I have a question about the Widgeon flotation chambers. I just bought a used 1968 Widgeon in generally good condition. However the inspection/drain ports for both the fore and aft flotation chambers have no plugs in them. Obviously from discussion, the previous owner knew nothing about these plugs (he owned the boat for ~8 years). There are numerous styrofoam beads drifting about in the cockpit and I assume the foam in the chambers is in poor shape. Is there a need and a means of doing anything about this, beyond getting new plugs for the ports? Should I attempt to replace the flotation foam with an aeresol urathane or similar? Should I add a hatch to the forward (at least) chamber? Thanks for any help.
Widgeon Flotation Chamber ?
- Thread starter gtstrand
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Me Too!
I just recently acquired an old Widgeon myself, 1964 variety, and am in the process of cleaning it up in addition to a few minor repairs. I don't know a lot about them as yet, but I don't really believe that there was ever anything in the chambers but air to start with, at least it doesn't look like it the best I can see. Not sure, just guessing. There is styrofoam (?) under the decking where it attaches to the hull. Mine is is in fair shape but does need some repair. As I intend to leave it in the water during the summer months on a private lake, it is my intention to use the forward chamber to house a battery to power up a small bilge pump. I am also going to install a small solar charger on top of the compartment to keep the battery up. The remainder of the voids, bow and stern, will be filled with low expansion foam to assist the other flotation in the event of a capsize. It looks like it's going to be a fun little boat. I'm waiting on a delivery of bottom paint before I put in the water. Good luck with yours!
I just recently acquired an old Widgeon myself, 1964 variety, and am in the process of cleaning it up in addition to a few minor repairs. I don't know a lot about them as yet, but I don't really believe that there was ever anything in the chambers but air to start with, at least it doesn't look like it the best I can see. Not sure, just guessing. There is styrofoam (?) under the decking where it attaches to the hull. Mine is is in fair shape but does need some repair. As I intend to leave it in the water during the summer months on a private lake, it is my intention to use the forward chamber to house a battery to power up a small bilge pump. I am also going to install a small solar charger on top of the compartment to keep the battery up. The remainder of the voids, bow and stern, will be filled with low expansion foam to assist the other flotation in the event of a capsize. It looks like it's going to be a fun little boat. I'm waiting on a delivery of bottom paint before I put in the water. Good luck with yours!
Me Too II
I get the same white beads floating from the forward area through the hole between the seating area and the front. I bought this Widgeon during the winter and have sailed it three times in salt water. I keep it moored near my home. I am still trying to build up a library on information about the boat. BTW my hull number is 496. I guess that means the boat was built in the 60's. It is in great shape with the original sails. I have found out that there is a sailing school near my house that uses the Widgeon's for instruction. I plan on seeing them and get some of my questions answered. If you want any of the information I gather please send me your email address and put Widgeon in subject. marytom@myexcel.com
I get the same white beads floating from the forward area through the hole between the seating area and the front. I bought this Widgeon during the winter and have sailed it three times in salt water. I keep it moored near my home. I am still trying to build up a library on information about the boat. BTW my hull number is 496. I guess that means the boat was built in the 60's. It is in great shape with the original sails. I have found out that there is a sailing school near my house that uses the Widgeon's for instruction. I plan on seeing them and get some of my questions answered. If you want any of the information I gather please send me your email address and put Widgeon in subject. marytom@myexcel.com
I had a 1969, same thing
My 1969 did not have plugs in the tanks when I bought her in 1988. I added a pair of rubber-stopper type plugs soon after. If you saw my posting about the Javelin's flotation issue, you will note that i still had moisture in the tanks, oh well! Anyway, if I can offer any help to Widgeon owners, let me know. I have made up a great "Owners Manual" for the Widgeon (1962-80's) from my experience with the boat as well as info that I had and also what I received from Rudy Nickerson at D&R Marine (Thanks Rudy!). I offer these manuals for $8.00 to cover printing and postage. Order by e-mail: daysailermanuals@juno.com
My 1969 did not have plugs in the tanks when I bought her in 1988. I added a pair of rubber-stopper type plugs soon after. If you saw my posting about the Javelin's flotation issue, you will note that i still had moisture in the tanks, oh well! Anyway, if I can offer any help to Widgeon owners, let me know. I have made up a great "Owners Manual" for the Widgeon (1962-80's) from my experience with the boat as well as info that I had and also what I received from Rudy Nickerson at D&R Marine (Thanks Rudy!). I offer these manuals for $8.00 to cover printing and postage. Order by e-mail: daysailermanuals@juno.com
Foam in chambers
I can stick my finger in the aft chamber and touch the foam in that chamber at least. So the aft chamber does have some sort of foam (I assume well saturated by now). I have bought rubber stoppers for the two ports and will try to keep them plugged when there is a risk of moisture (real dry here now so mine are open in hope of drying the foam some). Thanks for the feedback.
I can stick my finger in the aft chamber and touch the foam in that chamber at least. So the aft chamber does have some sort of foam (I assume well saturated by now). I have bought rubber stoppers for the two ports and will try to keep them plugged when there is a risk of moisture (real dry here now so mine are open in hope of drying the foam some). Thanks for the feedback.
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