Hi All,
A couple of months ago, I purchased a 1984 Bayliner Trophy Center Console boat to replace a smaller boat as my catfishing rig. The layout of the boat makes it perfect for my application. I tackled the obvious problems first; Installing new gauges, a trolling motor, and redoing some wiring. I was excited to get the boat out onto the water.
I've had it out 3 times now, and the stern of the boat rides low in the water. I originally thought it was just the design of the boat, but after Friday night's adventure (Long story) I've come to the conclusion that I'm suffering from waterlogged foam. Here are the symptoms that I am basing my decision on:
[ul]
[li]Boat has persistent drip from drain plug[/li]
[li]Stern of boat rides LOW in water (scuppers below water line)[/li]
[li]When launching boat, water comes over the transom into the splashwell[/li]
[li]When a couple of adults + gear is in the rear of the boat, the stern sits low enough to allow water to enter the hole where the steering cable/fuel line passes through[/li]
[/ul]
On Friday evening I overran a portable livewell I had placed into the rear of the boat. I ended up having to return to the ramp and trailer the boat to drain it out. I ended up just going home for the evening.
On Saturday afternoon, I took a look through the hatch in the rear of the boat that allows access to the fuel tank. I noticed a LOT of wet wood pieces. I had not seen those before I overran the boat. Maybe I just got enough water in the back to float off stuff that was already rotten. I've pulled a lot of this out by hand.
I've been doing a ton of reading here and at some other forums. Everything seems to be sending me to the same conclusion... Wet Foam and probably time for new stringers.
My questions for the forum:
1. Do the above-listed symptoms sound like wet foam?
2. Is it easier to separate the two halves of the hull or cut the floor? (I've seen it done both ways now)
I'm sure I'll have a few more questions, but that should get me started. I've also attached a picture of the boat for reference. It's an 18' center console.
Attached files
A couple of months ago, I purchased a 1984 Bayliner Trophy Center Console boat to replace a smaller boat as my catfishing rig. The layout of the boat makes it perfect for my application. I tackled the obvious problems first; Installing new gauges, a trolling motor, and redoing some wiring. I was excited to get the boat out onto the water.
I've had it out 3 times now, and the stern of the boat rides low in the water. I originally thought it was just the design of the boat, but after Friday night's adventure (Long story) I've come to the conclusion that I'm suffering from waterlogged foam. Here are the symptoms that I am basing my decision on:
[ul]
[li]Boat has persistent drip from drain plug[/li]
[li]Stern of boat rides LOW in water (scuppers below water line)[/li]
[li]When launching boat, water comes over the transom into the splashwell[/li]
[li]When a couple of adults + gear is in the rear of the boat, the stern sits low enough to allow water to enter the hole where the steering cable/fuel line passes through[/li]
[/ul]
On Friday evening I overran a portable livewell I had placed into the rear of the boat. I ended up having to return to the ramp and trailer the boat to drain it out. I ended up just going home for the evening.
On Saturday afternoon, I took a look through the hatch in the rear of the boat that allows access to the fuel tank. I noticed a LOT of wet wood pieces. I had not seen those before I overran the boat. Maybe I just got enough water in the back to float off stuff that was already rotten. I've pulled a lot of this out by hand.
I've been doing a ton of reading here and at some other forums. Everything seems to be sending me to the same conclusion... Wet Foam and probably time for new stringers.
My questions for the forum:
1. Do the above-listed symptoms sound like wet foam?
2. Is it easier to separate the two halves of the hull or cut the floor? (I've seen it done both ways now)
I'm sure I'll have a few more questions, but that should get me started. I've also attached a picture of the boat for reference. It's an 18' center console.
Attached files
Comment