Crack. To refoam or not to refoam?

[Mitchell]

First time i took it out in dana point and messing around in the ocean. I started coming back to the launch ramp and noticed it leaning. When I got it on the trailer I saw this!! I was planning to put in footholds soon but not before the summer. The foam is obviously wet, i was able to push down where you stand and water was coming out from the crack, not just sprinkles, but a steady stream of water. I need a little bit of help, should i refoam the whole thing? Just a section? And what kind of foam/fiberglass can I use? I've read around but haven't really seen anything on the fiberglass. Thanks!

 

[burton148]

Id refoam now. Its january so get it done now before the good summer riding comes. You can find some good build threads that have step by step how its done. As far as different foams you have many options(ping pong balls, soda bottles, 2 part, insulation sheets) so find one that you feel comfortable with and go for it. Throw footholds in while you got the tray ripped apart and be good to go for many years to come.

 

[SkiDiggity]

^^ agreed unless you ride surf.. haha i left mine, my foam was a bit wet because i put my foot through the back of the tray but i just opened up the tray to do the holds let it dry out for a month or so then installed the holds.

 

[Honda118]

How old is the ski and how long do you estimate the crack has existed?

 

[ryan]

i would just ride it. mine has ben broken like that for 2 seasons. i just driled a hole in the back to let the water out. this only works if your a rider not a floater. i ride untill im out of gas no bobing around.

 

[Mitchell]

I'd say its been there at least a season. It looks like he took paint and putty and just put it over the crack so he could sell it. I hate to assume the worst, but that's what I'm thinking. And I would love to just leave it! Buuuut typically, I ride on the river with the lady and she likes to ride up river and then float down with the current.

The ski is a 91 square nose.

 

[wydopen]

refoaming a ski, especially a square that ur riding in the ocean is the bigest waste of time...just ride it..my foam is soaked..helps the ski hookup better if anything

 

[djkorn1]

I am going to go against what everyone is saying. I'd refoam with polystyrene or pingpong balls, and put in footholds and straps along with a drain plug. It looks like that tray is going to cave in if you keep jumping on it.

 

[chad]

I am with dj. Fix it right and be done wit it Fiberglass and materials available it us composites.com. I'd say 12 oz biax. And maybe some eglass and thin epoxy resin

 

[BrightE's]

How many man hours are realistically involved in a tray refoam?

 

[Nemo]

You can knock it out in a weekend. New turf takes the most time for me.

 

[Scraggly]

How many man hours are realistically involved in a tray refoam?

realistically and not rushing id say around 15-20, it can be done faster.
i take lots of beer breaks and spend a poop ton of time looking for that tool i just saw lol plus theres waiting involved with glass and foam work.

i did my flat deck in a couple very long days, but i was also fresh out of traction from a split scapula

 

[Mitchell]

I took the mat off today and found another crack on the other side of the tray. Seriously?! So i've decided to just refoam the back half (roughly) and reglass the tray with this kit over the next couple weeks. Full time school and part time job keeps me on a low budget with low time. DAMN. https://www.wamiltons.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=287

 

[riprap]

those holds look pretty nice but id skip the mat kit, they are pretty cheesy. just get a couple sheets from hydroturf. refoam takes some time as said already. you could probably hack it together in a day or so but honestly, it took me probably 20-30 hours of straight work. thats including reinforcing the inside tray area, the tray, installing holds and turf and taking my time on it.. seal up the inside of the bond line when your in there. and put some good drains in it because water WILL get back in there

 

[ANT]

only go with the refoam if your going to go all the way and re-enforce the back end inside, otherwise don't bother. If your in the surf i would re-enforce it because the top-deck on that year square is about as strong as a piece of cardboard. First big hit on the side and your going to have a nice crack in the side and the back half of the top-deck behind the firewall will develop a nice concave shape to it.

 

[kcmasterpiece]

only go with the refoam if your going to go all the way and re-enforce the back end inside, otherwise don't bother. If your in the surf i would re-enforce it because the top-deck on that year square is about as strong as a piece of cardboard. First big hit on the side and your going to have a nice crack in the side and the back half of the top-deck behind the firewall will develop a nice concave shape to it.

Yea man, you tell that ski what it did wrong, and then say it again. and after all that is done, make sure to reinforce it.

 

[ANT]

lol

 

[Mitchell]

I ended up buying those holds and a sheet of turf. I decided against refoaming since it felt dry on both sides when I cut open the gunwhales for the holds. Here are a couple pics! Also, i just screwed them in the second picture. I haven't glued them in yet or gotten rid of all of the excess glue/mat still left.