should I test float before the foam

[mxcobra]

I have been restoing this old Bayliner boat
Just about ready for foam using 4 pound
The gel coat does have a few nicks to fix
the pic is the worst of them, doing the gelcoat stuff this weekend
then should I go straight into foam or do a test float and check for leaks under deck.
I have had my ginder and eyes on every inch of the inside of boat I did not see ant cracks or holes in the glass

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: should I test float before the foam

Wouldn't be a bad idea to test float before proceeding further. Peace of mind.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: should I test float before the foam

As you say, you've been over every inch of the boat...Intimately. I would think that if there was a breach in the hull you would KNOW. I would not think there was a need for a pre-float. Your decision but IMHO not needed.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: should I test float before the foam

If you're afraid of leaks why not throw another layer or 2 of glass and resin on the inside? Won't hurt anything and will strengthen it some more.

 

[oops!]

Re: should I test float before the foam

If you're afraid of leaks why not throw another layer or 2 of glass and resin on the inside? Won't hurt anything and will strengthen it some more.

weight would be the issue there jig

As you say, you've been over every inch of the boat...Intimately. I would think that if there was a breach in the hull you would KNOW. I would not think there was a need for a pre-float. Your decision but IMHO not needed.

as woodie says......

you ave had your nose 12 inches form every millimeter of that hull......you know it the hull is breached or not....

did you miss something or is there a reason you are not sure that you fixed the hull?

when you splash the hull before paint.....you have to re clean it with various chemicals.....oil could be in the water....(acetone wont remove oil...you need a degreaser) .....
so you are doing a lot of extra work for something you usually know is working correctly.

 

[mxcobra]

Re: should I test float before the foam

Thats what I was thinking a test float would set me back a week or more, peice of mind would be nice...
I guess she will be just fine, .........

Im sure their is no breach
nerves are just getting to me a little....
jigngrub I have the deck doun and tabed in, waiting for foam. so more glass on the hull is not possible, plus that cost to mutch on this build.
Im allready way over budget.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: should I test float before the foam

jigngrub I have the deck doun and tabbed in, waiting for foam. so more glass on the hull is not possible, plus that cost to mutch on this build.
Im allready way over budget.

So what would you do if you did float her and there was a leak?

I think the only ones that ever stay within their budget are the ones that don't do it right.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: should I test float before the foam

The gel coat does have a few nicks to fix
the pic is the worst of them, doing the gelcoat stuff this weekend.
then should I go straight into foam or do a test float and check for leaks under deck.

If your going to Test float .. then fixing the repairs first is recommended as you stated.
Fix then float .

Thats what I was thinking a test float would set me back a week or more, peice of mind would be nice...

Why would test floating set you back a week or so ?

You would be just like any other repair job that gets pulled out of the water for bottom repairs. If its wet then your going to grind it out anyways.. I just dont see the logic in this statement as I do repairs from Haul-shore-grind-glass-gel-back on the water in a few days...

If you want to test float then test float .. you understand that you should have it floating for more then an hour or two for a proper 'seep' test.

I see no harm in doing a float test ( unless your taking up ramp space for 8 hours ) .

Happy boating ..

YD.

 

[mxcobra]

Re: should I test float before the foam

the problem is my limited time..
I only have one day or so a week to work on the boat
its over an hour to th lake so 1 day actually = a week to me for boat time
ahhh guess ill judt work on the gel coat and go from their