Are the foam blocks(flotation?) actually useful? Have a 1976 V25.When I aquired her there were only two in the stern under the cockpit 1'x1'x4'and a group of smaller ones under the bow berth(s).It is difficult to beleive that these few blocks would provide the flotation necessary to prevent the boat from sinking.Any input????
Foam Flotation??
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My 22-2
has 4 of the big blocks under the cockpit and assorted chunks filling the area under the v-berth, I think you wuz robbed, on the other hand, I have no intention of testing the floatation myself. While they get in the way, they make the admiral feel more secure about my sailing ability, she still hasn't forgotten the time she looked out the cabin port and saw nothing but green water *666 Tim
has 4 of the big blocks under the cockpit and assorted chunks filling the area under the v-berth, I think you wuz robbed, on the other hand, I have no intention of testing the floatation myself. While they get in the way, they make the admiral feel more secure about my sailing ability, she still hasn't forgotten the time she looked out the cabin port and saw nothing but green water *666 Tim
50-60 lbs per cubic foot
For your standard styrofoam blocks you can figure about 50 lbs of flotation per cubic foot of foam. Give yourself a little safety margin and you can calculate how much you should have. Find out what your boat weighs with gear and motor. My 25 has the entire space under the V berth filled with block, all of the hidden areas under seats and galley are crammed with blocks, plus big blocks under the cockpit. You is missing some. I'd replace. HD and Lowes has 2 inch thick sheets you can cut to fit. Its cheaper than the boat supply houses for the same product, plus the 2in is easier to fit into place than block. Just make sure that it can't float out during a sinking event. It will be under extreme pressure and will seriously try to work its way out.
For your standard styrofoam blocks you can figure about 50 lbs of flotation per cubic foot of foam. Give yourself a little safety margin and you can calculate how much you should have. Find out what your boat weighs with gear and motor. My 25 has the entire space under the V berth filled with block, all of the hidden areas under seats and galley are crammed with blocks, plus big blocks under the cockpit. You is missing some. I'd replace. HD and Lowes has 2 inch thick sheets you can cut to fit. Its cheaper than the boat supply houses for the same product, plus the 2in is easier to fit into place than block. Just make sure that it can't float out during a sinking event. It will be under extreme pressure and will seriously try to work its way out.
Don't have any!
I don't have any floatation blocks in my Mac/Ven 25. They were likely removed a long time before I purchased the boat. I sail only in inland waters so I think that the value is limited. I would be interested in hearing how many people have actually been spared by this floatation. I think that it would take alot to swamp the boat to the point that it would sink. I am a very conservative sailor. Any comments?
I don't have any floatation blocks in my Mac/Ven 25. They were likely removed a long time before I purchased the boat. I sail only in inland waters so I think that the value is limited. I would be interested in hearing how many people have actually been spared by this floatation. I think that it would take alot to swamp the boat to the point that it would sink. I am a very conservative sailor. Any comments?
Frog valley Lowes also has flotation blocks in the parking lot
for free. They use them to ship the utility trailers. They were sitting there unused and I needed one for a mast float. The guy told me to help myself. I used one to make a Viagra shaped mast float for my Hobie a couple of years ago. They are just the right size for the Mac. They are about 18x18x24 inches. Frank
for free. They use them to ship the utility trailers. They were sitting there unused and I needed one for a mast float. The guy told me to help myself. I used one to make a Viagra shaped mast float for my Hobie a couple of years ago. They are just the right size for the Mac. They are about 18x18x24 inches. Frank
Per the Manual...
Popeye, Per the manual the foam blocks will keep the 25 afloat even if fully swamped. If i recall they show a picture of a 25 with a hole in the hull that is still afloat because of the blocks. It would definately not make for a pleasant day but if would keep you alive and relatively safe until help arrives or you make it to shore. I would think you may even be able to make headway under sail even in this condition. I believe that my 25 has all of its original foam blocks in place. I know the area under the v-berth is full and I had to remove the ones under the starboard quarter to replace some hardware a couple of years ago. After retrieving my son from what he considered the "cave of doom" I replaced the blocks. My opinion of them, they don't really add enough weight to the boat to make much difference; yes, they do take up space that could be used for storage; yes, they can be a pain to remove when you have to get in there, but, for the peace of mind of knowing I can't sink I think I will leave them alone. I had thought about removing some to put a set of drawers under the setee or v-berth but have decided to leave well enough alone. A rubbermaid bin under the cockpit can store what I need. (Hey, that would float also in a pinch!). As to Fred and his conservative sailing. That would describe me as well and I never planned on rolling her onto her beam. Additionally, I sail on the Chesapeake where there is a real chance of some drunk idiot on a powerboat ramming you. They like to swerve as close as they can to cause a wake before turning away with no regard to safety or right of way. If your boat gets holed without foam it is going down. With it it may live for another day. Plus, with thru-hull fittings, floatsam, etc, any boat can take on water. Nope, the foam stays. If I ever sell the next owner can remove it. I won't. Just my opinion. -John
Popeye, Per the manual the foam blocks will keep the 25 afloat even if fully swamped. If i recall they show a picture of a 25 with a hole in the hull that is still afloat because of the blocks. It would definately not make for a pleasant day but if would keep you alive and relatively safe until help arrives or you make it to shore. I would think you may even be able to make headway under sail even in this condition. I believe that my 25 has all of its original foam blocks in place. I know the area under the v-berth is full and I had to remove the ones under the starboard quarter to replace some hardware a couple of years ago. After retrieving my son from what he considered the "cave of doom" I replaced the blocks. My opinion of them, they don't really add enough weight to the boat to make much difference; yes, they do take up space that could be used for storage; yes, they can be a pain to remove when you have to get in there, but, for the peace of mind of knowing I can't sink I think I will leave them alone. I had thought about removing some to put a set of drawers under the setee or v-berth but have decided to leave well enough alone. A rubbermaid bin under the cockpit can store what I need. (Hey, that would float also in a pinch!). As to Fred and his conservative sailing. That would describe me as well and I never planned on rolling her onto her beam. Additionally, I sail on the Chesapeake where there is a real chance of some drunk idiot on a powerboat ramming you. They like to swerve as close as they can to cause a wake before turning away with no regard to safety or right of way. If your boat gets holed without foam it is going down. With it it may live for another day. Plus, with thru-hull fittings, floatsam, etc, any boat can take on water. Nope, the foam stays. If I ever sell the next owner can remove it. I won't. Just my opinion. -John
27 Cubic Feet
My 1982 Mac 25 did not have any foam when I got it 3 years ago. I called Bill at MacGregor who told me that they used to put in 27 CF split between the V-berth and under the cockpit when they were manufacturing the 25. Seeing that I don't live all that far from Costa Mesa, CA I went and picked up the foam from the factory. It came in 6"X6"X12" blocks. Got a tour of the factory while there as well. Also, Minneys is not too far away - great place to browse around.
My 1982 Mac 25 did not have any foam when I got it 3 years ago. I called Bill at MacGregor who told me that they used to put in 27 CF split between the V-berth and under the cockpit when they were manufacturing the 25. Seeing that I don't live all that far from Costa Mesa, CA I went and picked up the foam from the factory. It came in 6"X6"X12" blocks. Got a tour of the factory while there as well. Also, Minneys is not too far away - great place to browse around.
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