I bought this boat a few months back. It needs alot of work, like gel coat work adn paint. But, it also has some foam material under the side seats. My question is: 1-Does this stuff deteriorate over time? 2-does it loose it flotation qualities, will it absorb water? 3-does it need to be replaced? 4-if it needs to be replaced, how do I get it out, and then reapply. The seats do not give me access to the foam material, and I believe I would have to cut into the seats. Seats are fiberglass and rum from the back to the middle of the boat; they are a built in to sides of the boat, like bench seats. Thx for any responses Mike
- Status
Moisture?
Hi Mike - Given that the boat is almost 40 years old, you should be able to know whether it deteriorates over time! As for whether it absorbs water and needs to be replaced, can you feel moisture in it? Does it smell like mildew? If not, I'd say leave well enough alone and go enjoy the boat. It's possible the flotation qualities have been reduced, but try adding water and see what happens. Best, Trevor
Hi Mike - Given that the boat is almost 40 years old, you should be able to know whether it deteriorates over time! As for whether it absorbs water and needs to be replaced, can you feel moisture in it? Does it smell like mildew? If not, I'd say leave well enough alone and go enjoy the boat. It's possible the flotation qualities have been reduced, but try adding water and see what happens. Best, Trevor
Don't add water!!!!!!!!!
"If it aint broke, don't fix it." Why take a chance on getting mildew or not being able to dry out the foam? Have fun fixing it and sailing it.
"If it aint broke, don't fix it." Why take a chance on getting mildew or not being able to dry out the foam? Have fun fixing it and sailing it.
Some Experience
I had a motorboat with foam filling under the entire deck. It was totally saturated with water. Here is how to find out: Jack up the bow/stern whatever one end needs to be as low as possible. Drill a 1/4" hole in the lowest corner of the foam filled area; If water oozes out you have a problem. I ended up ripping the whole sole out of the moterboat and pouring in new foam.. Two part available from TAP plactics and others.
I had a motorboat with foam filling under the entire deck. It was totally saturated with water. Here is how to find out: Jack up the bow/stern whatever one end needs to be as low as possible. Drill a 1/4" hole in the lowest corner of the foam filled area; If water oozes out you have a problem. I ended up ripping the whole sole out of the moterboat and pouring in new foam.. Two part available from TAP plactics and others.
At this moment its dry
The boat has been in my front yard for about 5 months, so the stuff has to be dry now. Maybe need to put this boat in the water an see how it handles. and go from there. A couple more questions: 1- It really needs paint, looks bad right now. Hull finish rubs off on your fingers. Sort of dusty. Any suggestions?
The boat has been in my front yard for about 5 months, so the stuff has to be dry now. Maybe need to put this boat in the water an see how it handles. and go from there. A couple more questions: 1- It really needs paint, looks bad right now. Hull finish rubs off on your fingers. Sort of dusty. Any suggestions?
- Status