To foam or not to foam?

[JSchaumleffel]

I'm getting near the point of reconstruction of the floor and stringers on my 1986 Four Winns 19' bow-rider. I have seached extensively on this forum and still cannot decide wether or not to refoam the void areas in the bilge. I have removed most (except areas I cannot get to) of the water-logged foam and I was thinking of the need to replace it. Feedback please, pros, cons, etc.

 

[Realgun]

Re: To foam or not to foam?

Not in the bilge itself but behind stringers to hull is fine.

 

[E. E.]

Re: To foam or not to foam?

This is the cheapest place I found with help from someone here.<br /><br />uscomposites.com/foam.html

 

[JSchaumleffel]

Re: To foam or not to foam?

I guess I should clarify my question. I know where the foam needs to go, as I painstakingly took all of it out.<br /><br />The questions is, do I really NEED to put it back?<br /><br />This boat will only be used on weekends and spends the rest of it's time on the trailer.

 

[dmarkvid2]

Re: To foam or not to foam?

Its always a good idea to put the foam back in. You'll never know when you're on that "weekend" fun cruise or fishing, and all of a sudden you find your boat swamped for one reason or another. In that case, you'll be glad you put the foam back in!

 

[JasonJ]

Re: To foam or not to foam?

I would put the foam back in, but thats just me. The original foam got waterlogged because the boat was probably not cared for properly. Keeping a cover on it when not in use, or garaging it or whatever it takes to keep rain water out is what keeps the foam dry. All to often I see people with their boats sitting out in the elements. The people always think "its a boat, it's supposed to get wet". Yeah, the outside is supposed to get wet. If a person has all composite construction, they can get away with abusing the boat, but if there is wood in the boat, then keeping the water out is what is needed. Or at least thats my opinion anyway.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: To foam or not to foam?

I've just completed the installation of my new floor, foaming, and sealing (fiberglassing). Being that the boat was a 1993 vintage and had run a few years with rotted stringers there was some concern's for the hull itself so 8lb foam was added.<br /><br /> At first i was a bit schocked at the strength it(foam) provided,it really feels like you standing or jumping on concrete without even glassing the floor. Secondly there now is enough foam in there i doubt the boat could sink and that is a concern for me i have children and boat on a river that has high current speed's along with very choppy conditions.<br /> <br />For my self i am convinced that foaming the floor is best done after the floor is already down. If done this way and allowing a clear path for foam to follow it will also act as a sealent while not giving the water any place to collect( if there are no void's where can it collect)<br /><br />Last if one foams after the floor is down you are going to have to cut 2/3 inch holes in your floor(i spaced them 18" apart approx) Take a hair dryer and heat up the chambers prior to foaming as well as heating up the foam it's self (in the liquid form) Doing that dramatically increased the expasion rate for me.<br /><br />I really believe that the reasons for not liking foam is due to a mfg doing a very poor job of foaming. One being they do not take the time to make sure there are no void's ( instant water collecters) and secondly using the cheapest foam avaible.

 

[Chief101]

Re: To foam or not to foam?

I happen to agree with Tail_Gunner and second his recommend. Chief Chief

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: To foam or not to foam?

Has anyone ever put the contractor trash bags into a compartment prior to foaming? Just a thought, seems like it might keep any water that might find its way in, out of the foam.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: To foam or not to foam?

Actually i believe that would hinder some of the filling and sealing qualities foam has. Foam is very sticky both before and after<br /><br />Being a first for me i did make a mistake, I had bolted the floor to the center stringers,leaving the out side permiter open. I wanted the foam to raise the outside thus leaving no gaps or voids. <br /><br />What happened to me i took a break in the middle of it and the foam creaped undected to me up to the next joint. (3 sheets side by side) Of course it bonded to a small section say 8" x12"<br /><br />I was impossible for me and others to break the floor from the foam, that's how hard it bonds. I actually became so miffed by it i took 3 lag bolt's screwed them into the floor and with a chain attached proceeded to yard on them for all i was worth as well as my 20 yr old son both at the same time. We had to cut it out and grind the foam off....<br /><br />If it grips that well and its a polyurethane its also sealing. Just a thought dunno if good or bad but i dunno how that can hurt.