Increase your floatation by filling cross-bars with foam

THIS IS A VERY BAD IDEA
THE HOBIE IS A GREAT BOAT THERE IS NO NEED FOR TO MUCH THINKING THE ONLY ALUMNIUM TUBE THAT MUST BE WATERPROOF IS THE MAST
I HAVE TURNED OVER A LOT ON MY HOBIES AND IF YOU KNOW HOW TO RIGHT A HOBIE YOU SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEMS

WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING ?

Since I actually have done this with no ill effects (and my 16 still going strong in the hands of another) I I'm doing it again with my 17 while it's apart. No problemo

It just occured to me that some people might be confusing Tough Stuff with the urea-Formaldehyde housing insulation foam. Yeah - that's a bad idea. U-F foam is somewhat breathable (allows your house to breathe) and can sponge up water. It gets rotten when exposed to the weather.

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The fact that this windy world is largely covered in water obviously means that man was meant to sail.

All you are doing is adding weight to the boat.

Any water that's in the 17's crossbars runs immediately out.

But hey, it's your boat and your money. Do whatever you want.

I agree with the consensus on this one. There is simply no reason to add the foam to the crossbars. But like Mr. Bounds states, its your boat, your money.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

Thanks for the back handed blessing Matt B. I respect your opinion because you are the sensei but just because you are the sensei doesn't mean you are always correct. The cross bars DO fill with water from during a good windy ride and from when you have flipped. NO the water doesn't run IMMEDIATELY out. It seeps in and it seeps out. The foam adds less than 4 lbs to the cross bars and allows no water. I like it so I do it. Total cost - $14. total weight on the 27 =8 lbs.

However in what you said there is genius: how's this for an idea: drill drainage holes in the cross bars. Water may get in but it won't stay - it will right out and you're not adding any weight. Could this be done without compromising the structural integrity of the cross bar? I'm thinking yes.

Now, anyone know how to remove the foam?

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The fact that this windy world is largely covered in water obviously means that man was meant to sail.