up and remove the wet foam, and then do the repairs. I know this would involve several cuts and rewelds to get it out of the various sections, but I don't see any other way. Then you have to consider whether or not the foam adds any structure to the log, and if it does it would have to be replaced.

Even a JB weld repair that closed the leaks wouldn't get rid of the soaked foam and you don't want to haul that around with you.

I'm afraid he's right. That waterlogged foam has to come out for the toons to work like they're supposed to. If you can find anyone willing to do that job compare the cost to simply replacing the toons. Then ask yourself if it's even worth it.