Foam Tri-Hull Question

[seedlings]

Howdy. I have a 1979 Crestliner Muskie 550 14' open bow tri-hull, and I am new to boat repairs (although experienced with repairing many other things).

The lower part of the ladder broke on the last outing of the season last year. I ordered a new platform and ladder a month ago and went to put it on last week, and noticed the dark, damp shavings while drilling holes (of course the boat has been in the garage since last August, not in the water). So the transom is wet and will need replacement. I plan to do a seacast job on it after this season.

There are two 'compartments' on either back corner of the boat that are filled with foam. I assume these are to maybe keep the boat afloat if it flips or sinks. How necessary are these foam compartments? I notice on other tri-hull repair threads that other boats do not have these at all. Since the transom needs replaced, it would be nice to recover a few square feet of storage/floor space by removing these two foam-filled compartments.

Thanks,
CHAD

 

[seedlings]

Re: Foam Tri-Hull Question

Nevermind. After a couple more hours searching here... in the 70s 'they' started putting foam to keep damaged boats afloat and, most likely, upright. So this means the vessel needs more foam near the motor otherwise she lists backwards. I will sample the foam and replace as necessary.

CHAD