removing soaked foam?

While patching an '82', I noticed the stern of one hull was much (25#) heavier then the other. Looking thru the inspection port past the daggerboard truck, It appears the foam isn't encased in a plastic bag, like the other hull. I was told that it should come out and be replaced. Can I get it past the db trunk? How do I grab it? What are my options for a replacement? ALL help is greatly appreciated. THANKS!!!

styrofoam is closed cell it canNOT get water logged
it is like little balls each is sealed
now if your boat has some other type of foam in it like urothane
with open cells that can get water in it

I strongly suspect there is no way to get the foam in or out
unless you cut it up

weight gain may be due to sand or other stuff inside the hull

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QUESTION WONDER AND BE WEIRD

the bags will break down over time and clog up the drain holes. There is no way to get the foam out and replace it. It is closed cell material but still seems to absorb water. Best to let the boat dry out, seal it up and sail it.

What is the purpose of the 6' x 1' diameter clear plastic bag that I pulled out of my port hull last week? It was empty, and looked like it had been taped to seal at one end.

In the other hull, I can see the bag, but I cannot determine what is in it.

My curiosity has me wondering if these bags are part of the positive floatation system.

John, I put 5" ports half way between the stern & rear crossbar. ( I'm going to add anchor plates & fat bags to hold my safety gear). I can grab the "tail" of the bags that hold the foam. The foam is a white styrofoam. The foam is in two pieces (stacked on top of each other) and will not go forward past the daggerboard trunk. The bags are clear with a piece of tape holding the bag closed.

Tough decision, can you get a picture with a digital camera and then use a computer to see better? If there is no foam you should be able to see some light from the drain plug.

IMHO: The only way to get the foam out is in small pieces from somewhere behind the daggerboard trunk.

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1989 Hobie 18 Worlds Boat, Magnum Wings & Spinnaker
1987 Hobie Holder 20 #273

dale.vanlopik"at"att"dot"net

If you really are hell bent on getting the foam out of your hulls. Using a rear port hull you can put gasoline on the which will cause the foam to dissolve, and leave a gel like substance that can be scooped out. This is an extreme though, the foam was put in there for a reason, the plastic bags are what usually hold water... I would just take the bags out and dry out the hull the fiberglass can hold a lot of water its self and could be the reason why your boat is heavy on that side.

Thats my 2 cents
Have fun,
Tom Machette
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