Closed Cell Floatation

snowbowlskier

Recruit
Joined
Sep 15, 2002
Messages
5
I have a Tracker Fiberglass Bass Boat. It is in pretty good shape for the age but I have one concern. When in a good chop the boat seems to vibrate more than I would like. I think that the stringers may be weakening and I was thinking about blowing in closed cell foam to stiffen things up a bit. Any one have any thoughts on this?
 

JasonJ

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2001
Messages
4,163
Re: Closed Cell Floatation

You can do it, but it may already have foam in it. What year is it? If you do go with foam, you have to locate all the seperated voids, then you have to holesaw several 1.5 inch holes in each void. Jack the front of the boat way up, and start at the back of the boat. Pour into first hole and wait. When foam starts to come out first hole, put plug back in and put a brick or something heavy on it, and watch the next holes towards the front. If foam starts coming out of that one, put its plug in and weigh it down. At this point you'll mix more foam and repeat until the last hole is done. You do this in small amounts, otherwise you can blow your floor apart from the expansion. Also, it is spendy stuff. If you are wanting to fill every void in the hull, you are going to spend some solid cash, $200 at least, even with the inexpensive stuff from US Composites. Another less expensive trick I learned was to slow down. Good luck...
 

snowbowlskier

Recruit
Joined
Sep 15, 2002
Messages
5
Re: Closed Cell Floatation

Thanks, Slow down? Remember I said this was a Bass Boat since when did you see someone with a 150 on an 18 foot boat go slow? It is an 88 and does not have much foam at all. Thanks for the tips.
 

crab bait

Captain
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: Closed Cell Floatation

let me get this stra8.. you have an 18 foot bass boat with a 150 hp on it.. you've discovered vibration an you suspect 'weaken' stringers.. weaken = rotton.. an you want to squirt some foam in for a fix..??
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,148
Re: Closed Cell Floatation

Just my .02.....<br />I've Junked a bunch of boats(for parts).... I've found that "closed cell foam" holds Lots of Water....Which leads to More Rot.....<br />IMHO, PFDs are for sinking boats, NOT foam in the Hull !!!!!!
 
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