Foam for pontoons

[JRBlome]

I have a older pontoon with steel pontoons and they have been patched several times and wonder if anyone knows the cost to fill with foam 20'x20" and would I ever have to worry about any more leaks? Is this a good thing to do?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Foam for pontoons

I don't think it's a good idea. If they leak again they will waterlog the foam.... then your left with a mess.

Other members here will add to this comment.

There are companies that make replacement pontoons.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Foam for pontoons

totally agree with bob.. try coating the with Gulvit. it's a 2 part made especially for aluminum. sold at the iboat store or a store near you.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Foam for pontoons

Ayuh,...........
I Also Agree with Bob,.......

Foam is Definitely Not the Answer to your Problem...........

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Foam for pontoons

foam in pontoons...no es bueno!

 

[KYHunter2]

Re: Foam for pontoons

If the areas around your holes/leaks are in good shape . A good mig welder with a grinder can fix them correctly.
If they just keep getting holes again. I'd look for a used toon , or you should be able to find some used aluminum pontoons to replace yours with.

Good-Luck,

KYHunter

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Foam for pontoons

Hmmm, you said older model and steel pontoons. I always thought steel was not permitted anymore since back in the early 70's. I'm not 100% positive, but I do know in Ohio, one cannot have pontoons made from steel. A steel boat hull yes, but no toons.

Might be worth checking into.........Good luck.

 

[ted655]

Re: Foam for pontoons

Steel rusts from the inside more often. You may have big problems "pnside" Find out before you spend $$. Tap every sq.in. with a sharp pointed steel hammer (welders chipping hammer) Do this where it's quiet. Do a spot you know is good (sound metal) learn that sound! Now, off you go. Bad metal has its own sound.
KY Hunter2 has the right idea on welding. IF the 'toons are sound & you want the boat ror several more years, then (while I was weldind), I would cut access holes & coat the insides with the new primers that turn rust unto a coating."Rust converters". A long wand sprayer will make fewer, smaller holes. Make one from brakeline tubing. Plan the spraying so you can coat the weld patches after they are welded. Front to rear, then spray the last patch thru the deain bung. Weld it all back, then 2 coats of Coal tar epoxy.
When out of the water, tilt so condensation runs toward the srain bungs. No more expensive than urethane sponge (er... foam).

 

[jepstr67]

Re: Foam for pontoons

We had a boat which had foam filled pontoons. The bottoms had almost rusted off and the foam had absorbed a lot of water. The expanding foam is not a "closed cell" foam so it does pick up water over time. This pontoon was barely floating by the end of summer and was discarded in favor of a new aluminum pontoon the next year.