Flotation Foam in Half of Boat

[SkiBoatSam]

Hello, first timer on here. I have a 1990 Baja 200 SK that I am working on. It’s a Ski boat with a 5.7L Mercruiser V8 (Chevy small block) direct drive inboard. I currently have the engine removed and am in the process of replacing stringers and floor. I have the floor pulled on the passenger side and not the drivers side. I have removed the water-logged flotation foam and stringers and am planning on not adding new foam back. I don’t want this thread to turn into a debate on adding / not adding flotation foam, but I will entertain all thoughts. My question is: if I wait until next winter to do the other half of the boat stringers/floor, how bad will my weight distribution be with potentially waterlogged foam on one side and no foam on the other? This boat hull is relatively flat compared to most, as it’s a ski boat. Thanks for reading and I appreciate any and all responses! Thanks guys

 

[jbcurt00]

Not a well thought out plan.

No foam is foolhardy.

 

[kcassells]

Not a well thought out plan.

No foam is foolhardy.

JB was being polite ya see. I may have just said...STUPID. But thats just me.
Please proceed as you will.

 

[tpenfield]

Boats up to 20 feet are supposed to have positive flotation, per USCG regulations.

I would have adequate flotation in the boat no matter how you do it, so the boat is not a sinker.

My guess is 87 pounds of water weight by leaving one side of the boat until next year. Is there a prize for coming closest to the actual imbalance?

 

[JASinIL2006]

I would think you would list noticeably. Why would you fix one side know when you’re going to have to rip up the other side in a year? Doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. Nor does rebuilding the boat without foam.

 

[GA_Boater]

You sure made a long post with unneeded sales brochures pics to say you don't plan on listening to us, but ask what should you do. I find this to be the most unbelievable post.

 

[GSPLures]

It is your boat do as you wish. Please keep others off of it for their safety.

With that said if one side is rotten so is the rest. Depending on how bad, if the boat survives the season, the money spent to redo the floor twice pays for the foam to do it right the first time.

If you are determined to not listen to the others that posted, I would use that saved money to buy a good ship to shore radio. Also the best life jackets money can buy.

All the replies may seem harsh but it is just everyone looking out for your well being and the other possible passengers you may have.

 

[SkiBoatSam]

Not a well thought out plan.

No foam is foolhardy.

You sure made a long post with unneeded sales brochures pics to say you don't plan on listening to us, but ask what should you do. I find this to be the most unbelievable post.

I will absolutely listen to you guys - the pictures were for as much info as possible. I was unaware of the critical importance you guys place in/on foam. I have only heard from a couple guys it’s not necessary but after being torn a new one on here I am re-evaluating.

 

[PC on the Bayou]

I will absolutely listen to you guys - the pictures were for as much info as possible. I was unaware of the critical importance you guys place in/on foam. I have only heard from a couple guys it’s not necessary but after being torn a new one on here I am re-evaluating.

The USCG requires floatation foam in boats 20 feet and under. Floatation foam eliminates the necessity for all of the floatation chambers (think any air spaces enclosed on all sides with wood or FG) to be 100% air tight. It also protects those places against loss of floatation in cases of hull breach. Having this foam in key areas and in the proper volume assures that your boat will remain at the top of the water column in an emergency which gives the persons onboard their best chance of survival.

All that being said, since it is the law that your boat should have floatation foam, it's best that you comply at least for that reason to reduce your liability in case of an accident.

Like others have said, also, I would question the reasons for not going ahead and doing the complete job all at once (both sides). Having to do it twice sounds questionable to me.