Flotation Foam - Pour in vs. Spray in ? ? ? ?

[Sailor98277]

I just finished putting in a floor in my tri-hull and need to put the floatation foam in now. I know there are various weights and types to put in. I have selected the 4 lb version, but do not know if I should use the spray in or the pour in. How would you use the pour in version? Would you drill holes into the floor and then pour it into the hole thru a funnel? Not sure how to accomplish all that. I'm new to this and been working from the hip. I appreciate any comments or advice.

Vr,

Michael

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Flotation Foam - Pour in vs. Spray in ? ? ? ?

Your foam can be the 2lb type. It is not being used for structure but just for flotation. Use the pour in stuff that is sold for boats.

Take a look at this you tube video by an iboats member https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjMTqQjkK7U

 

[Sailor98277]

Re: Flotation Foam - Pour in vs. Spray in ? ? ? ?

Your foam can be the 2lb type. It is not being used for structure but just for flotation. Use the pour in stuff that is sold for boats.

Take a look at this you tube video by an iboats member https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjMTqQjkK7U

Hey Bob,

Thank you for the link. It's very good and detailed. However, my boat is a tri-hull and I would like to put foam in the side sections under the gunwales. How much or how would I do those? Would I use more like a pint or a few cups at a time to fill those in so as not to build up to much pressure? The center is larger and I can see those not being that big of an issue. Drill some holes pour it in and have your breather holes for air to get out. I can handle that. It's the issue of the sides that worry me some. I will just use much smaller amounts so that I can gauge the progress of the foam movement. I can also use more breather holes as well. It's ok for the foam to come up to them while I close them off like the guy in the video did. 3/8" holes is what he used for breathers.

Vr,

Michael

 

[Sailor98277]

Re: Flotation Foam - Pour in vs. Spray in ? ? ? ?

One other question. Would you use the 2 lb all the way through it or would you use the 4 lb in the middle between the stringers?

Vr,

Michael

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Flotation Foam - Pour in vs. Spray in ? ? ? ?

2lb foam floats the same way 4lb foam does. The only difference is the density. 4lb is usually used as a piece of the structure and your tri-hull is not built that way.

Under the gunwales you can use pool noodles if you like (effective and not messy) otherwise you would have to seal off the gunwales with compartments to fill them.

BE CAREFUL because expanding foam is strong enough to do damage to a hull/deck

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Flotation Foam - Pour in vs. Spray in ? ? ? ?

I will just use much smaller amounts so that I can gauge the progress of the foam movement. I can also use more breather holes as well. It's ok for the foam to come up to them while I close them off like the guy in the video did. 3/8" holes is what he used for breathers.

Vr,

Michael

Do that and you'll be fine.

Have you figured up how much foam you'll need? Have you figured how much foam it'l take to float your boat? We can help you with this if you need it.

Post some pics of your boat so we can see what you have to work with and we can help you better.

 

[Sailor98277]

Re: Flotation Foam - Pour in vs. Spray in ? ? ? ?

I would post pics, but my camera is currently broken thanks to my grandkids. I have it being repaired. However, I did goto West Marine in Anacortes and talked with a guy that did a great deal of boat repair. He got me on the right track as well. I will see if I have some pics that I took a while ago and see if I can post those. Thanks again to you all for your help.

Vr,

Michael