Foam between buttress supports

I am currently in the middle of a restoration of a small speedboat. When finished, my hull will look like the one in the picture. Originally, the boat had foam in between the buttress supports that run from the stringers to the hull sides. Should this foam be replaced? What are the pros and cons.

Thanks for the help

 

How do I get to your picture?

 

The picture should be attached to the post. If not, here is the link to the picturePicture

 

The foam is both structural and the required legal floatation. Use a pourable closed cell foam.

 

Sounds good to me.

 

Gonzo,

Is there a reference that you can point me to that would have all the floatation, electrical, etc regulations that I will need to follow when I am rigging the boat. I assume that you are referring to USCG regulations in your post about the floatation.

Thanks

 

abyc.com

 

Here is a .doc I got from USCG, it should give you the info that you need.

Steve

 

Great Resources, thanks for the help.

 

My plan is to fill the void between the hull and the supports with foam and then fiberglass them shut so no water can ever enter the void. Does anybody see a problem with this? or should I be able to keep the void unsealed?

Thanks for the help

 

Normally you install the plywood deck, cut holes to pour the expanding foam in and them fiberglass over everything.

 

If I seal the foam filled void with fiberglass, is there any reason to drill the limber holes for drainage just in case some water gets in there? Theoretically sealing it up with fiberglass should stop any water from getting in, but in reality, who knows what will happen. Should I put in the limber holes just in case?

Thanks for the help

 

My boat had what looked like a one piece sealed deck and cuddy, sealed solid and filled with foam and NO limber holes, from the factory in 1982. Well 24 years later I found her foam full of water without anyway to drain except by excavating the foam and rotted stringers. So, in the rebuild, mine will have limber holes leading to the bilge. They won't hurt and the next owner will be real happy. http://www.boatdesign.net/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif


Eric
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