Expanding foam under tray w/ polystyrene necessary?

[Carrera911]

Ive refoamed my ski with polystyrene and the tray is back in with just thickened epoxy right now. I cut the foam as tight as I could but there’s some small gaps underneath the tray and behind the footholds. I’m ready to lay reinforcement but before I do, should I order some expanding foam and pour it behind the footholds and under the tray? If so what density? I’d rather do it now than drill pour holes through the reinforcement.

Also, how does 3 layers of 1708 on the bottom of the tray and 1-2 layers 1208 on the gunwales sound? I know that’s a bit thicker than most go on the tray but it was in pretty rough shape and I’d rather not have to worry about stress cracking.


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[SuperHumanJetski]

Doesn't need it if it's strong enough. If you're concerned after you reinforce then cut out holes in the top of the gunwale, etc and pour foam in. I never pour foam before reinforcing. Then when you're done pouring the foam you just cabisil or glass the holes closed. On my skis I don't like to pour expanding foam in but I use a few layers of carbon on the layup

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[Carrera911]

Thanks. I was going to just do small pours behind the footholds and underneath flexible areas of the tray because I didn't want to risk it getting in the Thrust micro drains for the tray. I'll go ahead and glass it how it is now then see if it needs anything from there.

 

[Req]

Thanks. I was going to just do small pours behind the footholds and underneath flexible areas of the tray because I didn't want to risk it getting in the Thrust micro drains for the tray. I'll go ahead and glass it how it is now then see if it needs anything from there.

What are your thoughts on the micro drains as far as fit and finish? Im thinking about them for tray drains and maybe engine drains. They seem to have a lot less potential to sink a ski fast compared to a big versiplug or scupper.

 

[Carrera911]

What are your thoughts on the micro drains as far as fit and finish? Im thinking about them for tray drains and maybe engine drains. They seem to have a lot less potential to sink a ski fast compared to a big versiplug or scupper.

The drain hole itself is very small on them, about 1/8". The fit and finish seems great with no noticeable imperfections. I used a step drill bit installing mine and the half inch hole was a nice press fit. It shouldn't be falling out between that and the 5200.

I wouldn't use them as the main engine drains though, they're just too small to flow enough. Maybe on the bulkhead to drain water from the tray into the engine bay so you wouldn't have them on the back of the ski.

I don't really see the need for the massive 2" drains. My ski came with a 1/2" drain going to a duck bill and it seemed to dump the water fast enough, this was with cracks in the hull and all too. I only went with the versiplug R because it's the same 1/2" size and I didn't like the duck bill.

 

[SuperHumanJetski]

I have the micro drains on a few of my skis and tbh I don't like them. The holes seem to be way too small and I always get small chuncks of foam clogging them. The surface tension of the water also keeps the balls stuck in the closed position when it's out of the water. If I was to do it again I would use the standard screw in screw out drain plugs

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[SuperHumanJetski]

The versa plug max 2" for engine bay draining is the cats ass. Highly recommend. I've tried every type of scupper and it's the best IMO. The xmetal scupper caused my first ever sunk ski....

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[SuperHumanJetski]

The 2" versa plug isn't actually a 2" drain hole.. it's like 3/4 of an inch but the unit fits in a 2" tube

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[Big Kahuna]

The drain hole itself is very small on them, about 1/8". The fit and finish seems great with no noticeable imperfections. I used a step drill bit installing mine and the half inch hole was a nice press fit. It shouldn't be falling out between that and the 5200.

I wouldn't use them as the main engine drains though, they're just too small to flow enough. Maybe on the bulkhead to drain water from the tray into the engine bay so you wouldn't have them on the back of the ski.

I don't really see the need for the massive 2" drains. My ski came with a 1/2" drain going to a duck bill and it seemed to dump the water fast enough, this was with cracks in the hull and all too. I only went with the versiplug R because it's the same 1/2" size and I didn't like the duck bill.

If you are doing any kind of nose stabs or subs, or flat water tricks like turn subs, the 2" drains gets the water our really fast. If you were competing you really need this along with bilge pumps . But for every day riding, Bilge pumps and 1/2" with a versa plug will help. You just wont get water out quick.