Flooring Q's

[rage]

Well fellas, upon further inspection of my project boat I found a 6x6 square hole in the floor under the windshield walk-through. I proceeded to rip up floor and found rotted stringers and water loggged foam. Here are my questions 1: What is this foam for. Is it just insulation or does it help float my boat. Also do i need to replace it and if so what should i use? 2: I have seen and heard you guys talking about composite flooring. Where can i get it and do they have stringer material. Really never want to do this again. 3: What is the easiest way to remove the old stringers without tearing up the hull. Thanks for all your help, without it i would not have gotten this far.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Flooring Q's

The foam is to keep the boat afload if you get swamped. If wet, it will have to come out. Wheter or not to put new in is a debated topic. I elected to in my restoration. You would likely want to use a pour in 2 part foam like this http://www.expresscomposites.com/foamcore.html. A 2 gallon kit was sufficient for the available space in my 15'. <br /><br />Easiest way to remove the stringers is usually a 4.5" angle grinder.<br /><br />As for the composite floor, I can't help on that one. I used wood.

 

[evin300]

Re: Flooring Q's

I would go with wood. The trick is in how the boat is maintained. Also pay give lots of attention to seat fasteners etc. and the gelcoat condition below the waterline.<br /><br />The Chainsaw is the ultimate wood removal tool. You can do a search on this to research it, as most are skeptical about using a chainsaw.<br /><br />Good Luck

 

[rage]

Re: Flooring Q's

Thanx for the tip evin but I too am learry of using a chainsaw(only used twice on TREES). Jason thanx for the link for the foam core. However i believe I will risk sinking in lue of losing the 20 lbs. prolly get a lot flack for it but I am trying to gain speed without bigger motor. Am proud to say stringers are removed. Now to get them back in

 

[JasonB]

Re: Flooring Q's

Back in is the fun part <br /><br />I thought about the foam issue quite a bit when I did mine. The factory didn't put in enough to keep it abloat. Maybe 1-2 cubic feet. I ended up with 6-8 cf. My boat is a tri-hull so speed isn't really affected and given my limited swimming abilities, I foamed. Almost didn't though.

 

[rage]

Re: Flooring Q's

I would say that was a good call . I prolly should foam since this boat has been 3/4 submerged once and totally once (previous owner). But I am a gambling man. Thanx for the help

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Flooring Q's

I am foaming my project, I am just waiting for the other kit to come in. I have 16 cubic feet of available space not counting the center bilge, and all 16 cubic feet will be filled. The foam doesn't add much weight, but it does add a lot of structure and sound deadening as well as displacing about 64 pounds of water per cubic foot. I also can't swim (must be the curse of being named Jason), so in my mind, not foaming isn't an option.