Foam Core - Key West Boats

[gstraub]

I just made a bid on a damaged Key West 2020WA. There is a rather large hole above water line....not worried about that. However, the fiberglass along the keel was cracked a few feet from the aft end. I couldn't push a knife through, so the laminate is still generally intact. Unfortunately, the hull must have absorbed some water as the break was still wet and dripping some water. <br /><br />My question is if anyone knows what kind of foam Key West uses in the hull (below the waterline if different for different parts of the boat). I just want to be sure that it is closed cell so that I have some assurance that I can get the water out! Or, am I just biting off more than I can chew??<br /><br />Any other comments on this situation are welcome!<br /><br />Thanks in advance.<br /><br />Gerhard

 

[Solittle]

Re: Foam Core - Key West Boats

For your sake I hope that someone bid more than you did. No matter what the foam a cracked keel is big bad news.

 

[Major Woods]

Re: Foam Core - Key West Boats

Boat is cored with Klegecell coring.

 

[Uncle Dave]

Re: Foam Core - Key West Boats

Major Woods,<br />Or anyone. Can you give us a rundown on the different types of "floatation foam" as used by manufactures.<br />US composties seems to have the best after market foam by concensus of the board members.<br />There is foam that stays wet and never seems to take on water. Some of it spends years holding up floating docks. I recently removed foam from a "wet hull" , and even tho it was wet it had hot taken on any water. Others say they have water logged foam. Can a manufacture use foam that will take on water?? Would they not be liable if an accident occures?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Fitz.

 

[gstraub]

Re: Foam Core - Key West Boats

I sort of misspoke. The outside laminate was cracked along the center line of the hull for about 8 inches...I don't think the keel really had any structural damage. According to the manufacturer, the area I described would have even missed any of the stringers. <br /><br />The foam is apparently nonsaturable and there is no foam at that particular point in the hull. <br /><br />...and...yes, someone bid more than me. Actually, the motor alone was worth more than my bid, so even if I had to saw the hull into little bits, I would have probably been ahead.<br /><br />Oh well...