[mro]

Saran wrap with a little masking tape to hold it in place...

The plywood to be installed after the flotation is installed. Plan to do every other opening (between ribs) then I can cut the foam even with the top of the deck supports then do the other openings.

I also plan to add cut to fit 2 x 6's on the ribs that don't get an aluminum support. the ribs just happen to be 1 1/2" wide so the 2 bys will fit nicely. Attached like the factory did the aluminum supports (have enough sheet aluminum). All ready got a hundred ss sheet metal screws, and have a couple hundred ss wood screws. think I might put a bead of 5200 between the rib and 2 by so there be no chance of any rattles.

Just finished making a jig for my table saw so I can cut the angles on the 2 bys to match the hull.

 

[mro]

From what I've read that stuff sticks to everything but good idea to check.

The section at the transom will be left "un-foamed" and the center part (about 16" wide) where the drain plug is will be left visible plus this will be where the main bilge pump will be. Up front at the deepest part of the hull I'll route a hose to there and connect it to a 12V flo-jet pump which can self prime. Then I'll keep a backup bilge pump under a hatch with a 10 ft cord and plug so it can be placed anywhere in the boat during an emergency. I've always had a backup pump, battery and sometimes fuel. Never needed em all these years and hope that I never do.

 

[mro]

At least half the Styrofoam I took out I plan to reuse but had thought to fill in any open spaces with the two part around the Styrofoam to make it "fit perfectly" under the deck, no space between the plywood and foam. If i can find a source for larger pieces of Styrofoam I might just do that.

The two part foam is supposed to be 90+ % "closed cell". If it starts absorbing water in just a few years F that... I don't expect any leaks but I do go out in the rain.

 

[mro]

Thanks DuckNut,

good to know.
One thing I still need to do is clean out the inside center of the hull between the rib and hull.
There's only a very small gap but as the lowest points in the hull they do let the water "leak" to the back of the boat when the bow is raised. Right now there are several that are clogged.

 

[mro]

I found a local company today and they have 2" thick sheets in stock but have a $250.00 min order. Another company has them to but min order is 5 sheets. Have not found anything thicker. Some 4 to 10 inch thick would be nice.

I'll swing by them and see if they happen to have some slightly damaged sheets they want to get rid of.