Filling pontoons with foam?

[norman2013]

Hello, I have a 23 foot pontoon boat that i use for duck hunting. Iv heard that filling them with foam is a great way to go when your using it in rough conditions. How might i go by filling them? What can i use? any tips?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Filling pontoons with foam?

If I were going to fill the logs, I would use this..

Boat Ship and Pontoon Foam Insulation

 

[steelespike]

Re: Filling pontoons with foam?

There are horror stories about pontoons if the foam absorbs water.As I understand pretty much impossible to solve.
I would say leave well enough alone,be careful. They are chambered so aren't likely to sink if holed.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Filling pontoons with foam?

My suggestion....Don't do it. A puncture will result in wet foam, then water logged foam, then a nightmare.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Filling pontoons with foam?

DON'T do it.

 

[Water logged]

Re: Filling pontoons with foam?

Adding foam will increase weight of your boat and reduce floatation. Can't imagine what they think the foam will improve.


Glenn

 

[norman2013]

Re: Filling pontoons with foam?

Ok, thanks guys! I will not fill them. If it does happen to get punctured what is the best way to patch/seal it?

 

[Snowfish]

Re: Filling pontoons with foam?

punctured what is the best way to patch/seal it?

Welding. Then it's like it never happened.

 

[boobie]

Re: Filling pontoons with foam?

Don't do it. Once foam gets water logged you got big problems. As said above, welding is the best if you punch a hole in it.

 

[jeffvan1]

Re: Filling pontoons with foam?

If its a small hole make an aluminum patch that extends 2 " out from the center of the hole. Use a mallet to conform it to the shape and apply a generous amount of marine grade epoxy. Rivet it at all four corners, let it dry and lightly sand the seams. Oh yeah, don't forget to epoxy in the rivet shafts.

 

[dls322]

Re: Filling pontoons with foam?

ditto, on this: dont use foam, and weld if there is a leak. You need to take it to a place that can weld aluminum, preferably someone who works on pontoons and can pressure test them

 

[gm280]

Re: Filling pontoons with foam?

Usually folks put foam in their boats when they are refurbishing them with new wood/fiberglass to gain some buoyance if it should take on water and help it float instead of sinking. But pontoons are already that buoyance and therefore the addition of foam isn't needed or wanted. It serves no purpose. But it can lead to water soaked 'toons and therefore actual have the reverse effect you are looking for. Save your money and happen boating.

 

[Lake Lizzard]

Re: Filling pontoons with foam?

I wouldn't fill with foam for all the reasons stated above. Water intrusion into the foam would also be my biggest worry. Also, with the foam you may not notice that you actually have a new hole in your pontoon and that your foam is potentially soaking up new water. Take your boat to a professional welder and have him TIG weld up any leaks.