Noob question hull cap separation?

Destroyer · #1 06-09-2021, 12:29 AM

Yes, a 1990 has foam flotation built in. That foam, over several years time actually absorbs and holds water. Since the water is in the foam it's usually not noticeable until you start poking it with a stick or some tool. Water weights over 8 lbs a gal. When I removed the foam from my 1996 V21 I filled (2) 55 gal drums with it, and all of it was saturated. If you have a leak on one side and the foam is saturated on that side it could very easily cause a list. (Just something more to look at)

ashokrags · #2 06-09-2021, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Destroyer

Yes, a 1990 has foam flotation built in. That foam, over several years time actually absorbs and holds water. Since the water is in the foam it's usually not noticeable until you start poking it with a stick or some tool. Water weights over 8 lbs a gal. When I removed the foam from my 1996 V21 I filled (2) 55 gal drums with it, and all of it was saturated. If you have a leak on one side and the foam is saturated on that side it could very easily cause a list. (Just something more to look at)

Thanks.
Will definitely look into that for sure. How would I access the foam? The only access points that I have are to the rear of the boat on the starboard hatch where the battery is stored. Also if it were the foam would that be noticeable suddenly. Last year it appeared that the listing started quite quickly after a couple of months and the boat seems to list less once I have it going on plane and cruising for an hour or so. On the flip side, I think this is the first time the boat has been in a slip on the water for the season. Would that be enough time for the foam to saturate?

Destroyer · #3 06-10-2021, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashokrags

Thanks.
Will definitely look into that for sure. How would I access the foam? The only access points that I have are to the rear of the boat on the starboard hatch where the battery is stored. Also if it were the foam would that be noticeable suddenly. Last year it appeared that the listing started quite quickly after a couple of months and the boat seems to list less once I have it going on plane and cruising for an hour or so. On the flip side, I think this is the first time the boat has been in a slip on the water for the season. Would that be enough time for the foam to saturate?

Normally, NO. It usually takes several years for the foam to saturate. I think the only true way to accurately solve your problem is probably going to be to remove the cap. That way you can check all your drains, the foam, your hoses, etc. Yes, it's a job, but it's more tedious than hard.

SkunkBoat · #4 06-10-2021, 04:00 PM

I would do everything possible before removing the cap. That is the most difficult thing you could possibly do on a V20. That is a rebuild project.

You have a cuddy model right?
Two simple things you can do... two things you should have done the day after you bought it...

Remove the gunnel boxes/covers and look in there with your eyes, arms, and a camera.

Remove the fuel tank deck lid and look in there. The whole thing not just the round ports.

Possible under the passenger back-to-back seats you can get access or make access to see something

ashokrags · #5 06-11-2021, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkunkBoat

I would do everything possible before removing the cap. That is the most difficult thing you could possibly do on a V20. That is a rebuild project.

You have a cuddy model right?
Two simple things you can do... two things you should have done the day after you bought it...

Remove the gunnel boxes/covers and look in there with your eyes, arms, and a camera.

Remove the fuel tank deck lid and look in there. The whole thing not just the round ports.

Possible under the passenger back-to-back seats you can get access or make access to see something

Yes it’s the cuddy cabin. Will do as you suggest. Those are definitely great ideas and in my plans. The passenger is a regular helm seat instead of a back to back. I plan to do a more careful look over this time. This is my first boat ever, so I got lucky enough that I was able to use it all season last year as I just bought it with zero knowledge on boats. That’s a story to share sometime