Waterlogged Foam

[roofus]

Hey all:

It's been a while since I've been on here.
My dad gave me an old alluminum jon boat, it had a wooden deck and foam under the entire thing. The deck was waterlogged and rotten so I ripped it out and found the foam. The foam wieghs more than the wood as it is retaining every drop of water that ever landed in the boat.

First I was wondering if I need the foam under the deck? And if so is there a foam that does not suck up water? Water proof foam?

Thanks,

Rob​

 

[ddrieck]

Re: Waterlogged Foam

mmmmm, no and no again....nuff said

 

[92excel]

Re: Waterlogged Foam

your opening a can of worms with that question.

It is up to you if you want to replace the foam!

REASONS FOR FOAM:
It is required by the coast gaurd for manufacturers but not for rebuild.. some may agrue..

Foam is only there incase you get a major hole in your hull or your boat flips over. .. isnt really argued..

REASONS AGAINST:
All foams wil eventually absorb water if they are sitting in it for a long time.
Drainage is key if you replace the foam..

Water logged foam wieghts more

foam traps water which leads to ROT


this was a very quick summary.. search foam for complete can of worms..

 

[roofus]

Re: Waterlogged Foam

Thanks all:
No foam for me thanks.
The other thing is do I really need the deck?
It looks like some dude added it after he bought it.
it's a '73 Apple 36" x 14' flat bottom boat.
It's wonerfully light right now and easy to move around.
Oh by the way. It has good dry foam up in the gunwales for the big hole problem.

Rob​