Foam In Hull ??

[David MacGillivary]

I removed my engine and noticed that part of the hull under the engine was soft. Upon further examination I peeled back a thin layer of glass and exposed what looks like a foam.
It looks origional and I am wondering why? Also it is wet and should it all be removed and replaced?? It is a 1982. Thanks for your help. David

 

[Anonymous 121765]

David,

Strange finding. That should be solid glass & stringers. I would first call Catalina, here's their web site.
http://www.catalinayachts.com/

look for the direct number at the bottom. Call & ask for Kent in engineering. Tell him what you have. He's very knowledgeable.

I take it your not the orig. owner. There may have been some repair work done you were never told about. Are you sure it's foam and not soupy glass resin mixed with water intrusion?

captn ron

 

[Old Skool Neil]

About the same time as your boat was built, the early to mid 80's, there was a fiberglass product available called CoreMat. It was touted as a non-rotting core material to stiffen laminations and looked like an old fashioned cloth diaper if diapers were sold on giant rolls. I'm wondering if that's what you have.

Can you estimate the thickness of the foam? CoreMat was around 3/8".

 

[David MacGillivary]

David,

Strange finding. That should be solid glass & stringers. I would first call Catalina, here's their web site.
http://www.catalinayachts.com/

look for the direct number at the bottom. Call & ask for Kent in engineering. Tell him what you have. He's very knowledgeable.

I take it your not the orig. owner. There may have been some repair work done you were never told about. Are you sure it's foam and not soupy glass resin mixed with water intrusion?

captn ron

You are right. Apparently the bilge area under the engine is lower than the other bilge area and the foam was added to allow flow into the bilge area. Scary at first but no damage done. THANK YOU !!

 

[David MacGillivary]

a

You are right. Apparently the bilge area under the engine is lower than the other bilge area and the foam was added to allow flow into the bilge area. Scary at first but no damage done. THANK YOU !!

 

[Anonymous 121765]

David,

I take it you spoke with Kent from Catalina, or somebudy in the know?

Great no problem. If not the original owner, I find myself coming across modifications & such from the previous owner that u look at and say "what was he thinking?"

My motto: The previous owner sometimes is the dumbest guy you'll ever meet! ha ha

CR