Checking hull foam?

outkast7222

outkast7222

Cadet
Joined
Sep 8, 2008
Messages
27
Is there a good way to tell if the foam in the hull (not under the deck) is water logged? I have a older (1982) Grumman 4.6 Sportsman that has the flotation foam in the walls rather than under the deck but I don't want to drill the hundred or better rivets to find out that it was not necessary especially since I am pretty sure it is structural and will need to be filled with poured in foam to keep the rigidity of the boat intact. The few spots I can get to it there is no obvious signs of water or wetness but I don't know if feel is really a good indication.
 
rickryder

rickryder

Commander
Joined
Jun 24, 2010
Messages
2,722
Re: Checking hull foam?

Weigh the boat? The only way I know of is to drill core samples..... Maybe one of the pros will chime in on this one...
 
jigngrub

jigngrub

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Messages
8,155
Re: Checking hull foam?

What year is your boat? Has it been taking on water? Has your boat been exposed to the elements and taken on a lot of storm water?

Verticle foam is a much better application than horizontal foam because it will shed and drain water. water seeks it's own level and will seep down.

Unless your boat has been exposed to a lot of internal water I wouldn't worry about it.

On the other hand, drilling out the rivets, checking the foam, and replacing the rivets sounds like a good excuse to play with the boat on a rainy day... if you like doing that kind of thing.
 
outkast7222

outkast7222

Cadet
Joined
Sep 8, 2008
Messages
27
Re: Checking hull foam?

I am not completely sure about the boats storage history but when I bought it the deck and transom were gutted. I did a half-assed job putting a deck in it four years ago and has been kept dry since then. I should not have been so impatient when I did it and took the time to check then but was in a hurry to get on the water.

I drilled a dozen or so holes under the trim that runs around the deck and the foam came out dry and crispy so I am thinking it is good?

I guess I won't know for sure until this fall when it gets gutted again and a new deck installed (this time the right way) and some updating done to it.
 
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