To foam or not to foam..that is the question..

[phatdaddy]

i had the deck off of my 83 & no foam, except around the fuel tank.

[awthacker]

I've removed my foam and fuel tank and am planning on using only a minimum amount of foam needed around the top edges of the new tank to keep it secured. It won't have foam underneath or around the sides. There will be 2x4s across the top of the tank, beneath the floors, just as it was originally.

[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?

[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?

[reelapeelin]

Not that it should make a difference...but what does gas do to a noodle?...I suppose if ya ever had to deal w/it, a melted noodle would be the least of yer problems...

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by reelapeelin

Not that it should make a difference...but what does gas do to a noodle?...I suppose if ya ever had to deal w/it, a melted noodle would be the least of yer problems...

I have no idea. I know that gas melts Syrofoam, but I have no idea with it will do to pool noodle material. If, as I suspect, that the noodles are made out of polyurethane, then there probably will be no effect. Polyurethanes are not attacked by resins and they're resistant to gas and oil. They effect the foam only by a slight swelling after several hours of complete immersion when low density (1.5 to 2.O lbs. per cubic foot) types of foam are used. However, this quality of the low-density variety does allow it to absorb large quantities of water over a long period of time. (I'd be willing to bet that this is the type of foam that was origionally used in our boats.) Because of this, low density foam is not my recommendation for use below the waterline. For applications below the waterline, I think we should use urethane foams of 4.0 lbs. per cubic foot density or greater. At this density there is also no discernible impact on the foam from the hydrocarbon solvents such as gas or oil, and as an added bonus it will not absorb large quantities of water like the low density types do. I think a test block of pool noodle (say a 1" x 1" x 1" cube) weighed and measured carefully, then submerged in a pail of gasoline for 24 hours should prove or disprove it's use as foam floatation. If there is no decernable difference in size of weight, and the material doesn't soften, it should be ok for use belowdecks.

[bgreene]

Just take your time foaming it all in nicely and never mind messing around with pool noodles.

Do it right, close it all up, be happy.

[reelapeelin]

I can't imagine the relatively small amount of foam in the tank compartment would assist much in keeping a 21 afloat if swamped...certainly not if it's saturated...if foam at all, I'd follow Thacker's advise, but personally would find better way to secure the tank, leaving the foam out...MHO...

[phatdaddy]

aw, if you are using pt 2x4's with an aluminum tank, you will need a barrier between the wood and the tank. that was the case with the older pt , not sure about the new yella stuff.

[spareparts]

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