Re: Do I need foam in my hull??
I went with no foam under the floor. However, I did put foam under the gunwales....,much more than the factory put under the floor in 1972! I want nothing under my deck except pressure treated wood, all glassed in, with clear drains to the bilge....and 2 inspection ports where I can still see and feel, after several hours of boating....it is still dusty! No more rot for this boat. If it gets swamped, it'll float. If you go the way I did and put cardboard forms under the gunwales while the foam cures, just make sure you get all your hardware mounted first. (cleats, lighting, etc.) Otherwise you'll be cutting some foam out to get the nuts on. I will admit it was quieter with 500 pounds + of waterlogged foam under the deck.....but I feel much safer now, even if it is noisier! I made this boat so waterproof, I left out the bilge drain in the back. (It'll spend it's time in the heated garage....) 30 hours + on the completed project so far, and not even a drop of condensation for the bilge pump to get rid of. I only did the foam under the gunwales in case the Coast Guard ever starts inspecting here in Oregon....(They do not)....but I am never far from shore. Just fresh water rivers and lakes. We get the Sheriffs boats in the summer, inspecting for lifejackets, an oar, whistle, basic safety stuff then gives you a sticker. After my total rebuild, I would never, ever, ever, ever put anything under the deck but air space. You want flotation? A nautical engineer I consulted explained to me the gunwales were the safest bet in a swamping situation. Put in under the deck and it will float allright....possibly upside down! In the gunwales, it'll stay upright. He felt the reason for under the deck by manufacturers was an ease of installation issue satisfactory to the Coast Guard....note the Coast Guard recommends a handle on the outside of the hull at the bow, as 'most boats will capsize with the bow up." They don't care which way the boat floats.....just that it'll float. As for me, I care which side stays up!