Wet foam core, rotten stringers

[jwcarterjr2]

I have read all of the replies to the original post. Most were very informing.

I started out this morning to replace a part in the control box, when my son pointed out a soft spot in the floor. I ended the day by putting a fan in the boat to help dry it out.

The foam strips were so water logged that they started to snap when removed.

Is it safe to say that this foam is used for floatation purposes and not structural support?

 

[jwcarterjr2]

Re: Few nicks on the fiberglass hull

Re: Few nicks on the fiberglass hull

I have a couple of nicks in a hull also. What is the best way to fill them in for good?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Wet foam core, rotten stringers

Welcome to iboats.

I moved your post since it was NOT part of the other member's restoration so his post was not hijacked.

Wet foam is trash bag filler. It can not be dried and needs to be replaced.

It is rarely (very rarely) used for structural support.

 

[jwcarterjr2]

Re: Wet foam core, rotten stringers

Thank you Bob for the welcome and the quick fix on the post.

I have learned a lot from these forums in the last week. I found out about these forums after ordering my part from the iboats site. The part is still in the box until the floor is complete.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Wet foam core, rotten stringers

Well to replaced the foam under your deck....... I would suggest foam insulation from home depot or lowes..... pink or blue..... if that is not available......

Go to a dollar store and wipe out the pool noodle inventory

You can purchase two part foam but depending on the design of your stringer's sometimes it can do more harm then good. It tends to block drainage and water sits...... with the othe foams (insulation or pool noodles) they leave air spaces and water flows freely past them.

Stringer's are best replaced with 3/4 plywood (two pieces glued together) and depending on the budget..... use polyester resin or epoxy resin with fiberglass cloth. Epoxy is 3 to 4 times the money.

 

[jwcarterjr2]

Re: Wet foam core, rotten stringers

Thanks again Bob.

It's going to be tough going. I have to figure out a way to get underneath the front and cut out the floor to replace the entire length of the stringers.

There are a few other supports for the deck to be removed. I have to figure out a way to support the deck before I remove them.

Also, what is the difference (structural wise) between the two types of resin?

James.

 

[Fisherball]

Re: Wet foam core, rotten stringers

I haven't done it yet but if you're replacing stringers I would replace the deck also. It's not worth the pain to save it when you are replacing everything under it. Besides, you'll have all new structure if you do. & you may never have to screw with it again.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Wet foam core, rotten stringers

Epoxy resin is stronger and a bit more forgiving to work with. Most fiber hulls were assembled with polyester resin which is about 1/3d to 1/4th the cost......

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Wet foam core, rotten stringers

"Pop the cap" as in separate the two halves of the boat to fully access the stringers under your bow area.

 

[jwcarterjr2]

Re: Wet foam core, rotten stringers

Ok ezmobee, it sounds like it would make it much easier. I have a couple of reservations with "popping the cap."

1. I live on a military base and I can't leave the boat in the driveway or carport throughout the week. I don't think I will have enough time over the weekend to accomplish removing the top, rip up the remainder of the floor, and install the new stringers, floor, and attach the top properly within the time that I have to work with.

Can it be done within a weekend? I am pretty handy with tools, have done carpentry and have a good mechanical knowledge of things and how it all works and comes together at the end.

2. I have never done anything like this and I would be extremely nervous about the thing coming off later or having other issues.

 

[jwcarterjr2]

Re: Wet foam core, rotten stringers

OK, I have been able to get most of the floor out. There is still some under the front of the boat.

After reading many other posts, if have figured out that everyone recommends putting something down between the stringers and the actual fiberglass of the boat.

I removed the first stringer and there was nothing between the stringer and the boat.

I guess this is what is called a 'hard point', Is this right?

With so many different choices and suggestions out there, what is the the preferred material to put in between the wood stringers and the fibgerglass boat?

Thank you for your help so far.

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: Wet foam core, rotten stringers

Actually the easiest and most economical way to put the stringers down is with PL Premium construction adhesive available at any big box store(HD, Lowes). Make sure the hull is clean and dry, and before you put the adhesive down wipe the hull with Acetone.