Classic AquaSport

Aquasport Model Rebuilds, Mods, Updates and Refreshes => Generic Aquasport Rebuilding Topics => Topic started by: aquamod939 on July 11, 2014, 01:11:33 AM

Title: foam in stringers question
Post by: aquamod939 on July 11, 2014, 01:11:33 AM

I have removed all foam from stringers........do I have to put the foam back in or can I close up the stringer and be ok to go?

Title: Re: foam in stringers question
Post by: RickK on July 11, 2014, 05:03:03 AM

The foam in the trapezoid stringers is more structural than floatation.  It supports the walls of the stringers since the originals were not that beefy.
I would and did replace it in my rebuild.

Title: Re: foam in stringers question
Post by: SaltH2OHokie on July 11, 2014, 05:38:09 AM

I asked my fiberglass guy that question...my thought [erroneous] was that the foam was more of a sacrificial mold...he told me same as Rick just said: No, needed as a structural core.

Title: Re: foam in stringers question
Post by: redemn93 on July 11, 2014, 08:53:18 AM

the stringer walls on these boats aren't known to be the strongest.  the foam adds rigidity and strength all around.  i wouldnt go without it.

Title: Re: foam in stringers question
Post by: kaptainkoz on July 11, 2014, 10:38:34 AM

I agree. It does add rigidity. I would not go without it. Aquasports were not rich mans boats and although I love mine, it isn't built above standards. It's not fun to do and it's a pain in the rear, but you should definitely foam in my opinion. Think of a surfboard, neither the top layer of fiberglass nor the foam inside is strong enough to surf on by itself, but when laminated together it is super strong. The foam acts like a truss to give the fiberglass additional resistance to movement. I think its a small price to pay to insure strength.

Title: Re: foam in stringers question
Post by: gran398 on July 11, 2014, 12:14:40 PM

Good points....and the flotation adds to safety.

Title: Re: foam in stringers question
Post by: CLM65 on July 11, 2014, 11:05:02 PM

Quote from: "kaptainkoz"

It's not fun to do and it's a pain in the rear

Compared to grinding old fiberglass, it's so much fun it should be illegal :roll:

And I agree with everyone else...foam in the stringers is a necessity.

Title: Re: foam in stringers question
Post by: Callyb on July 11, 2014, 11:13:49 PM

I will say this...In my opinion, if you do 1/4 inch stringers with epoxy (ala RickK) then you dont need the foam. If you do anything less, you better foam it. :wink:

Title: Re: foam in stringers question
Post by: kaptainkoz on July 12, 2014, 12:47:10 AM

By the way which boat are we talking about Aquamod?

Title: Re: foam in stringers question
Post by: aquamod939 on July 13, 2014, 10:42:31 AM

Hey guys thanks for the info! I just picked up a 1976 19.6. I am going to try to post pictures later today, I almost have it completely gutted, all foam removed. I think my first step is going to be putting a full transom in her and then go from there. I really happy I picked the hottest time of year to grind 38 year old fiberglass  :oops:

Title: Re: foam in stringers question
Post by: seabob4 on July 13, 2014, 01:23:50 PM

Quote from: "aquamod939"

I really happy I picked the hottest time of year to grind 38 year old fiberglass  :oops:

There is no "good" time off the year to grind glass... :lol: