Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

[Barley109]

I believe that the foam that was pumped into the boat at point of manufacture clogged up what looks like a drainage hole in the front of the boat. It stops water from draining to the rear. I believe this is the reason the front deck was rotting out. I am now replacing 75% of the floor boards and decking.
Should I cut some of this foam out to make a pathway for the water to drain when it reaches the height of the hole? See pic below.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

Not a bad idea to clear a path. But more important is the condition of the foam in there. If it has been holding water back, it may (probably) absorbed water itself and is now heavy, and causing corrosion of the aluminum structures. Take a core sample of the foam and see if its wet or not. If wet, dig it all out. You can put back fresh with a 2 part foam kit, and make the appropriate drainage, or leave it out, or put back pink foam insulation boards cut to fit.

Let us know if the foam is wet or dry.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

Hello Barley..year..make ?

dunno..looks like a pour foam to me..and may not be factory..

where is your rotted deck from this foam.

yes.. make sure water from bilge can allways reach your pump(s)

YD.

 

[dwhite1031]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

Looks almost like the "great stuff" foam doesn't it?​

 

[Barley109]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

She is a 1987 Sea Nymph. Here is another picture of the foam. There is so much foam and it is so continuous throughout the main portions of the boat that I believe that this was a manufacturers job. I am the third owner and the second owner never even put it on the water because he knew nothing about boats. He purchased the boat from a guy he works with who just did not use it for 13 years or so and had it sitting in his garage.
I dont have a garage and for 2.5 years it sat on the side of my house with only a cover during the winter. I now may start covering it up during the summer when not in use as well.

The rotted deck is completely ripped off. I am replacing with a new deck.

Attached is some other pictures of the foam and one of the boat just because I know you folks like pictures!

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

Yup..thats 2 part pour foam.

And yes..cut out the foam that does not allow water to flow in your keel/bilge .

YD.

 

[Barley109]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

I started "un-corking" the foam that was blocking the water flow. Now the foam shell has been disturbed. Is there something that I should do to the exposed foam to cap it off from the water to avoid damaging the foam that is left exposed?

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

Aye m8..dont get it wet...

resin/gel/mat coat it..or mebbe some spray laq. ..

YD.

 

[sprintst]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

I pulled 10 garbage bags of that foam out of my 18 footer.

The stuff probably weighed over 150 lbs and will be replaced by the pink sheet insulation. It took about 10 hours or so but it's all gone now

You're right...corrosion is an issue under that foam.

 

[Barley109]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

I created a channel down the center of the boat and started laying some water all around to see if there were any other spots that the water would get "stuck". Sure enough the water would sit on the sides where the foam crept up to the edge of the flooring. I dug just a tiny bit out and found some black stuff. I know what that is and I know I don't want it.
I am now digging out channels from the sides to the center at each rib. That way there is a system of channels for the water to drain to the back of the boat. The way I see it, you cant cure future rot without giving the water a place to go.
It seems to be structural so I am afraid to rip all of it out. Also I dont want to spend big bucks on putting other foam in. I have seen other people talk about the "Pink Sheet Foam." Is this the stuff they sell at the big box hardware chains? Is there something else I should use if I find myself ripping out all of the foam in a fit of rage? Is it OK to leave it out altogether and just leave the stuff in the back of the boat intact between the floor and the casting deck?

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

Place/ pour your new foam in heavy plastic bags.

 

[Barley109]

Good Foam Idea...Where to get longer rivets?

Good Foam Idea...Where to get longer rivets?

That plastic bag idea is great! If I decide to go the route of re pouring I will definitely try that out.

I have run into another snag when attempting to fit my wood floors. The old decking was fixed in place with rivets, however the rivets they sell at big box hardwares are not long enough to accomodate the 1/2 inch ply and the aluminum ribs. In fact, they will not accomodate the 1/2 inch ply by itself...
I wonder if Ace or someone else carries a more capable rivet?
Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

Hello again..

First off..plastic baggin for some foam apps are OK..but Be VERY careful of 2 part foam.. It can EXPLODE your deck if not vented properly.. ( large deck 2part pour foaming.. DO NOT use bags !! )

As far as rivets..I recall that there are alum fasteners that are available ( you may have to drill and tap though..)

I dont do much in that area myself..

YD.

 

[Barley109]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

In this restoration I have come across a new question. The arm rest on which the throttle is attached there used to be a plank of wood covered with carpet. I was thinking of just applying vinyl to the aluminum instead of covering the top with wood in just this area.
What is the best adhesive to use when applying vinyl to painted aluminum? I have read that standard adhesives that are used for applying the vinyl to wood or fiberglass does not adhere well or cure well when used on painted aluminum?

Thanks!

 

[Bondo]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

What is the best adhesive to use when applying vinyl to painted aluminum?

Ayuh,... I've had Good Luck with 3M Super 77 spray adhesive...

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

3m 77 is good for liners..but I use super weather strip.. better for this app m8..( It will glue 2 ice cubes together ).

http://www.3m.com/Product/information/Super-Weatherstrip-Adhesive.html

YD.

 

[Barley109]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

Thanks so much.
I will be posting pics when I am a little further on. I am still in the process of acquiring my materials for the carpeting and vinyl.

Barley

 

[Mark42]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

What ever you do, make sure you get some foam flotation in the boat or it could end up like the boat TD sold without flotation... at the bottom of a river!!!

 

[Barley109]

Re: Foam Stops Drainage - Creates Rot

Attached you will see some pictures of my progress. I have included a picture of one of the tools which I used to remove some of that [PITA] two part foam. It is a tool for surf fishing to hold your rod. The sharper end worked well to "uncork" some pieces of foam. The hammer did the rest. I am really happy with how the job is turning out. I am now in the process of putting glue on the floor and will include more pics by the end of the week!

Special thanks to my bro "Jiggly" for keeping me inspired!