'72 Fiberglasss Seamaid? Floatation Foam ?'s

[NES]

According to my registration I have '72 Seamaid. Its a '15 fiberglass shallow v-hull. I run a '68 55hp johnson. I have tried to research it but can't find other 72's. When I bought the boat it didn't have any floatation foam in it anywhere. I also found that floatation foam wasn't mandatory until later years. In addition, I found that the boat will sink....don't ask. I have two questions. First, I have a flat deck and space under the bow. My drain plugs are at the rear. Can I fill those spaces with expanding foam? If I do will the boat ride differently? Second, since there is no wiring or anything else in these spaces can I drill/cut through the deck to creat a space for a bilge pump/storage area? Any advice, past experience, or suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: '72 Fiberglasss Seamaid? Floatation Foam ?'s

TT, normally the foam is installed between the v-bottom and the flat deck, creating a triangle-shape. This foam helps provide strength to the hull, and is out of the way. Of course, the boat usually floats upside down when it swamps. If you wanted to do this, you could cut filler and vent holes in your floor and pour in the two part foam. Alternatively, you could install foam under the gunwales, front deck and motor splashwell. You will need to calculate how much foam you need to keep your boat afloat.

 

[NES]

Re: '72 Fiberglasss Seamaid? Floatation Foam ?'s

I didn't think of two part foam and the gunwales idea is great! Now you've got me thinking. <br /><br />What about a bilge pump? Under the deck or back by the tanks and battery?<br /><br />Thanks!!!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: '72 Fiberglasss Seamaid? Floatation Foam ?'s

TT, The Bilge pump needs to be located on or near the lowest point in the boat, when it is in the water. Normally this is the transom, due to the weight of the motor, battery and fuel. If you foam under the floor and waterproof it properly, you will not need a bilge pump under there. If you do foam under the floor, don't foam a 12" X 12" area at the base of the transom. Frame it out and Water proof it and put the automatic bilge pump in it. All the water in the boat will run into this well and be pumped out.