Questions on reusing Gunwale flotation & draining under Ribs

[I_5320]

Hey All couple of quick questions on my 1985 Sylvan conversion.

Decided to pull the foam out from under gunwales. While banging around on boat, crud kept falling out. Wasps nest, etc. They actually look to be in pretty good shape for 28 years old but I don't want to deal with white beads constantly flaking off now that I roughed up the edges.

Question 1, Can I reuse this foam? I have some 18" heavy duty Saran Wrap type plastic. Was thinking to wrap them up a bit and put them back in. If not, suggestions?

Question 2. Some of my hull ribs are cupped up enough to allow water to flow under but most are not. Any value in drilling 3/16 weep holes? I plan on using pink HD for under the deck. Does it hurt to have a little water sloshing around under there?

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Questions on reusing Gunwale flotation & draining under Ribs

My ribs were the same way. I didn't think it was worth the effort to try to open the drainage for so little water. The pink/blue/green foam will not soak up water. You can reuse your white stuff if it's above deck.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: Questions on reusing Gunwale flotation & draining under Ribs

I agree..

Use that old foam .. nothing wrong with it IMHO.

YD.

 

[Grandad]

Re: Questions on reusing Gunwale flotation & draining under Ribs

Question 2. Some of my hull ribs are cupped up enough to allow water to flow under but most are not. Any value in drilling 3/16 weep holes? I plan on using pink HD for under the deck. Does it hurt to have a little water sloshing around under there?

I wouldn't drill any holes in the ribs on an aluminum boat. This will concentrate stresses in the rib near the hole and cause fatigue cracking that is really hard to repair afterward. - Grandad