I will update the thread as I make my updates to the boat.

Here is the foam under the front floor. It was saturated. In the second pic you can see the water that was just sitting under the foam. I got new foam from GD and will be replacing it.

Looking forward to seeing your project. I am starting a similar remodel with my GD 1844 too. Anyone just use pink foam home insulation to replace the original foam?

Did the old foam have some typenof fiberglass facer on it?
It looks like PolyIso.

The old foam did have some kind of layer on it. The foam was 16 years old. I got my new foam from go devil. I probably will get saturated again but I take care of my stuff. Keep it out the rain, etc. I currently have an experiment going. I submerged 3.7 oz of the new foam in a bucket of water. Completely under water with bricks holding it down. I'm gonna see how long it takes to saturate it. Btw my old foam from the floor weighed 197#. Currently working on the blind and electrical. Plan to paint but that may wait till after the season.

Did Go Devil tell you what type of foam they sent you?

The old foam looks like PolyIsocyanurate commonly used in commercial roofing applications.

It is pretty water resistant, but if held under water(like your test) will absorb and it almost impossible to dry out.

No but coco did tell me he's tried all different kinds of foam. They all soak up water over time. But he believes in selling coast guard approved boats regarding safety for non commercial use. So in some of these boats you have to use foam under the floor I guess. He did say it's basically hearsay on the forums regarding closed cell foam not soaking up water.

So after 24 hours completely submerged, the foam now weighs 5.5 oz which is a 1.8 oz increase (49%). This is about a 10"x8" block

Weighed again--48 hours later. It's still weighed 5.5 oz. So no weight gain over the last 24 hours. Remember this is completely submerged

Why don't they/ doesn't someone just vacuum seal the foam before putting it in the boat?
When I take the foam out of my boat I'm just gonna leave it out but I know some people like it in there. Seems like vacuum sealing it would keep the water out


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No I have no doubt it will. But if it takes 3 years then I'll be happy

Here's the link to my GD1644 project from a few years back. It might give you a few pointers for your build.

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=13272


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

thanks chris
thats a sweet rig. im hoping my paint job comes out that good. im dreading the prep honestly

So after 12 days submerged, total weight is 6.3oz which is a 79% increase in weight. The foam was not completely saturated as it was when I pulled the original 16 year old foam out. I think ill be ok for the next few years as long as it doesn't sit in water for extended periods.

Been really busy these last few weeks. Won't be ready for opening weekend but that's ok Bc its still 80* here. But here's some progress from today. Plan to work on electrical tomorrow.

Here's some grass I threw up there to see how it looks. I haven't secured it yet. Plus the beginning my wiring. I used marine grade duplex wiring. New led navigation lights

Hopefully switch panel will go in tonight or tomorrow. Will work on securing the grass during the week.

All I have left to do is paint. I'll be doing that after the season. Here's my new switch panel, electrical wires, battery box, new bilge, blind

Looks good man. My boat blind got destroyed today by a dog that's been waiting a year to chase a duck.....

Finally got the painting done

I want to replace the floors with something thicker and remove the foam for good from the floor. What gauge is everyone putting in their boats who has replaced the floor? I was quoted $160s for 1/8" diamond aluminum floors.

No cut to fit. I will screw/rivet it down

Is 1/8" overkill?

As easy as it is to replace the foam I would leave it , it also supports the hull a little


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I replaced the foam beginning of last season. I'm constantly worried about it getting saturated again. Anyway I'll be taking it out but the floors are too thin.

Flint do you know how thick I need to go to give some support after the foam is out?

I would do 100. My dad has 80 and it's enough, but barely. He doesn't have as much open floor with the boxes he's got in his boat. It would be a bit thin if he didn't have all that extra bracing.

Yeah it does anything that fills a void does offer some support


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Ok if you say so


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

But it can't pop rivets because it won't add any support


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I'm just waiting to hear how many plastic bottles it will take to fill the void and offer flotation.... It's all the rage I hear.

*facepalm*

#cffitr

Lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

if you are looking to lay a floor without foam underneath, you will need a minimum of .125". However if you are a bigger guy, you will still see the floor give a little. If you want NO give, you will need the .190" diamond plate.

I've done this on 2 of my boats recently and learned the hard way that .100" doesn't work for flooring without foam or a lot of supports under it.