1994 Osprey - Water Logged Foam

[KP-Skagit]

My dad has a 1994 osprey that has been converted from an inboard to an outboard by a prior owner. Its a great boat but is kind of a slug for speed. On a recent trip we noted a crack in the bilge with water wicking out. We also noted a couple side hatches in the bilge. These opened to show the bilge was a false bottom and a cavity filled with water logged foam on the sides and beneath. I would guess that there are several hundred pounds of this foam. Foam further toward the bow at various access points appeared to be mostly dry, maybe the bottom inch or so was wet.

Has anyone dealt with that in the past? Particularly in an Osprey?

My initial thought is to cut the false bottom out and pull as much foam as possible. That said, I am concerned the foam is considered a structural component of the hull and deck. Perhaps it could be replaced as I know there are better closed cell foams these days.

Appreciate the thoughts!

[jackelope]

Lots of posts on this kind of thing in the aluminum boat Facebook groups I follow. Seems like most people just remove it.

[Special T]

I purchased my closed cell boat foam from Fiberglass supply near the Burlington airport.

It does have some amount of structure to it, however if it is waterlogged that will cause rot quickly.  If it is as water soaked as you say I would rip it out and do an inspection. Glass work isn't all that hard and Fiber Glass Supply holds demonstration nights con how to use different products and build methods. I 've done work on my boat from the knowledge I've gained.
Take a chunk of the waterlogged foam with you and ask them about it.
Hope that helps.

[KP-Skagit]

Thanks everyone! Good to know about that fiberglass repair class.

My general leaning is to not replace the foam. I know that's a coast guard deal but if we need that foam to keep us floating the boat is probably a loss anyways...

[fishngamereaper]

Foam isn't necessary to float a non compromised hull...water displacement and air do that .
Foam only helps if the boat becomes non seaworthy....sinks, etc..
Lots of boats don't have foam in them at all. Tin or glass...
I've seen guys remove old foam and just leave it ...or replace with ping pong balls or closed cell foam for piece of mind...

I wasn't aware osprey used foam in their boats... normally heavy glass boats don't..
Does it appear factory or a retro thing when the bracket was installed....


Also if the bracket wasn't done right the whole hull could be junk...
The sluggish part could be caused by the bracket design and motor height as well...

[KP-Skagit]

Bracket was done professionally and is identical to the ones they put on their boats now so I think that is good to go.

Foam was original. If we remove it we will probably leave it out. Just a pretty invasive undertaking and like anything with boats, very cumbersome. Really hoping to find someone who has done in on their Osprey for insights.

[Happy Gilmore]

Owner of a small Boston Whaler for over 40 years now. Have it in dry storage waiting for time. So, I've done many years of reading on the topic. As you know, BWs are foam filled. There are only 2 ways to correct soaked foam and only one is foul proof and safe. Generally, an undesirable option. Removal of all foam is the first. Drying is the second which, is so so.

Depending on the encapsulated chambers, on BWs you drill 2" holes at the low points and high points of the foam areas and prop up the boat to dry for a year in a covered spot. My little baby whaler has been sitting for 18 months now.

If you have water weeping out, you need to know a few things for safety. The original weight of the hull, weight as outfitted, weight added when the modifications were made.

Current weight, weight after holes and Drying and weight months thereafter. One fellow restoring a 21' whaler lost 600lbs of weight after drilling core holes and propping up the hull for 18 months. He ended up pulling the decks, stripping the foam and rebuilding it. Determined I guess?

Soggy hull makes glass go bad too. So, not something to take lightly in a bigger and modified boat I'd say.