polyurethane foam
 

Just took the lid off my 1980 V20 Fisherman with intension of removing the old polyurethane foam, repairing and/or replacing the stringers, however I'm considering not putting any foam back into the boat. Besides flotation, can anybody shed some light as to why I need to replace the foam?

Re: polyurethane foam
 

Floation is the reason, it also will deaden the noice a bit, and holds the gas tank nice and tight.

Re: polyurethane foam
 

Hey Mac, after 20 years, can the foam in my 86 V-20 go bad ??? ???

Re: polyurethane foam
 

when i pulled my deck the foam around tank was like new she is a 26 year old

Re: polyurethane foam
 

the foam will stay forever!! If you have no reason to touch it (gas leak, water, fix stringer, ect... ect...) then leave it alone.

Re: polyurethane foam
 

Also if you do need to remove foam that is good try to cut it out in large pieces, or pry out whole blocks and just put them back in after the repair. The two part expanding foam (or any floatation) is quite expensive!

Re: polyurethane foam
 

Builder, is there a particular reason you're considering leavig the foam out?...trouble/ money...flotation is the main idea behind foaming a hull, also it does strengthen a hull when installed properly and "quiets" a hull as well...if any way, I'd be puttin' the foam back in after repairs... ;) :)...if you replace foam w/ new be SURE it is a "CLOSED-CELL" product..

Hammer, foam CAN become water-logged over time...I don't think your boat has been neglected to that extreme... 8)...

Re: polyurethane foam
 

Thanks for the feedback!
The foam is going back in when I'm done with the repairs. (I should have check the prices of the closed cell two part foam before taking on the project).
By the way, this is what Tom Dystra from Wellcraft had to say "The foam is required to meet NMMA federal standards which all boat manufactures must comply with".

Re: polyurethane foam
 

Which means they HAVE to do it in order to sell boats, whereas we SHOULD do as responsible boat operators...if I ever GOTTA open the floor on my old '74, it'll go in... ;)...

Good luck w/ it, Builder...take pics and post 'em here of B4, during and after progress... :D...

Re: polyurethane foam
 

I have never opened mine, but I no that they did not start the foam till like 77. Any way I no I have nothing in mine.