1978 Chrysler floor help?

[kcassells]

you keep forgetting the foam is also structural. so the single 3/4" width stringer is plenty when properly encapsulated

So Scott if the foam IS? structural what pound foam do you suggest?
I think the layout is fine properly installed using regular foam 2#. 2# is not a Structal foam.

 

[Tapphouse]

I think the layout is fine properly installed…….

I noticed I don’t have any (bulkheads?) 3/4” stringers running left/right only front/back. Is this how they designed it? Or should I be adding some in? Just incase no one noticed, I’ve seen a couple rehabs where this was built. ‍♂

 

[Scott Danforth]

2# foam does add some structure, however 4# is structural

 

[Tapphouse]

2# foam does add some structure, however 4# is structural

What’s best way to install pour foam, into open area or pour thru the holes?

 

[Scott Danforth]

What’s best way to install pour foam, into open area or pour thru the holes?

Its covered in Friscos thread in the links

 

[Tapphouse]

Its covered in Friscos thread in the links

I watched his videos, I know how he did it. I also watched other peoples videos where they poured into open stringers. I’m curious to which is the better way, or does it matter?

 

[Scott Danforth]

I prefer to have the deck tabbed in and pour thru a series of small holes then I know there is full encapsulation and a full fill.

 

[kcassells]

I would probably go full length with the stringers and add a couple of bulkheads. In stern I would box out a splash well for a bilge pump.
def. on the foam like Scott said.

 

[kcassells]

For foam pour thru holes in deck.

 

[Tapphouse]

I would probably go full length with the stringers and add a couple of bulkheads. In stern I would box out a splash well for a bilge pump.

Hey K,
So the Center channel is wide open with no foam from bow to bilge. Is there supposed to be foam in here or is this on purpose?
At the front tow ring is where a channel/access starts and runs the full length.
I’m not understanding this design as the bow is capped. Is it incase a hole breaks thru and sends water to bilge? Haven’t seen any boat builds with no foam in center section. AGAIN THANKS!!

 

[kcassells]

Hey K,
So the Center channel is wide open with no foam from bow to bilge. Is there supposed to be foam in here or is this on purpose?
At the front tow ring is where a channel/access starts and runs the full length.
I’m not understanding this design as the bow is capped. Is it incase a hole breaks thru and sends water to bilge? Haven’t seen any boat builds with no foam in center section. AGAIN THANKS!!

Was there ever a tank under the deck on these boats as an option? That is where it would be placed. Some leave a channel to pull wiring etc. but does not have to be wide. That wire can also be placed in a pipe then foamed in.
On another note maybe their was a prior rehab which may explain it. Or made at the factory on a Mon or Fri after bar lunch. Not that I have a drinking issue during a rehab. lol.

 

[kcassells]

I like that you have your mind kickin in gear!

 

[Tapphouse]

Honestly I’m not sure if there was an option for a tank in these boats. I’m also not sure if it’s been rehabbed. I don’t think so, but it’s possible.
All my wiring runs under cap on right side. There are tubes glassed in , looks factory?
I think this is a basic design, Should I put foam in Center column? Or leave it open for water to run to bilge? It’s 18” wide and runs full length.
See pics below, (sorry for terrible shots)
Front of boat runs to small arch opening, then into bilge area.

 

[briangcc]

To me, that's a ski locker someone covered over. But what do I know??

 

[Tapphouse]

To me, that's a ski locker someone covered over. But what do I know??

That would be pretty sweet to have that kind of stowage. But any old Chrysler boats I’ve seen, not many, in this model has a closed floor.

 

[Tapphouse]

I like that you have your mind kickin in gear!

Thank you! I appreciate the positive feedback. I know it’s annoying to teach the greenhand.

 

[Scott Danforth]

That would be pretty sweet to have that kind of stowage. But any old Chrysler boats I’ve seen, not many, in this model has a closed floor.

my guess they saved money by not supplying the locker surround and teak grate.

 

[jbcurt00]

my guess they saved money by not supplying the locker surround and teak grate.

Yep, and as long as foam elsewhere passed the somewhat lax (IMO) USCG Flotation test/requirements w the center open, all the more money saved by not filling the center w foam. And if special ordered, or there was a change to this model in subsequent years, they were already prepped for a ski locker, only change would be to cut the hole once the floor/deck was complete & drop in surround and cover.

Were ski lockers dealer add-ons or factory in the 70s?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Were ski lockers dealer add-ons or factory in the 70s?

that is a question for folks more chome in the beard than I am

 

[Tapphouse]

This is the closest quick pics I could find. You get the idea. Not seeing ski lockers or tow bars.
Boat is not very big. 14’ long 65” wide.