Removing Polystyrene Blocks from Engine Bay on 1800 SR3??

[_jp]

Hi, I've recently purchased a 2004 Maxum 1800 SR3 and have been carrying out some maintenance work. There are several polystyrene blocks within the engine bay area and wondered if it's safe to simply "delete" these? I presume they are just an attempt at sound deadening only (not fire, or structural, etc)?



I've deleted one in the rear side area so that I could access the fuel line and bilge tube clips easier, plus it was wet. One of the locker tubes had come loose and allowing water over the polystyrene. I am contemplating deleting all of them for better airflow in the engine bay and easier access all round.

[mmwjr]

Interesting, never seen this before. How are they secured? The only reason to have any foam in a small boat like this would be to meet a flotation requirement if swamped but that is typically between the stringers and not in the open. If no one else with this size boat says they have this foam I would remove it.

[_jp]

Hi Mike,

They've only been glued in place from what I can see so far. The ones in the rear side areas look specifically shaped for the boat, which is why i'm questioning it. I can't see any reason for them though, other than some form of budget sound insulation. Would be interesting if nobody else has seen them before.

Thanks, James

[shrew]

I've never seen that before. Those don't even look like they're rated for heat. Their contribution to buoyancy is negligible. This looks like someone's DIY approach to sound deadening.

[_jp]

I'll be working on the boat this week and will remove them. Thanks for the second opinions.

[_jp]

Took a couple more photos today of the polystyrene in place just encase anyone in the future looks it up. They do look purposely designed to fit in the rear engine bay areas and I also spotted some in the rear side gunnels too. I'm guessing they may have been needed for a "euro spec" requirement, or something. I can't see a DIY'er going to the trouble of placing them in the side gunnels?







Anyway, they've been deleted now! Much better airflow for the engine



Thanks for the second opinions.

[mmwjr]

The cuts are very clean especially the oval, definitely not a dyi.