Foam question again

[drewmitch44]

Im trying to keep the cost down of my rebuild. I went to the locat tractor supply Co and they told me that they have some kind of styrofoam blocks for tractors. What are they talking about? I didnt see them as it was right before closing time and they had them in a trailer around back. What stuff are they talking about? Also if it is not closed cell which im sure its not what about putting it into large trash bags or huge plastic bags. What about that wouldent that keep the water out??? The TSC said that the foam blocks were used for something to do with trucking and im trying to figure out what they are talking about!!!

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Foam question again

styrofoam is closed cell, it doesn't soak up water, it floats, good choice, even like them packing peanuts would do the trick.

 

[Robj]

Re: Foam question again

Styrofoam will disentigrate is exposed to fuel, and you should not be getting any fuel down there so that may not be an issue. Another point, don't forget that the polyurethane foam does add to the structural integrity of the hull and floor. If you are doing all that work, what is an extra couple hundred $$ for pour foam?

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[watermellonI]

Re: Foam question again

Im with Robj, get the two part, two pound and start pouring, make your boat sturdier and quiter.

 

[oops!]

Re: Foam question again

drew...im with everone else here...
robj is right....

however... sometimes cost is a major factor when doing things on a shoe string budget.....
i have heard of using air as a floatation....

some people have suggested large pop botttles....
i know your a smart guy....
your imagination is the limit on how you safely want to contain the air.

just bear in mind what was said about structural stability

cheers
oops

 

[oops!]

Re: Foam question again

forgot to mention.....

in the book i bought......

the guy said "sometimes you can get a deal from boat repair shops..
they buy in bulk and might sell you enough to do the job at a bulk price.
they make a few dollars and you dont pay retail"

oops

 

[Robj]

Re: Foam question again

I can get the stuff wholesale here in Vancouver. Another thing you may want to consider is even with the styrofoam peanuts, they do not fill the entire void, there are still significant air gaps, whereas pour foam will fill the entire space. If the hull was ever breached, those peanuts would just float away, whereas foam would slow down the water ingress and help keep the boat afloat. Just a few thoughts you may want to consider.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[qaztwo]

Re: Foam question again

Some will say just leave it out. Causes more problems then is worth, when I redid mine I decided to add it to the boat. Found a deal on good old ebay 10gal for $100. Keep your eyes open for deals.

 

[blouderback]

Re: Foam question again

Good idea. Skimp on the stuff that keeps the boat afloat. Use some peanuts or coke bottles in a trash bag. Brilliant.

 

[Reboot11133]

Re: Foam question again

Rob where in Vancouver are you getting the foam?

 

[Robj]

Re: Foam question again

Right on another Vancouverite. I get it from a place called Ultralux Plastics in Richmond, right by the RiverRock. He sells all kinds of fibreglassing related stuff. The owners name is George, he is a bit of a crusty fella, but really excellent to deal with. He has been in the industry for at least 40 years, extremely knowledgeable and his prices are the best I have found.

Have a great day,

Rob.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Foam question again

I like the 2 liter bottle flotation idea. I can't seem to find the thread that had pictures of it, I know it's on Iboats but it has been a few months back sense I have seen it.

This old thread may be of some help also.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=58451&highlight=coke+bottle+flotation

 

[Zetman]

Re: Foam question again



I like using pool noodles

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Foam question again

I like using pool noodles

Dude why didn't I think of that!? That is cool, great idea .

 

[turfman]

Re: Foam question again

I'm redoing foam right now. I got a 2 part foam from McMaster Carr, and some heavy plastic that they use in greenhouses, like 100ml .The plan is to put the bags down, fill, trim carefully, seal them up, add new deck. I think it will work, if I do my part.

 

[mspring]

Re: Foam question again

Has anyone used that expanding spray foam called "Great Stuff"?

I think it would cover alot of area fairly cheap, but I wonder if it would soak up water?

 

[turfman]

Re: Foam question again

not heavy enough and would cost more if doing a whole boat.

 

[Lou C]

Re: Foam question again

If you're going to do it, use the correct stuff, do a search there are many on line places you can get this stuff, and used properly it adds safety to the boat. I had e-mailed 4 Winns when I re-did my deck/stringers and they told me the foam was for both structural and flotation reasons, and to use the 2 lb stuff so that's what I did. You mix, pour it and then after it expands you can cut off the extra with a handsaw and then install your new deck. Mine was sealed in place with 3 M 4200 and all holes for screws were sealed the same way. Best I could do with it. You need a warm day for the foam to expand right, and it is a really messy process, you will need old clothes or a tyvec suit, gloves, etc.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Foam question again

This ain't going to help with foaming your boat, but next time you are there, go ahead and grab a few of those blocks. They use them to stack them up for shipping utility trailers. They are absolutely perfect for sitting boats on, while doing trailer work. We have probably 30 of them doing various jobs around the shop and yard.

 

[oops!]

Re: Foam question again

bass boy.......great idea...ill use that idea for the next proj..



robj

heh...heh...heh...

one trip to richmond comin right up.

heh...heh...heh....

thanks for the info


hey drew.....did ya forget bout this one?...whered ya go?