Triad floor repair

**Enormusjohnson1** · 05-19-2016, 07:41 PM

Hi, I'm looking for some advice on repairing the floor in my V-21 triad (1992) hull. I removed the wet plywood floor, and noticed that there was spray foam insulation everywhere from the bottom of the hull up to the floor deck. I am going to have to repair the stringers, but was wondering if I could rebuild everything without re-installing the foam. All it did was saturate over the years and trap water. Was the foam only for USCG specs, or is it imperative that I re-install it? I plan to repair everything and reglass the floor before installing the new interior. Thank you, and any help will be greatly appreciated.

**JPEROG** · 05-19-2016, 07:56 PM

Floatation was an option. I agree that it traps water, mold and weight. Use composite materials and good epoxy resin this time around and it will last longer then you need it to, less weight, stronger and no water intrusion. Its not the cheapest way but its the best way.

Joe

**Enormusjohnson1** · 05-19-2016, 07:58 PM

Thanks, are you referring to starboard?

**JPEROG** · 05-19-2016, 08:06 PM

No, that stuff is very heavy. I am referring to closed cell foam core that you laminate glass to both sides and it becomes incredibly structural. It comes in a variety of densities and thicknesses depending on its intended use and the amount of blow cycles that it will be exposed to. If you are close to Todd at Screaming eagle boats, he can help guide you and get you the product that you need. Tell him that I told you to call.

Joe

**Enormusjohnson1** · 05-20-2016, 08:15 AM

Thanks, I hope that I didn't bite off more than I can chew. This will help a lot.

**rgsauger** · 05-27-2016, 01:45 AM

I totally redid my Shadow and used marine plywood and epoxy resin for the whole build. Turned out great. I did not put foam back in for the same reasons you stated. Dont laught but some folks have dumped 1,000's of ping pong balls in for flotation!

**Enormusjohnson1** · 05-27-2016, 10:38 AM

Thanks, for the info, I decided to rip it all out and screw the flotation. Hell, I've had a 69 correct craft barracuda for 15 years and the old boats did'nt have any flotation. So I'm gonna take my chances.

**ftpmaltby** · 05-30-2016, 09:34 AM

You can use marine plywood for the floor bulkheads and stringersas long as you completely encapsulate it in glass. Many people make the mistake of just covering the top of the floor and stripping in the stringers and bulkheads. Don't throw all that time and money at by falling to do it right. It will rot if you don't cover everything top and bottom

**rgsauger** · 05-30-2016, 09:44 AM

Epoxy resin costs more than poly but it sure is nice to work with. I used System Three Silvertip. Check out boatbuildercentral.com for supplies. I can send you my purchased items list with lessons learned if you like.

**Enormusjohnson1** · 06-03-2016, 05:40 PM

Sorry for getting back late, but thank you and I am definitely using epoxy and will totally encapsulate every damn square inch. Holy ****, what a project this turned out to be. Thanks again to all!!!!!!!!