To foam or not to foam

[ricknewman]

I've got a new tank coming and although the old tank didn't seem to be damaged by the foam used to secure it, I've read much about the moisture problems caused by foaming them in. What's the current thinking?

[Billybob]

I'm not a fan of foam.
I prefer Pascoe's method.

[ricknewman]

What's Pascoes method?

[fredbrad]

Originally Posted by ricknewman

What's Pascoes method?

https://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm

[Mshugg]

I used a modification of Pascoe on my rebuild( sorry not a Seacraft). There is method of foaming in a tank that I would consider, and it requires complete sealing the foam and tank to prevent contact with water.

Start with a coal tar epoxy coated tank. Foam tank in place. Trim foam level with tank. Glass over foam and edge of tank to completely seal foam. Last step would be to make sure you instal a drain, so any water that makes it to the tank top flows aft to the bilge.

[ricknewman]

So if I'm reading Pascoe's method right, he's just using 5200 to secure the tank?

[Mshugg]

The key elements are that you bond plastic strips to the bottom of the tank and glue the strips down to secure the tank.



I chose to 5200 clocks to the top of my tank and 5200 and glass to the stringers. The key is nothing but 5200 in contact with your tank and lots of air space.

[Enyar]

Haven't gotten that far yet but as of now I believe epoxy covered, foamed and fiberglassed is the way to go. Tank is secure, water can't get to it and air can't get to it. You need to have a top and bottom drain for whatever water that does make it's way down there.

[rcoster38]

Originally Posted by Enyar

water can't get to it. You need to have a top and bottom drain for whatever water that does make it's way down there.

does not compute

[Enyar]

Originally Posted by rcoster38

does not compute

Any water that is able to make it to the top of the glassed tank needs to have a way to escape. On my boat there are holes in the bulkhead so that water is able to flow off into the bilge.