Closed cell foam

[ocuyler]

While I'm waiting for the 23 to be painted, I'm doing a quick renovation on a 1965 Boston Whaler 13' Sport. There were breaches in the liner and hull allowing the foam in several areas to become saturated. I first drilled 1/4" holes to help drain water. Then I figured since I have to repair the holes anyway, I'd go with 1/2". Now the the water is dripping good! As I was removing as much foam as posible, I find that it's pretty saturated and that I need to remove more. So, out comes the 2" hole saw. Now were REALLY getting somewhere! Water is dripping good and a few nights with a space heater blasting on the holes should dry her out good.



The question is: can you recommend an appropriate closed cell foam to replace what was removed. Your priceless advise and referrals will be greatly appreciated.

[Michael Vezzosi]

Happy Holidays Otto! Can't say that I can help you with that information, but I am getting ready to refurb. my '81 15' as well. My brother refurbed our '68 13' back in high school. We were fortunate to only have to wet sand, compound and wax. Hoping the 15 is as easy. Repowering and trying to gain as much info. as possible from the whaler guys. Looking at an '05 Yam. 4 stroke 60. Didn't want to go Merc.-now look what I've done! Good Luck. Mike.

[EBEACH]

Otto,

how about the 2 part pourable foam?

FLOATATION FOAM

[ocuyler]

Mike,

Happy Holidays to you, your brother, family and fellow fire fighters/EMT dudes.

This Whaler was pretty trashed, but will experience a quick new life. It looks the same in there as the the stringers on my SeaCraft that were wet too.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

Although Whalers don’t sink they sure can get soggy. You might need to drill more wholes in other arrears of the boat where water might have accumulated to confirm you don’t have a bigger problem they you think. Would also make sure ALL cracks and holes are plugged up will first before re foaming. You might need to use a water sensor like they use for transoms down some of those holes to make sure all is OK. If you do have other spots of water inside the foam blistering could occur in the gel coat. That could cost at least a six pack just to get over your emotional reactions. Since they use that 2 part foam liquid through the boat when they build them I would just use that same stuff they use for foaming in tanks. Good luck
FellowShip [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

[ocuyler]

FellowShip,

We ended up with (12) 2" dia. holes (3 in the liner and 9 in the hull) to drain the water and remove soaked foam. We left the heater and a fan blasting for 24 hours and I feel confident that the worst of the "intrusion" has been eradicated.



I'll be following Boston Whalers’ directions for re-foaming the hull and glassing the holes back in after the short curing time.

I wish to extend thanks and credit the excellent information provided by Continuous Wave.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

Looks kind a like the Swiss Cheese I had for lunch.
FellowShip [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]