Foam in early 70's Starcraft

[recka81]

I have an early 70's 16 ft StarCraft. I want to install a bilge bump in the rear but to create an ejection port, I need to go through some of the foam on the side. That got me wondering, is any of this foam in the back of the boat necessary or can I just remove it for good? Does this foam, which is above the waterline, really aid in buoyancy?

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/47279242@N04/26944476276/

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/47279242@N04/26978006435/

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/47279242@N04/26373840033/

 

[Tnstratofam]

We have the same foam in our 1981 SS160. There is a channel cut for the bilge pump hose in ours. That foam isn't there for buoyancy under normal circumstances, it is there to keep the boat from sinking completely if she gets swamped. When I redid our transom I reinstalled ours.

By the way nice Starcraft.:encouragement:

 

[recka81]

We have the same foam in our 1981 SS160. There is a channel cut for the bilge pump hose in ours. That foam isn't there for buoyancy under normal circumstances, it is there to keep the boat from sinking completely if she gets swamped. When I redid our transom I reinstalled ours.

Thanks for the response - and great looking boat! Is the channel toward the stern or closer to the front of the foam?

 

[recka81]

Also, speaking of transom, I suppose the fact that this bolt pulled down so much (after remounting engine) is a sign that mine is getting soft?

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/47279242@N04/26944700046/

 

[Tnstratofam]

The channel for ours is actually cut out of the stern piece block of foam. If I remember correctly there are three pieces of foam on that side. One on top and two sandwiched together stern to bow.

 

[Tnstratofam]

Yeah your transom may need to have a closer look. If you can push the tip of a screwdriver into the wood more than just a slight indention in very many spots it may be time to replace it.