Aluminum Starcraft Center Console What Type of Foam to Use

[JtJr09]

Hi,

I am going to be replacing the deck in my 18ft center console in the next few weeks. I have the plywood up and the foam is water logged, so I pulled it out.

My question is what type of flotation foam will be best to put back in. Should I just buy the pink insulation foam boards from Home Depot or should I go with the two part pour foam. I am fine with either way, but looking for opinions on what would be best.

Also can I substitute exterior plywood for marine plywood.

Any help would be great. Thanks.

 

[jspano]

Re: Aluminum Starcraft Center Console What Type of Foam to Use

there has been and will probably always be alot of debate on this subject. most alum boat owners will tell you to use extruded polystrene(4x8 sheets in the big box store) comes in blue, pink and yellow. just look for extruded(closed cell) on it. the poured foam seems to close up the drainage chanels in the boat

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Aluminum Starcraft Center Console What Type of Foam to Use

Pink boards work fine and now HD has a PL adhesive in a tube to glue those together if you do not want the as pieces.

 

[guzziprov]

Re: Aluminum Starcraft Center Console What Type of Foam to Use

I too am in the process of redoing an 18" Starcraft Startrek C.C. and have decided to use poured in foam for flotation and coating the exterior plywood on all sides before re installing.

Yes there is a lot of debate on this but I think the benefits out weigh the issues of difficulty installing, water absorbtion etc. as the foam adds tremendous strength to the hull structure and provides more and better flotation. As far as holding moisture and rotting the floors, it's going to happen at some point but not for MANY years. Look at the number of aluminum boats here being redone with 10, 20, 30+ years of service. While the floors ARE rotted they have provided good service to their many owners before we finally got them. (Probably spent their last few years just sitting outside unprotected year round which "helped" them along)

The origional floors were mostly 1/2" ply without any extreme treatments to prevent rot AND having regular styrofoam for flotation which soaks up water. So unless you just leave the boat out to the elements it should last a long time and make the hull feel solid, just provide for proper venting forward in the center of the floor and keep the keel area clear of foam to provide for any water that does make it in to make it to the bilge. (there are nice 2 1/2" and 3" slotted vents out there that work well for this) With a decent cover covering the boat when not in use it is amazing how well these floors hold up.

Which ever way you go just do a through job and make it a beauty!!!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Aluminum Starcraft Center Console What Type of Foam to Use

How come we haven't seen either of you JtJr or guzziprov down in the SC section with some pics of your boats?! We've got probably the largest collection of Starcraft enthusiasts on the internet here and we're a friendly bunch.

I would avoid the pourable foam. Blocks the drainage and can cause corrosion issues. I'd go with the pink/blue foam as suggested or pool noodles which is what I used.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Aluminum Starcraft Center Console What Type of Foam to Use

absolutly avoid the poured in foam. there have been a few cases of pretty bad corrosion due to the foam. plus you will spend less on 4x8 sheets than on 2 part poured foam.


as for the ply, you can use exterior grade ply just coat it with resin, preferably epoxy. 2 coats should do it.

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Aluminum Starcraft Center Console What Type of Foam to Use

I know that I have heard many times the argument for poured in foam being the added strength. I'm not so sure that is the case?? Maybe it is, but I don't think I am convinced.

I have seen many photos here on iboats of guys pulling up their deck to find the pour in foam. But it looks like it sort of loads up like a cow patty would (sorry just kinda what it looks like). The corners are not filled with the foam. Sometimes they are, sometime they are not.

I know when I took a chainsaw to my fiberglass donor boat (Thumper the Baja) there were voids in the corners.

Where the foam comes in contact with the hull/deck I am sure that there is some strength provided, but, where there are voids I am sure there isn't.

Side note, many boats don't need the structure support/strength. I know that many of the aluminum rigs have the rigid styro foam in there. That stuff certainly doesn't provide strength.

Just thinking out loud.

Have fun!

 

[tboydva]

Re: Aluminum Starcraft Center Console What Type of Foam to Use

If you do pour in or spray in foam, you can install a "drain" along the keel. I did this with PVC pipe. I cut it long-ways to make a half circle. Then I drilled it full of holes. Place it inside along the keel - then cover it with paper mache. The foam(s) are solvent based, so they won't go through the hardened paper mache. Water however, will make it dissolve. My foam is water-free (by feel at least)!

I'm alone in this, but I favor getting rid of any wood on a boat! Sheet aluminum isn't way more expensive than marine-grade plywood. You'll never have to replace it or feel the soft rot-spots!

 

[RangerJim]

Re: Aluminum Starcraft Center Console What Type of Foam to Use

I'm with tboydva, I'd stay away from using wood. There is plenty of other materials out there, I would look at Fiberglass structural sheets, they are available at Ridoutplastics.com, check them out, I ordered some channels and sheets for my restore, no more wood. An example of cost is a .250" x 48" x 96" sheet sells for $313.60. And channel goes for $5.80 per foot for 4" x 1.125" x .250". Good luck with your rebuild,

Ranger Jim

p.s tboydva, your not alone

 

[JtJr09]

Re: Aluminum Starcraft Center Console What Type of Foam to Use

Thanks for the info guys. I think I am going to go with the pool noodles and hard pink board.

How many ply plywood should I be purchasing. I think the most I have seen in Home Depot is 4 ply sheathing.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Aluminum Starcraft Center Console What Type of Foam to Use

4 ply should be fine... but i would go with at least 5/8, if not 3/4. i used 1/2 and regret it... its not very stiff.

 

[RangerJim]

Re: Aluminum Starcraft Center Console What Type of Foam to Use

[QUOTE its not very stiff.[/QUOTE]

Thats what she said sorry , had to say it.

 

[Andy in NY]

Re: Aluminum Starcraft Center Console What Type of Foam to Use

[QUOTE its not very stiff.

Thats what she said sorry , had to say it. [/QUOTE]

haha now thats funny. never gets old!