Pump foam over soft stringers.

aussieflash

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
1,004
After buying my boat last year,I later found out the hull was pumped with foam and that the stringers were a little soft.Do I need to worry about the hull strength or will the foam act as a support.
1986 Haines 17" Fibreglass.
 

Cadwelder

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 30, 2010
Messages
1,780
Re: Pump foam over soft stringers.

No....do not depend on the foam for the strucural support of the hull. The stringers need to be repaired....
 

aussieflash

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Feb 5, 2011
Messages
1,004
Re: Pump foam over soft stringers.

So your saying a hull full of pumped foam will not add support in any way.I don't fancy digging it all out.
 

Cadwelder

Lieutenant Commander
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Re: Pump foam over soft stringers.

Very very little......there are structual foam out there, but I still wouldn't trust it, with rotten stringers....
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,932
Re: Pump foam over soft stringers.

Typically boats that used foam as structure for the Hull did NOT use stringers if your boat has stringers they ARE structural and if they are wet and soft then they will need to be replaced to maintain the structural integrity of the hull. I KNOW that's NOT what you wanted to hear but Facts ARE Facts!!! Sorry Mate!!!
 

jonesg

Admiral
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
7,198
Re: Pump foam over soft stringers.

A $20 electric carving knife will get that foam out in a jiffy, if a jiffy is too long try an electric chainsaw.
Either way its going bye bye.
 

aussieflash

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Feb 5, 2011
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1,004
Re: Pump foam over soft stringers.

Thanks guys.I think whoever invented using wood for stringers and transoms had a very sick sense of humour.Come winter this boats getting a serious overhaul.
Oh and thanks Wood for all those exclamations !!!???
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,932
Re: Pump foam over soft stringers.

Exclamations were just my way of saying I was feeling your pain of having all the foam poured over the wood stringers and having to rip it all out to replace em. It is NOT a fanicful job.
 

aussieflash

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 5, 2011
Messages
1,004
Re: Pump foam over soft stringers.

I've never lifted the floor yet so I'm pretty worried as to what I might find.I'm having a great day.....my trim motor just died.
 

Cadwelder

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 30, 2010
Messages
1,780
Re: Pump foam over soft stringers.

Thanks guys.I think whoever invented using wood for stringers and transoms had a very sick sense of humour.Come winter this boats getting a serious overhaul.
Oh and thanks Wood for all those exclamations !!!???

Wood is just a good choice for boat building, has been for years and frankly still is. When properly installed and sealed it provides years of service.....nothing last for ever.
 
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