Another Flooring Question

[imtawd77]

Hi, Took the rotton wooden flooring out of my 16' aluminum vhull. Under the flooring was several huge blobs of expanding foam. Was this foam in there as flooring support, or for floatation if the boat flipped over? It was soaking up water so I pulled it all out of there. Should this be put back in? Thanks

 

[jtexas]

Re: Another Flooring Question

Yes, yes and yes, except if it's waterlogged it should be replaced. Keeps the boat from sinking if it gets swamped (hopefully), supports the floor (though there are other ways of supporting the floor), and heavier and not as effective if waterlogged.

 

[imtawd77]

Re: Another Flooring Question

if my boat flips over i dont care if it sinks, or floats... I just use it on small lakes, and I have a bilge pump in case of a minor leak. There is aluminum framing on the boat to mount the floor. I just want to make sure this foam had no other purpose other than keeping the boat afloat if filled with water. Thanks, I appreciate the help!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Another Flooring Question

I just want to make sure this foam had no other purpose other than keeping the boat afloat if filled with water.

Ayuh,.......... You Got It..........

 

[TexomaAv8r]

Re: Another Flooring Question

Originally posted by ImTawd77:<br /> if my boat flips over i dont care if it sinks, or floats... I just use it on small lakes, and I have a bilge pump in case of a minor leak. There is aluminum framing on the boat to mount the floor. I just want to make sure this foam had no other purpose other than keeping the boat afloat if filled with water. Thanks, I appreciate the help!

I cant help but feel you are missing an important point here. <br />And: arent there soem regualtions about floatation foam?

 

[jtexas]

Re: Another Flooring Question

Yep, USCG regs under 33CFR183 Subpart G, pertaining to outboards rated for 2hp or higher, require that a boat be able to float when swamped keel down.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Another Flooring Question

Another point is when foam is sandwiched between hull and floor, it does provide some structual integrety to the hull it may also in your case prevent the hull from 'oil canning', as well as provide some sound proofing. For the cost of 2 part expanding foam you could be compromising the hull, and in time may end up with a hull failer,many glass boat builders today actually use foam for stringers rather than wood.

 

[Dryrot]

Re: Another Flooring Question

Take the foam out......you scare me.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Another Flooring Question

If a mishap should happen to evenuate, your best chance of being rescued is if you are with a floating boat. Much harder to see a person floating alone even if they're looking for you. If you're with a sunken boat forget about it.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Another Flooring Question

Do things right...or one day this will come back to haunt you!

 

[imtawd77]

Re: Another Flooring Question

Ok, Say I put foam back underneath the floor... Where do I find marine grade expanding foam? There is only one boat shop in town, and they dont have anything like that. Any ideas?

 

[rwidman]

Re: Another Flooring Question

Originally posted by jtexas:<br /> If a mishap should happen to evenuate, your best chance of being rescued is if you are with a floating boat. Much harder to see a person floating alone even if they're looking for you. If you're with a sunken boat forget about it.

Exactly !!!<br /><br />Replace the foam.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Another Flooring Question

Originally posted by ImTawd77:<br /> Ok, Say I put foam back underneath the floor... Where do I find marine grade expanding foam? There is only one boat shop in town, and they dont have anything like that. Any ideas?

Try searching the web.

 

[jtexas]

Re: Another Flooring Question

They have it right here on iboats.