Sinking opinions

[WandaS]

I have a 1998 Aquasport 215 Explorer with a 5.7 volvo/penta. If this boat took on complete water would it sink? Aquasport told me that this boat is filled with foam and will not sink. Anyone with first hand experience?

Thanks

[Mad Dog]

When I took my '75 22-2 apart to fix the sole (and other problems) AS had filled the trapazoid stringers and ther area between the side and the the stringers with floatation foam. The foam was not "closed cell" so most of it was water logged.  I'm not sure if it would have kept afloat or not.

However, I am going back in with two part closed cell foam.  Two cubic feet of cured closed cell provides over 60 pounds of floatation.  By my calculation the same volume closed cell foam as the original floatation foam is more than enough to keep the boat, motor, passengers and contents afloat.  I would hope that by '98 the industry standard was closed cell then their claim would be true.

[pete]

It may not "sink"but it might as well.If it fills up with water it will fry your electrical system and wont do your engine any good either.Have two working bilge pumps,1 wired to your dash with a float switch and 1 wired direct to a battery with a float switch,just because your boat doesnt sink,it can swamp.

[Mad Dog]

What Pete says is true.  The boyancy foam will not keep the hull at the water line but it will give you a platform for rescue.  That's its primary function.  

If you get swamped you are in deep s*%& unless you are underway and can keep the engine running long enough for the self bailer to drain the deck.  The electrical system is definitly at risk.  However,a boat that is self bailing can be easily drained once swamped by an adequate tow boat.  

My rebuild will have a pump set up like Pete described but I intend to have the bilge area sealed as tightly as possible to prevent any accumulation under the sole.

[captdave]

it will likely fill with water and roll over keel up

[GoneFission]

The USCG requires that all boats have level flotation that keeps them afloat and upright with the allowable maximum loading on board.   My 17 foot Coleman Scanoe even has level flotation in it...  

Now if your foam is waterlogged  :x  and you've added a 20 foot tuna tower    and big 4 strokes on the transom  :twisted:  - well, as the EPA says, "your mileage may vary..."    

See ya on the water!

[John Jones]

I looked up my Back Country 151 Pro Guide on the USCG recall list when I bought it.  It was recalled due to insufficient floatation.  The resolution read something like "report closed because company is out of business".  I'm seldom in more than 6 feet of water so I don't sweat it too much.  I sit on a Type IV cushion ;)