foam in stringers question

[aquamod939]

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?

[RickK]

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.

[SaltH2OHokie]

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.

[redemn93]

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.

[kaptainkoz]

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.

[gran398]

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

[CLM65]

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

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

[Callyb]

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.

[kaptainkoz]

By the way which boat are we talking about Aquamod?

[aquamod939]

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  

[seabob4]

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

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