Foam ordering question

fishykivette

Cadet
Joined
Dec 18, 2011
Messages
10
Hi, was just wondering how much pourable foam I should order for my 16 foot long 79 inch wide 18 inch deep centerconsole.
 

kfa4303

Banned
Joined
Sep 17, 2010
Messages
6,094
Re: Foam ordering question

Hi fishy. lots of folks here choose not to use pour variety of reasons. instead, they use either pink or blue construction foam panels that are available at any building store and simply cut them to the desired shape(s). the foam is sealed and can't absorb water, it's cheap, readily available, very easy to work with, and can be removed with ease should the need arise. pool noodles work very well for the same reasons and you might be able to get a bulk discount from your local dollar store now that it's out of season.
 

jigngrub

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Messages
8,155
Re: Foam ordering question

16 x 6.58(79") x 1.5 = 158 cubic feet. You'll only need a fraction of this amount though because of the tapers in your hull and bilge drainage. You need to give us more exact dimensions like... from 0" -18" x 3' wide x 16' long.

An easier way to figure how much foam you need is figure the weight of your boat loaded and then divide those pounds by 60. One cubic foot of pourable foam will float 60 lbs.
 

GT1000000

Rear Admiral
Joined
Jul 13, 2011
Messages
4,916
Re: Foam ordering question

An easier way to figure how much foam you need is figure the weight of your boat loaded and then divide those pounds by 60. One cubic foot of pourable foam will float 60 lbs.

Thanks jig,
So to verify...If my boat,fully loaded to its maximum capacity with fuel, passengers, gear, batteries, and engine weighs 2400#, I would need 40 cubic feet of foam?
Do I need to add any safety margin to that figure?
GT1M
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,148
Re: Foam ordering question

Thanks jig,
So to verify...If my boat,fully loaded to its maximum capacity with fuel, passengers, gear, batteries, and engine weighs 2400#, I would need 40 cubic feet of foam?
Do I need to add any safety margin to that figure?
GT1M

Ayuh,... 'n 40 cubic feet to Hide it in...

Yer tryin' to create neutral buoyancy,....
The hull, 'n everything in it contributes to buoyancy,...
So, ya don't need so much foam as to be able to float Everything...includin' the trailer...

Btw,... Foam is for rottin' out yer boat,...
The Safety Margin is yer PFDs.....
 

jigngrub

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 19, 2011
Messages
8,155
Re: Foam ordering question

Thanks jig,
So to verify...If my boat,fully loaded to its maximum capacity with fuel, passengers, gear, batteries, and engine weighs 2400#, I would need 40 cubic feet of foam?
Do I need to add any safety margin to that figure?
GT1M

You'll be fine without a safety margin. Check your capacity plate and see what you max. capacity for your boat is and then a few hundred lbs. for the hull.

40 cubic feet is what I guess-timated your boat would hold, 1/4 of the 158 cubic feet. You don't want to buy too much foam, but there will also be some waste so you want a little extra.


Btw,... Foam is for rottin' out yer boat,...
The Safety Margin is yer PFDs.....

Foam is a PFD for your boat eh?!... to keep it from drowning and going to the bottom!
 

fishykivette

Cadet
Joined
Dec 18, 2011
Messages
10
Re: Foam ordering question

Thanks for the replies, I am restoring a 1996 Osprey Boats Inc 16' center console. This is a "from the hull up" restore, so there will be alot of other questions to come. I am documenting the project and will post pics soon.
 

oops!

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
12,932
Re: Foam ordering question

By the way,....

Welcome to iboats....

we can help you along with the entire project....so have NO FEAR with what you are doing....

aint nuthin on a boat we are afraid of doing here on the forum
 

fishykivette

Cadet
Joined
Dec 18, 2011
Messages
10
Re: Foam ordering question

This is my restore, as far as I know this was a "fly by night" company who made the boat. I found a little info on the manufacturer, I found that Cape Horn sold a mold to this company Osprey Boats INC. out of Cheifland FL. This boat was a recall because of the floor not be properly sealed, probably around console, seats, etc. Which in turn led to the company's demise. This boat in paticular was bought by a friend in about 2004 and he had to fix the floor and he did so, just really poorly. I traded him my 13.5 foot 1960's aluminum rivited "v" hull jon boat that I had risen from the grave. I probably had three hundred in it not including the motor, and I only paid $200 for the Mercury 18. Oh and I had to pay him a hundred cash on top of my beloved "PAID4". So this is my second boat restoration but my first fiberglass boat resto. Im a pretty good worker with my hands and Ive done a little carpentry work and I am a sheet metal/HVAC tech for a living. This restore will be from the hull up. I am still in the demolition process and should be ready to move it indoors in a couple of days, I will be able to hit hard the next few days since Im off work for a couple days. I have been documenting the project with video and photos and have posted some pics with this post. I look forward to obtaining more info and advice from everyone, Thanks for all kind replies and formulas this has helped me tremendously. I have been able to find the answer to most of my questions on this website it is the best for a project of this caliber.
 

oops!

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 18, 2007
Messages
12,932
Re: Foam ordering question

that boat does not look too bad at all.

but you are a long way from foam my friend....

do a search on core sample.....

after the deck is out......check the transom and stringers.

but all in all.....great looking boat !
 

Outback Jack

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Apr 23, 2010
Messages
267
Re: Foam ordering question

Hey fishykivette,

Welcome to iboats

Looks like a nice project.

Have a look at this link in my thread has a good read and a 3 part guide on foam requirements that I found and changed so I could upload it. It will answer alot of questions for everyone.

Follow this link
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=481321&page=4&p=3586611#post3586611

Happy New year to everyone

Cheers

Jack
 
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