Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

nhangler

Cadet
Joined
Nov 26, 2010
Messages
22
Not polystyrene, rather closer to a pool noodle but heavier. Comes with dell PCs and servers.

I tested a chunk of this stuff submerged in water for a day. Weighed it on a scale before and after. Absorbed no water. Have not tested against gas / oil hull smudge yet but I can get plenty of this stuff and have enough to do my 17' aluminum boat.

Anyone else tried this?

Anyone put theirs in a bag or protect the foam from the chemicals that could be floating around the inside of your hull?
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

I think you're correct that it's polyethylene foam, same as noodles. I can't see why not!
 

Woodonglass

Supreme Mariner
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Dec 29, 2009
Messages
25,929
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

If you can get a LOT of it, then yep, it is the SAME stuff
 

Cadwelder

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Aug 30, 2010
Messages
1,780
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

Wow another floation material added to the mix.....pool noodles, ping pong balls, blue and pink sheets, pour in 2 part foam and now computer packaging....just keep getting better.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

Wow another floation material added to the mix.....pool noodles, ping pong balls, blue and pink sheets, pour in 2 part foam and now computer packaging....just keep getting better.

The noodlers do not appreciate your snarkiness. This insubordination has been noted.
 

MichaelP

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Apr 26, 2010
Messages
1,190
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

Noodlers are the folks that catch big cat fish with bare hands. Their crazy too! :facepalm::D:eek:
I would just be sure not to use the environmentally friendly peanuts. Those are a 1 shot deal. :D
 

CBGale2

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 22, 2009
Messages
1,026
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

Wow another floation material added to the mix.....pool noodles, ping pong balls, blue and pink sheets, pour in 2 part foam and now computer packaging....just keep getting better.

Don't forget laundry bottles. :D
 

pete s

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 4, 2010
Messages
112
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

I have an endless supply of bubble wrap what are everyone's thoughts on that. I am planning on using it when the time comes. (hopefully in 2 weeks or so)
 

Cadwelder

Lieutenant Commander
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Messages
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Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

I have an endless supply of bubble wrap what are everyone's thoughts on that. I am planning on using it when the time comes. (hopefully in 2 weeks or so)

I really hope that's a joke....

jasoutside said:
That's about the dumbest thing I ever heard. Almost as dumb as that pour in foam garbage. But not quite.

What's wrong with the two part foam?
 

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

What's wrong with the two part foam?

Frisco's Glasser...

Water under the foam everywhere

DSC00405.jpg


Just one of many my friend. Pour in foam = no drainage.

Metal boats aren't as bad but still cause corrosion when the water gets trapped by the pour in.

Noodles, foam board, pong balls, soap jugs and all sorts of other interesting displacement items provide drainage and foltation:)
 

pete s

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 4, 2010
Messages
112
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

No it is not a joke. Why wouldnt it work for flotation, basically the same principal as foam just on a larger scale, tons of small air pockets.
 

Ciera2450

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Apr 8, 2011
Messages
1,049
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

I have 50 pool noodles under the deck in my little runabout....
If she splits in half or something...i'll have plenty of noodles to grab ahold of! lol
 

Cadwelder

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
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Messages
1,780
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

No it is not a joke. Why wouldnt it work for flotation, basically the same principal as foam just on a larger scale, tons of small air pockets.

Go for it man.....
 

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

No it is not a joke. Why wouldnt it work for flotation, basically the same principal as foam just on a larger scale, tons of small air pockets.

I'd be concerned that water would sit in between the layers of bubble wrap and eventually mold would set in. Lot's of options out there that would be better than bubble wrap.

Kudos for thinking out of the box though!
 

jasoutside

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 20, 2009
Messages
13,269
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

Hey Dave (cadwelder), yur pm box is full;):D
 

nhangler

Cadet
Joined
Nov 26, 2010
Messages
22
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

Yes, we buy lots of hardware that comes with this kind of packing foam. I started grabbing it for my flotation foam for the boat. I should have plenty. Just hate seeing it get thrown away only to go to a landfill.

See, going green is more than just the effects of me hitting my lawn 4-5 times a year with the scotts nitrogen enriched fertilizer! :D

Regarding the bubble wrap idea, I would suggest against that. I would think that it would degrade a lot quicker and be ineffective. Remember that there is more than just water sloshing around inside of your hull.
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

DSC00405.jpg


Just one of many my friend. Pour in foam = no drainage.

Your forgetting that some of use use 3/4"-1" drilled out pvc along our stringers before we pour foam in there for drainage ;) .

PS. look like your giving the birdy in that pic lol :) .

No it is not a joke. Why wouldnt it work for flotation, basically the same principal as foam just on a larger scale, tons of small air pockets.

Tons of water to be entrapped .. good idea short term..but man would I not want to take the shrink wrap off that boat in the spring : ) .

I have 50 pool noodles under the deck in my little runabout....
If she splits in half or something...i'll have plenty of noodles to grab ahold of! lol

On a side note about noodles.. its would be kinda ez for the coasties to locate you when you have noodles floating all over the place ( Im not kidding..good spot for flyovers ) .. Id would float on the beer cooler..but hey.

Kudos for thinking out of the box though!

I Wholeheartedly Agree with this !! Thinking out of the box is what makes this forum Great .. I learn a lot from these guys with something "new" .. just not this one ( cant win them all ; ) ).

Remember that there is more than just water sloshing around inside of your hull.

I hope there is No water sloshing around in any boat LOL !! .. if there is then your foam is the least of your problems. Not saying anything personal against your post there angler..I think we know what you mean :) .

Here is the REAL DEAL on foam and/or floatation methods from a professional point of view..

Some boats require foam for "floatation".

Some boats require foam for "integrity" .

Some boats have foam in places where it would not require it ( waste of time and effort ).

Some boats have foam in places just to fill "dead" areas that could be used in smuggling contraband ( trust me I have seen it )

For non structural boats I see no reason not to use the "pool noodles" if properly sealed/welded at the ends for flotation in NON-Structural foam builds ! ( just pay me 90 bucks an hour and It could cost you more then the boat is worth for a noodle install )

Plastic bottles are IMHO the best because of there shape ( mostly rounded ) and cant really trap water between them therefore draining to the bilge and evacuated VIA pump or plug ( never seen a plastic bottle mildew either ).

Any other kinda of material that will not allow water to completely drain into the bilge will eventually mold and mildew. Leaving those spores to come into the cabin area ( if you have one ) or cushions etc. You cant just start cramming PC foam or wrappings into your boat without long term side affects.

Structural foam build boats needs that 2 part foam reinstalled just like factory. You can add some modded drilled out pvc to the lowest point of the compartment to aid in the drainage of water if you like.

Foam is one of two things .. Structural ( needs to be re-foamed ) or Floatation.

Noodles or bottles might work for you..but not the next guy. So make SURE you know What YOUR boat needs before Foaming or using an alternate floatation system.

YD.
 

Tahorover

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 7, 2011
Messages
572
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

I'd be concerned that water would sit in between the layers of bubble wrap and eventually mold would set in. Lot's of options out there that would be better than bubble wrap.

Kudos for thinking out of the box though!
Mold will only grow were it has a food source.
 

Yacht Dr.

Vice Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
5,581
Re: Computer Packing Foam for Foam Replacement?

Be nice if lakes or oceans were distilled water bodies..but no.. microbes are there with there food source.

YD.
 
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