Bayliner 1702ls - Foam under set

[prawln]

Hey guys,

Have had a google and a search on the forums about my question but can't seem to find an exact answer.

In my 1994 Bayliner capri 1702ls, the seats sit on a fibreglassed and carpeted somewhat box. I thought hey that would be a cool idea to pop the batteries in there. So i drilled a tiny hole to see what was in there and I hit foam which is what I was somewhat expecting.

My question is, is this foam needed in there? Could i get away with taking the foam out and putting the batteries in there?

Thanks in advanced guys

Hayden

 

[NYBo]

Re: Bayliner 1702ls - Foam under set

It was required to provide the necessary flotation to meet Coast Guard regulations. You are free to remove it, but at your peril.

 

[prawln]

Re: Bayliner 1702ls - Foam under set

Cheers for that, I guess from an experienced boater point of view, would it be somewhat safe to remove? would it make much of a difference?

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Bayliner 1702ls - Foam under set

The foam is in there to give you something to hang on to if the boat swamps.
It will float at the surface and may roll belly up, but it won't go to the bottom.
You are more likely to survive if you stay with the hull.

If you remove the foam, sinking to the bottom become a higher possibility.

What batteries that won't fit in the stern do you anticipate installing?

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Bayliner 1702ls - Foam under set

Cheers for that, I guess from an experienced boater point of view, would it be somewhat safe to remove? would it make much of a difference?

As an experienced driver who has no plans on getting into a collision;
If you are willing to remove the airbags and seat-belts from the car to reduce weight and get better gas mileage;
Then removing the foam from the boat might be a good idea. :facepalm:

 

[prawln]

Re: Bayliner 1702ls - Foam under set

The foam is in there to give you something to hang on to if the boat swamps.
It will float at the surface and may roll belly up, but it won't go to the bottom.
You are more likely to survive if you stay with the hull.

If you remove the foam, sinking to the bottom become a higher possibility.

What batteries that won't fit in the stern do you anticipate installing?

Ahh that makes sense now! I was scratching my head trying to work out how foam in the seat would help it float on the water like normal but with it being swampped or rolled that makes sense!

I currently have two batteries up front in the bow but have noticed the weight difference with the bow droping down into waves.
For my house battery I use a century 100ah deep cycle which is quite long, and my starter is a normal car size battery (sorry can't remember off the top of my head what it is) which fits in the stern compartments fine, its just the house battery that doesnt fit in.

 

[prawln]

Re: Bayliner 1702ls - Foam under set

As an experienced driver who has no plans on getting into a collision;
If you are willing to remove the airbags and seat-belts from the car to reduce weight and get better gas mileage;
Then removing the foam from the boat might be a good idea. :facepalm:

haha nicely put uncle!