Stringer Foam

[flyingfrizzle]

Originally Posted by kmoose

I think a lot of project boat spent too much time in the back yard before they are sold and fill up with water. I've seen it a bunch of times and most people think nothing of it as they have no intention doing the rebuild.

I for one am not a big foam fan but I don't think all the rehab of foam done is that necessary. If the foam got wet, it can get un-wet if drain and vent holes are made and the hull is kept open and dry for sufficient time. Once it is all dry, glass the holes and move on with the build.

I agree with moose, I have done this before as well. Cut holes at the lowest point in the rear of the stringers and set the trailer high as I can get it in the front so it would drain out. A good dry summer with the boat under a shelter it will eventually come out.


I have a hull Im doing for a friend and cut the rear of the stringers off to do the transom and have been letting the box stringers drain out this way. Most of it came out but we have had such a wet winter here in NC that it still is somewhat damp at the bottom inch or two. Hope by time it gets warm enough to start glassing it will be drained out completely. If not I may dig it out from the back forward till I hit dry foam then re-pour. Don't want it to hold me up and don't want to trap water weight in the stringers either as I plan on sealing them up 100%.


I do think the newer closed cell foam is better than what was used 40-50 years ago but if not sealed up all the way water can still get around it or settle in the bottom of the stringer cavity. It may not soak it up like the old 4lb stuff from the 70's but wouldn't trust it to be perfect 50 years from now in the future either.


Nice clean new foam is good to ease of mind and great if you don't want to wait for it to drain out but not always necessary.