Water in floatation foam under the deck?

[Eric W Walline]

Hello, I'm considering the purchase of a Henry O, 17' center console. It has been left out in the weather and I'm concerned about the possibility that the foam under the deck might be wet. Anyone have experience with this? THank you.

 

[Scott Danforth]

If there is water in the foam, you have only one option. Full restoration

 

[redneck joe]

welcome to the forum.

most likely yes there is. What year and what state?

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, boats get wet during use all the time. The hull is designed to keep the foam dry.

To find out if the foam is wet, you can weigh the boat or inspect it. Inspection usually takes drilling a hole and checking the foam and then sealing the hole.

I would not let a perspective buyer drill holes if I was the owner.

 

[tpenfield]

Hello, I'm considering the purchase of a Henry O, 17' center console. It has been left out in the weather and I'm concerned about the possibility that the foam under the deck might be wet. Anyone have experience with this? THank you.

A few things to look for . . .

cracking or discoloring of the stringers and/or bulkheads

Infrared camera

After a cool temperature night, see if the boat sweats in certain areas of the hull as the temperature warms in the morning. Areas of the hull that remain cool may be signs of retained water (in the foam).

A professional Marine Surveyor may be able to figure out if there is water retention in the hull compartments.

 

[Eric W Walline]

Thank you. I'm going to try and get it weighed.

 

[bakerjw]

What year is it?
As mentioned, look for cracked or even chalky gelcoat. People think that fiberglass boats are waterproof but the resins that are used are water permeable to a degree. If in a freeze/thaw area, boats in the elements will start getting water into places where water is not supposed to be.
As Scott said above. If foam is wet, a restoration is needed.

 

[mr 88]

EVERY Boston Whaler has water in the " closed" cell foam . That foam breaks down from the constant pounding of the hull . This fact does not keep people from buying them as they run just as good as when they come out the factory door . Weighing it is useless ,unless you scaled it when it was delivered . There are to many variables, including the usual disclaimer, " factory weight listed is within + - 5-10 % of that number . Not familar with the boat you're looking at or its construction materials. I would look into that , if all composite , I wouldn't worry about the foam being wet , unless it sits low in the water . A surveyor on a used outboard 17' inexpensive boat better be dirt cheap , something most people don't have done on that size hull .

 

[Sprig]

How old is this boat?