HELP;Wet Foam in Sun Runner i'm looking at buying

[Swims with stick]

Hey guys, i'm wondering who can add their two cents worth regarding wet floatation foam in the hull of this 1980 24' Sunrunner i'm looking at buying.
Now, i know these boats were really well built, found a recent thread on a forum from the son inlaw of the owner of the company before it ran aground, he was also the head engineer for the company. He talked about the companies commitment to building the very best. I know i don't have to worry about stringers in these boats, as they did not use wood in the construction and the boats were double hull design, however the owner of this boat has admitted that the foam core fill in this boat is WET. Does it have to come out, is this a big bad problem, any help here would be appreciated.

 

[5150abf]

Re: HELP;Wet Foam in Sun Runner i'm looking at buying

Yes it needs to come out, if for no other reason than it could be as much as 300-400 lbs of dead weight and will affect the performance of the boat.

I personally wouldn't touch it all glass or not and a double hull just means that much more to replace.

Someone more qualified than me will probably be along soon but I would walk.

 

[JoLin]

Re: HELP;Wet Foam in Sun Runner i'm looking at buying

I'm with 5150. Having wet anything in constant contact with the inside of your hull is simply not a good idea. How long has that foam been wet? maybe 20 years? How about the transom and stringers? Have you (or a surveyor) put a moisture meter to that thing? Personally, I wouldn't touch it. There's enough other stuff you'll need to address on a boat that old. You don't want to start off with a questionable structure.

I've paid the cost of a marine survey twice in the last 9 months specifically to make sure I found a dry boat. It's one thing to not know there's an issue, another to know it, ignore it and hope for the best. It seldom works out.

Good luck in your search!

 

[bhammer]

Re: HELP;Wet Foam in Sun Runner i'm looking at buying

hmmm, I had an 82 19' Sunrunner back in the day and it had plenty of wood in it. Like others have said, unless you want a project boat, I would pass. Buy the Seller a beer and thank him for his honesty as many would have kept the foam to their self.

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: HELP;Wet Foam in Sun Runner i'm looking at buying

please dont take offense, but I think you have been lied to. Sunrunners were not widely known for their construction quality, and I absolutely do not believe they were wood-free. I would keep looking unless this is a huge bargain and you are up for a major major project. a 24ft boat is a lot of work to restore.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: HELP;Wet Foam in Sun Runner i'm looking at buying

Find another boat to buy. There are plenty around.