Foam

[Phish555]

I know there has been a lot of discussion on the subject of foam. I just finished my engine bay and transom rebuild and used the same foam I took out (most of it anyway).
I was wondering if anyone has ever tried that foam that comes in a can that is used for insulating windows in a house. It comes in an expanding foam, and a non expanding foam and is called "great stuff". What do you guys think?

 

[Coors]

Re: Foam

Nope. Ditch the foam, and use pop bottles or noodles.
If you need the foam, use 2 part foam made for marine.
Ever thought of installing it in the gunnels, where if swamped, it would stabilize the boat better, and no worrying about the water-sucking foam under the deck?
Just a thought.

 

[Phish555]

Re: Foam

Hi Coors, I already have the foam back in my engine bay and stringer rebuild. Is that a nope as in never used the canned foam stuff, or a nope as in NO, don't use the canned stuff, or a nope as in NO, it wont work?

 

[Coors]

Re: Foam

That stuff is a water magnet, marine 2 part is better, but still, any water (rain, skiers climbing in, etc).
I think it sucks in humidity.
I am in the process of deleting all foam under my deck, in order to save the boat.
Search for, maybe "flotation" in here.
Some like kiddy tubes, some like pop bottles.
Read up;it's your boat.
Foam rots everything.

 

[salty87]

Re: Foam

this is what i did... http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=247834

by keeping the foam, i don't have to worry about how long pool noodles or coke bottles will last. this foam is designed for this purpose. who knows what will happen to pool noodles down there. i've seen them all moldy from being stored in a damp place (locker of my boat before starting this project!).

water runs off the blocks (there's a small gap on all sides of each foam block), drains down to the bottom of the hull, i added limber wholes in my stringers and under all the bulkheads so water has a way out.

the biggest problem with foam, imo, is that seals to everything it touches creating puddles on top where it can't drain. it eventually works its way into the foam or stringers and problems begin. let the foam drain and things won't get saturated.

you said you used the same old foam?...i'd take a chunk and smash it with something blunt like a hammer...does water squish out? if it was saturated, it will never dry out.

 

[Phish555]

Re: Foam

The foam I put back in was very light and brittle. It snaps in half if you try to break it. I am not worried about reusing my old foam. My original question has to do with that foam that comes in the cans called "great stuff", and if anyone has ever used it for that purpose. It can be purchased in a hardware store, and is used for insulation and sealing up windows in houses.

 

[salty87]

Re: Foam

no way, the 2 part marine is very durable. the great stuff doesn't compare. it would leave you with the same problem that it will create pockets that trap water and will absorb that water much more quickly. i can walk on my foam blocks or toss them around the yard.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Foam

Ayuh,.....
Foam in general,+ the Canned Foam you're asking about are good for 1 thing,.....
And,....
That's Rotting your boat......