What's the foam in bilge for?

[RLKBOB]

There's two big chunks, one on the stbd side and one on the port side. Just wondering if it's there to insulate the hull from engine heat or for extra positive bouyancy if it sinks or if it's just to take up space?
Do I need to leave it there or can I take them out and use that space for storage?
Thanks for any input.

 

[Alibuma]

Bouyancy if you sink it. I think USCG regulations state something like the boat has to have neutral boyancy (just under the water's surface) if it's swamped.

 

[Redhook98]

To keep you from sinking......

 

[fwebster]

The USCG requirement for flotation is only applicable to boats less than 20 ft long. Sea Ray could have added the foam as a value added safety feature but the foam is usually there as a sound deadener.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Another thought... Unless, you've had the boat since new, one never knows what tickles the minds of previous owners. Do you have a picture?

 

[RLKBOB]

I'm the third owner. I'm sure it's original. I can get a pic in the next day or so. Anybody know what's the best way to find out the answer to questions like this and others from the USCG? The other question is can I take my pistol out on the boat with me(legally) as long as I don't cross into Canadian water(Lake Erie). I do have a CCW and the pistol is registered.

Thanks for the input so far.

 

[fwebster]

The USCG publishes millions of pages of data and regulations on its many websites, all free for the reading. Here is an example:

http://www.uscgboating.org/default.aspx

It helps if you can use Google or another search engine to narrow down what you need or you can spend a year searching.

On the gun question, it is more of a local issue. IN my case, I live 2 states away from my boat and frequently visit 2 more stated owith the boat, so carrying a handgun means I have to know the laws of all 5 states and abide by them to be legal. It is way too confusing and not worth the effort for me.........I keep a stainless steel 12ga pump shortie on the boat and am legal everywhere I go.

 

[RLKBOB]

Thanks for the link. I was reading for a few hours at work last night. Lots of good info, seems like some conflicting also.

 

[RLKBOB]

Another thought... Unless, you've had the boat since new, one never knows what tickles the minds of previous owners. Do you have a picture?

Here's a couple pics. I'm sure it's original. Who's to say a PO didn't remove it and I never had any knowledge of it's existence? I'd like to find in writing the lack of requirement for this on boats over 20'. I read a lot of the safety requirements over the last few days but haven't come across anything like that.

This one is port side between the batteries and the water tank.

This one is stbd side from just behind fuel tank to aft hull.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Interesting. I agree - it does look original. My only comment would be that Sea Ray thought it was necessary to provide proper flotation in the case of an accident (I'm not saying that because of my signature - just my own thought). Could you remove and no one would be the wiser? Sure - but personally, I wouldn't feel right saying everything would be "OK". But, I do agree, that it does suck up a lot of real estate - that stinks.

Maybe email Sea Ray and see what their thoughts are - might get lucky and find out it was not OEM.

If it was OEM, I'm "theorizing" that it must have been something Sea Ray figured out after the boat was already designed and had to go back in and provide a "band aid".

 

[fwebster]

Go to the link I gave you.

Select "Regulations" at the top.

Find "Flotation" and click on 33CFR 183.101

That will take you to justia.com US LAWS............go to Subpart F and find Applicability, section 183.101.

 

[RLKBOB]

Perfect thanks!

Go to the link I gave you.

Select "Regulations" at the top.

Find "Flotation" and click on 33CFR 183.101

That will take you to justia.com US LAWS............go to Subpart F and find Applicability, section 183.101.

 

[rcblack44]

i have the same type of foam on my 1979 searay sundancer .only i dont have it on the starboard side .that might have been removed .and ive thought about removing the foam on the port side also .im not sure if that foam would do much anyway .just my thoughts