a weed eater, boat restoration, and you...

funnyboy

Cadet
Joined
Mar 25, 2005
Messages
14
I have a 1977 Formula 233 with the usual rot in the transom and stringers. The worst part of the demolition necessary toward the restoration effort includes removing the worthless, saturated foam floatation. After I cut the floor out, there was still the 1-2" of flooring left around the perimeter with foam underneath extending under the floor edge about 6" to the chine. What tool do use....? A string trimmer works wonders in removing the foam in all the weird places but you will use alot of string.
 

CalicoKid

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
May 27, 2002
Messages
1,599
Re: a weed eater, boat restoration, and you...

I never heard of that one before! I hope your neighbors got some video or pictures of you weedwacking your boat.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: a weed eater, boat restoration, and you...

Howdy funnyboy2.<br /><br />Welcome to iboats. :) <br /><br />I love it when a creative mind finds a simple and better way to do something that frustrates so many. <br /><br />I am sure your idea will become standard practice.<br /><br />One of those, "Why didn't I think of that?" ideas.<br /><br />Thanks. :)
 

funnyboy

Cadet
Joined
Mar 25, 2005
Messages
14
Re: a weed eater, boat restoration, and you...

I've been lurking on these boards for about two years and have learned much, so I hope others will find the suggestion useful. I used a sawzall and a short, three-tined pitch fork to remove the majority of the foam...what a miserable job! I could have built a new boat with the amount of fiberglass strands I pulled out from under my fingernails. The weedeater was just the ticket for the hard to reach areas and for removing foam stuck to the glass (instead of scraping). Eye protection, long pants, and ventilation are a must!<br />Thanks,<br />John
 

SS MAYFLOAT

Admiral
Joined
May 17, 2001
Messages
6,372
Re: a weed eater, boat restoration, and you...

I'll have to give that a try sometime. My favorite tool for demolition is a small chainsaw with an old chain with no oil injection. I used it to remove my old saturated foam also. It wasn't my idea, but from another iboats member.<br /><br />Then for smoothing down or grinding down rough areas, I use knotted wire wheels on a 4" mini grinder. They cut like crazy and never clog or wear out.<br /><br />Thanks for the tip and welcome aboard,,,,,,now to find a use for the log splitter in my restoration project..........maybe for pressing in "U"joints?
 
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