Fixing Hull Soft Spots - Foam InjectionBy Chris SummersRemoving the foam and replacing it with epoxy reduces the rigidity of the hull as a unit. What I have done on the soft spots is drill some small holes in the soft area, two or three will usually work. One hole is smaller than the rest as a vent to allow air to escape while the foam expands. Only drill through the outer skin. Don't drill through the inner hull!!! Then I filled the area with expanding foam injecting it into the holes with the can pressure. Pull a vaccuum at the small hole at the other end of the soft spot to help fill the space. The household insulation type worked for me. Be careful to protect the exposed jellcoat from the foam. It stains and is a pain to remove. Don't use too much foam. It usually expands three times the liquid volume. After the foam has dried and expanded, I remove the excess and make a small indentation to plug the holes with Marinetex or another epoxy putty. Remember, do not use polyester resin. This melts any foam you have left in the hulls. The foam core is the reason Hobies can take the punishment they can take. This procedure has worked for me. I have tried the inspection port method and even tried to fix the area with mahogony inserts. Re establishing the foam lamination has been my best solution yet. The repair is not beautiful, especially with little plugs in the gelcoat, but the benifits outweigh the ugly. Now, all you who do this for a living, don't jump my butt and call me an idiot. The repair has lasted since 1993 and I have only had to fix new soft spots in different areas. Chris Summers |
| Back to Tech Tips |