foam in the hull

[Argo]

As most of you other AS owners know there is a big space in the front of the hull that is just plain empty space.  I was thinking of filling this with closed cell foam so that the boat would never sink if it took on water and we would at least have something to hold onto offshore.  Anyone here put foam in the empty spots of their boat?  Any downside to this?  The weight is not a problem and I think it would damper some of the vibrations at speed and maybe ad some ridgidity to the hull, not like it needs it.  what do you guys think.  I have asked this before but not gotten any responces on otehr threads.  Anyone?

[billh1963]

I'm a big Whaler fan and, as such, am firm believer in filling all voids with foam. I'm not an expert by any means, but, I don't see any harm in adding the foam. In fact , I think it contributes to hull integrity without adding any significant weight.

The one drawback that I can see is that if you get any water in the hull, the foam will eventually suck up the water and the hull will get extremely heavy. Also, if you don't plan ahead for under deck work you'll have a big problem fishing around wires, hoses, etc.

I plan to fill all voids on my 19-6 with foam when I replace the deck.

[JimCt]

Argo, It's certainly worth investigating.  I have to believe that somwhere there has to be a foam product that will not breakdown and fill up with water.

[billh1963]

I would be interested in hearing about such a product as well.

[JimCt]

As I recall Whalers suffered from soaked foam too.  I had one of the old blue 13 footers which weighed a ton.  In an effort to get the water out from between the skins, I drilled holes in the transom down near the bottom and stood the hull on it's end over one winter.  Some water did come out but not enough to make a noticable weight difference.  Like you say though, a sandwich foam hull is strong.  Quiet too.

[billh1963]

Jim,
You're right about Whalers holding water. I've owned over a half dozen of them in the last few years (in fact, I'm a few days away from adding a 1973 Outrage 21 to go with my 1993 Outrage 21). If there is a possibilty of having a waterlogged hull there is only one sure way to tell...have the hull weighed. If it's waterlogged it's pretty much "game over" unless you're willing to drill a LOT of holes and take the hull to Arizona!

[darkdealer]

http://boatbuildercentral.com/proddetai ... ing%20Foam
%202%20gal%20kit
I used this product for floatation when I built my mahagony skiff. It has been in place for 5 yrs and seems to be bone dry. No guarantee it will stay this way but this may be a good option.

[carr]

yes the two part foam is the way to go.it is a closed cell foam and WILL NOT SOAK UP WATER.you have to be carfull it will bust a deck wide open if you put in too much.you have to have a releif hole for it to vent.if you look at the whalers you will see a smooth round spot at the bow that is a releif hole.

[Shine]

besides being closed cell, it needs to be resistant to damage by fuel.  If in doubt, make sure the foam meets USCG requirements for flotation foam.

The 2 part pour foam is 2 pound density and will help add some stiffness and will certainly dampen vibration


joel