Ed,
I am thinking that at the time your Gulf Coast was built foam floatation may
not have been a Coast Guard requirement. Don't quote me on this, though.
It's something I may research when I have some time. Anyway......,
For boats that do have foam, if water sits inside the hull for any length of
time the foam usually begins to absorb it. Eventually the boat weight
increases noticeably. To dry the foam you must install an inspection port
and then circulate air inside the hull - for a long time.
I took a set of totally waterlogged foam blocks out of a 60's Sunfish. The
blocks sat outside in the sun and after two years they still weighed about
80 lb. each. So, it's better to keep the hull dry in the first place.
Draining the water after a day's sail should be a regular routine.
BTW Ed, I moved your GC photos to a new folder named "Other Fish". A couple
of members have been sending me photos of Sunfish and Sailfish knockoffs. I
started the folder so people can post pictures of Sunfish look-a-likes as a
way to help ID other brand boats. In time I hope we develop a good reference
section.
Wayne
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-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Conley [mailto:conley49@...]
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2003 8:27 AM
To: sunfish_sailor@...
Subject: RE: [sunfish_sailor] Re: Express Wind - Sunfish Clone
Foam blocks?
My fish clone (Gulf Coast circa 1971) as far as I can tell has no
such item
in it. As I have no inspection port, though I looked up her
drain plug and
all I see is the structural fiberglass covered beams and hull, deck, etc.
Recently had her on the water near the San Francisco Bay where my daughter
solo'd. Took on very little water but she does not seem to gain weight
after being drained so I don't think there is any foam.
I'll add photo of solo and myself to the members photos.
Cheers,
Ed
