How to check for saturated foam....?

[roozterdvx]

Newbie so bear with me...

How can I check for saturated foam?
I'm looking at a '93 Sportcraft 23 to buy, but want to check it out as best as I can.
Was there a change in foam from open cell to closed cell and if so when?
Any other issues to look for?

Thanx

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: How to check for saturated foam....?

Best answered in the Boat restoration and building forum.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How to check for saturated foam....?

SportCraft is a good boat, you can use a moisture meter, other than that, and sellers don't like it. i use a 2 inch hole saw, and cut a couple of holes in the floor, then use a 1 inch piece of pvc pipe with teeth notched into the end and rotate it down into the foam. then push out the core. it will be obvious if the foam is wet. if dry i use 3m 5200 and reinsert the plug i cut out with the hole saw. i only do this on boats that i am 75% positive there is a problem.

you can also look up the dry weight of the boat, motor, etc at NADA boats, then have the rig weighed at a public scale usually $10.00. this will tell you if you really need to investigate further.

 

[roozterdvx]

Re: How to check for saturated foam....?

Thanks for the input...however, I don't think I want to be cutting 2" holes in anyones boat.
Where can I find a meter? I may be a worthwhile investment, depending on initial cost of course.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How to check for saturated foam....?

ask the seller to take it to a public scale. the landfill, has them moving companies, and have the rig weighted. then you can go to NADA boats, they list the weight of boats, motors, and trailers. then figure weight of gear and gas on the boat. if the weight is out of line, you know it is holding water. they can hold over 500 lbs of water.