[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by buckleyjr

Destroyer, if it's not too much trouble, could you post some pics of your v21 with the floor off? I too have a v21 and would like to see what you are talking about. I suspect I'll have to do this someday. How'd you know you had a problem?

Pics will follow shortly...meant to post them with the original post but had a problem with the camera. I didn't know I had a problem with the foam..although I did suspect it. When I bought the boat I knew the floor was soft. Reaching in under one of the access hatches I was able to pull out small rotted wood pieces from the floor and it was soaked, so I knew I'd have to replace the floor and probably the foam.

Originally Posted by Spareparts

I stuff pool noodles in areas to act as flotation, if you can find them on sale, they are cheap and easy flotation

I've thought about that several times Spare.. Seems like a quick, cheap, easy solution...and with spring just around the corner they will be available in the stores shortly.

Originally Posted by Bgreene

Having used foam I'd say definitely yes for you to use foam for the following reasons:

1. It adds floatation - a very, very good thing in case of swamping etc right ?
2. It adds sound deadening - less hearing the water under the hull, sounds more solid.
3. You've already corrected problems, so it won't likely get soaked again.

Assuming you've used foam before, and know how to use it, you'll do a careful job to avoid the pitfalls:
1. Pouring too much in a section, then dealing with the expansion issues.
2. Avoid getting the liquild on your hull surfaces - almost nothing stains worse.
3. Mixing too much at a time.

Finally, it actually contributes to the boat's structural integrity, less flex, more firm overall when the foam is used correctly and expands to a nice tight fit into specific sections.

I hate it when people are right and it costs me more money..<sigh>.. I have to admit that you're right Greenie....for all the reasons you stated. I'm already looking on eBay for closed cell foam kits.. Still not 100% sure that I'm going to go that route.. the pool noodles that Spare suggested are a good idea. Quick, cheap and they are closed cell also.. the only problem with them is the voids that using them would leave that poured foam would fill....but otherwise they are really a great idea... gotta think it over.

Hmmmm...here's a thought...I wonder if I could use both? A kit contains enough foam for 15 board feet..(1' x 1' x 1")... I wonder if I could pour some foam around several vertical round sections of pool noodle cut to the proper height...let it set ...(1 minute)... and then repeat the process if necessary to achieve the desired height. The noodles would act as a filler, and the poured foam should act as a binder and would fill the voids. They are both closed cell foam, so there shouldn't be a compatability problem there.. Might have to try a small test in a plastic bucket first..but it sounds like a workable solution.. anyone have any thoughts?