Flotation foam removal 14' Oday Javelin

Nov 14, 2024
4
Oday Javelins Wiscasset
For a 2nd generation double hull Javelin. Looking for help understanding the inner hull cross section, flotation foam arrangement, and possible methods to remove.
Boat seems very heavy. Assuming foam is saturated.
Difficult for me to understand inner hull layout from a few pictures found on web.
Is there a cross section sketch available; beam to beam, thru centerboard trunk, hull bottom to deck floor and seats, detailing inner hull/bilge, and foam locations?
How to remove foam?

Also have 1st generation single hull Javelin and same question; how to remove foam under seats?

This is my first try ever in any chat group.
 
Sep 24, 2018
3,001
Catalina 30 MKIII Chicago
I'm not familiar with your boat but consider that the foam may be adding some structural support to the hull. You should also consider what happens when the boat capsizes. Will it quickly fill with water without this foam? A turtled boat can be stressful and difficult to resurrect. One that's filled with water can be a downright nightmare as they will often flop down back as soon as you get them upright.

Removing the foam is a very messy process, even with a vacuum. I had to drill a 1" wide, 18" long hole in some foam. There's still bits and pieces floating around inside that boat
 
Nov 14, 2024
4
Oday Javelins Wiscasset
Thanks for feedback;
I don't think the foam is structural but definitly want to be sure and hope to hear from somebody knowledgeable.
Flotation needed; Yes, removal plan is first step. After that then will plan flotation needs; new foam, or air bags, or air pockets, etc.
Overall hope to lighten boat to improve boat safety.
Note; there was an event when the boat capsized, turtled, flooded, was very difficult to right, and was maybe close to sinking. There were other factors contributing to this event then just the possibly sturated foam. These factors will also be addressed.
 

Joe

.
Jun 1, 2004
8,114
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
Boat seems very heavy. Assuming foam is saturated.
You need real data before you start "assuming" anything. First of all, you may not even have a problem with boat weight. Did you weigh it? The data sheet says 475 lbs hull only. So figure that out first, rather than just feeling about it. If you have suspicions about the floatation, tap the area with a small hammer and listen for dead "thuds" sounds.... then drill a few inspection holes to check for moisture. Buy a small tube of epoxy to patch up the holes. My point is for you to get some real data to determine if there's a problem. Good luck.
 
Nov 14, 2024
4
Oday Javelins Wiscasset
Thanks, will weigh. in spring.
Would still like to find a hull cross section for determining test hole locations and orientation
 
Jun 8, 2004
10,297
-na -NA Anywhere USA
You need to drill a hole at the lowest point of the hull with the boat laying horizontal with a bucket underneath in a warm area for the winter. Check the water pan from time to time. Report back in the spring.
 
Nov 14, 2024
4
Oday Javelins Wiscasset
You need to drill a hole at the lowest point of the hull with the boat laying horizontal with a bucket underneath in a warm area for the winter. Check the water pan from time to time. Report back in the spring.
If the foam is saturated will the water drain out of it by gravity?
 
Jun 8, 2004
10,297
-na -NA Anywhere USA
That is what I would do which worked for me as a former sailboat dealer with swing centerboards and rudders. It would help if there was an inspection port on top. Worked too on the Hunter plastic daysailors which had molded foam as well

there are moisture meters too that work too