Wet Foam?

[Rockchalk]

I have discovered the foam in the 16' Lund I am rebuilding is damp. It is the expanding foam stuff (dont know what you call it). I have the floor out and I stuck a wood stick through the foam. The bottom 1/4 of the foam (3") near the back has some moisture as the dowl comes up damp. Wondering what I sould do. Leave it??? replace it??? Dry it??? I was thinking I might drill 1" holes in foam to hull and dry it with a fan in my garage. What do you guys think??? Thanks a ton!!!

 

[PaulKim]

Re: Wet Foam?

First thing I would probably do is to take a look at the wood stringers (if you have any). I'm assuming the Lund is an aluminum boat. If you either don't have wood stringers or the stringers are not dry rotted, I would try the fan approach and space heater. If that still didn't do the trick, then remove and replace. I've seen other people post to drill holes in the hull and tilt the boat to drain out of the holes. I don't think that's a good idea to add holes to your boat hull. <br /><br />I'm sure that others with more experience than I, will have other solution alternatives for you to try. Good Luck!

 

[Buttanic]

Re: Wet Foam?

Send it on vacation to Yuma, Arizona for a year.

 

[jimmythekid]

Re: Wet Foam?

rip out all the old foam, youd have to leave it in yuma for ten years for it to dry out, and only then maybe. plus its the only way to really get a good look at the hull and any structure that is there. also alot of weight savings seeins how you needent haul all that water (in the foam) around<br /><br />And it will need to be replaced for sure (foam is cheap) unless you need alot :}

 

[llfish]

Re: Wet Foam?

The first thing is to find out why it is wet and fix the problem. From what you posted the foam could be only wet on the outside. Might drill a hole into the foam a couple of inches and check to see if is still wet. If it is not you probable do not have a problem.

 

[Rockchalk]

Re: Wet Foam?

I drilled some 1" holes in the foam last night. The stuff is pretty dry except at the bottom. This boat has not seen water for several years. Not sure if it was full fo rain water or lake water but it looks like at some point it had standing water in it about 4" deep. Hull looks pretty good. floors were wet and rotten... I removed. I think I am going to put it in the water and see what happens. Would hate to put it in and soak new foam... I do want craft as light as possible so new foam I guess is in order. What foam do I use (I want the expanding stuff for support) and where do I get it??? Thanks for the help!

 

[PaulKim]

Re: Wet Foam?

I just ordered some from www.uscomposites.com They seem to have the best price. I went with the 2 lb.