Buoyancy Foam

[rsmith5894]

Hello everyone, I have a question.

I'm repairing a boat that has been stored outside for the last few years (cold Indiana winters)....the deck is a complete loss and as I pull it out I see that the foam appears to be wet. Will this need to be replaced or does the foam continue to function even if it has been exposed to water/snow?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Rich

 

[ne7800]

Re: Buoyancy Foam

No foam needs to be removed once it is wet

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Buoyancy Foam

When water has filled the air pockets that make it buoyant, it isn't as buoyant anymore....

Replace it with USCG approved 2-part closed cell foam. This type doesn't absorb much water if exposed.

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: Buoyancy Foam

Where's our manners?
Welcome Aboard!

You do hafta get that old soggy foam outta there, it is only weighing you down and accelerating further rot..

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Buoyancy Foam

Get rid of the soggy foam !!!! just holding you back (and down)

 

[5150abf]

Re: Buoyancy Foam

Is this a fiberglass boat?

If so your stringers are more than likely gone too and you may want to reconsider saving it as they will have to be replaced too, if it is aluminum you will be fine once you get rid of the foam.

I pulled mine and never replaced it because I trailer my boat and river fish so the farthest I ever am from shore is 100'.

I did install 2 bilge pumps, 500 and 1100 and the big one has an alarm so if it goes off you get an ear splitting alarm and know something is wrong.

Foam is also strutural on some boats.

 

[rsmith5894]

Re: Buoyancy Foam

Thanks everyone!

5150abf- The boat is aluminum so I should be ok. I just spent a few hours digging the soggy stuff out and I'll be replacing the deck and foam soon. I see you live in Goshen....I'm in South Bend (Go Irish)...do you know of a good place to buy foam and deck wood for the reinstall? I'll also be in the market for furniture....a one stop shop would be great! My boat is a 1983 Sylvan Sportster....my first boat and it's quite a project!

Thanks for all the feedback!

Rich

 

[ddrieck]

Re: Buoyancy Foam

Pictures, we like pictures...lot and lots of pictures..

Oh, almost forgot...I left the foam out of my 16' Starcraft Super Sport.