I just dont' get it

[jonesg]

Re: I just dont' get it

Then pull the hose through the transom hole to remove it from the compartment. You'd have a nice channel the approximate diameter of a hose at the bottom of the stringer for any water to run down into the bilge without sitting there.
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In that case try greased rope.

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: I just dont' get it

Greg -

I believe if you read the links I sent, you'll see that they apply to recreational boats as well. For additional reference, check the USCG guide for backyard boat builders, which has similar requirements.

Also, while I agree that you are not specifically required to replace foam on your own boat, I don't have a specific quote to a regulation or law that addresses this. Additionally I believe that the floatation requirements apply to boats that are sold or transferred within the US, so if you ever wanted to sell a boat without foam that was manufactured with it, you might need to have foam there.

I've been around here for and been part of many a discussion about foam... my own choice is to take it out where I find it for the most part

Erik

Erik,

Thanks for your additional info and perspective. I fully respect and appreciate your expertise on this forum. The list of vessels I stated came straight from one of the sources you listed. I agree that these types of regs are not always clear. I am neither for nor against foam personally. I definitely see the benefit of having it...but after rebuilding my boat and seeing the way the original manufacturer put in the foam and the damage it caused I was like why bother. My boat probably would have sank with the foam that was in there. Careful planning and rebuilding can seal off the area under the floor well enough for the boat not to be effected by a rogue wave/wake. That with a massive bidgle pump and excellent personal floatation one should do well. Of course knowing where you can and can't take your boat in the first place would probably eliminate these kinds of events.

 

[proshadetree]

Re: I just dont' get it

I did not replace the foam in my boat, A 88 Bayliner cuddy. If water comes over her nose then Im jumpin out. My 87 Century has no foam, 26ft. Look on the net and you will find many pics of boats sinking big and small. I have witnessed a 84 tri hull sitting on the motor with the nose inches under the water. The depth must have been 14 to 15 feet. Soaked foam sinks just like no foam. I did compartmentalize my Bayliner to resemble the larger boats and have twin bilge pumps on her. I will agree there are merits of installing foam. It might hold you boat up. How will you know? Sink it. I only lake run mine and can see both sides of the lake at one time. If you are in water with 5 foot swells Id put foam in the foam and find every nook and cranny to put some more in. If it rotted big hairy at least it will not sink and leave me floating miles away from land. I boat on Dale Hollow in Tennessee, many divers have went looking for sunken jets as well as cruisers. Weigh your options and do what needs to be done, safety is a priority.