FOAM???

Captianloud

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 16, 2006
Messages
43
Say for some unfortunate reason I was replacing the floor in my boat. During this process I discover that the foam under it is, well, saturated. So I use a screw driver and putty knife to remove the foam on half my floor, passanger side of the ski locker to the transom. I removed the plywood first, I'll get to the other side soon enough. Knowing I had to get the water out, replacing the foam was something I knew was envitable (sp). I already did a transome job but underestimated the condition of the floor. I want to replace the foam not only for boyancy (sp) but for sound/vibration damping. Can I use a product like "Great stuff". Or must I use something else. Advantages/Disadvantages?<br /><br />94 Bayliner 1850 Capri LS Bowrider<br />4.3L V6 w/ Merc Alpha 1 Gen 2
 

ferrariman

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jan 4, 2006
Messages
82
Re: FOAM???

You shouldent double post, if your are patient a nauticaly knowledged person will answer your question. Bu to answer your question if this "great stuff" is closed cell foam as opposed to open cell foam ,it will be good as it will not absorb water.<br /><br /><br /> F-MAN
 

studlymandingo

Commander
Joined
Mar 22, 2006
Messages
2,716
Re: FOAM???

Use a foam specifically designed for floatation. On a side note: I filled an old wheelbarrow tire with "Great Stuff" once. It will never come off of the rim, but it will never go flat! Four years and counting.
 

fishingdan

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Feb 12, 2005
Messages
1,045
Re: FOAM???

"Great Stuff" isn't ideal for a couple of reasons.<br /><br />1) There really isn't that much in a can<br />2) Looking at the larger quantities one needs to fill the under sole cavity, the cost will be higher<br />3) The propellent in the can is flamible. I don't know if this gas stays in the cell after they form, but I would worry that it could be risky<br /><br />Look for USCG approved 2-part closed cell foam. It is sold by the quart, gallon or great quantities. This foam is designed for boats. Of the top of my head, I believe it is about $75/gal. You can buy it here at iboats.
 

JasonJ

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2001
Messages
4,163
Re: FOAM???

Ahhhh...Great Stuff has reared its ugly head again...Don't do it. That is not what the product is intended for. You would end up spending more money for an inferior product for the purpose. Great Stuff would be fine for above waterline areas like under the gunnels and such, but not fo under the floor. Just buy some 2 part closed cell foam and do it right. Great Stuff is too light, provides little structure, and is only intended for sealing around house windows and doors. Good luck...
 

Captianloud

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jan 16, 2006
Messages
43
Re: FOAM???

Need another source of foam. Add on iboats says one quart component A mixed with one quart component B yields 1 cubic ft. 2:1 expansion rate? seams too little. $73.09/ft^3 is purely unacceptable. Please tell me the desciption is wrong. <br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cg...=129315965&list_time=1144823688&view_id=38103 <br /><br />BTW Jason, my last boat has a tower 'o power. Thats a great outboard, infact I still have mine. 1450cc inline 6, mmmmmmmmmmmmmm
 

clemsonfor

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 19, 2005
Messages
1,011
Re: FOAM???

dan said around 75$/ gal. Sure you don't have your amts. and quantities mixed up. you state a quart is $73 dont you mean $73 /gal which has an expansion rate of 2/1 also and would yield 4 FT^3. I just see though that you said 1 qt of A with 1 qt B. Oh well i dont know.<br /><br />-Nate<br /><br />If the boat is in a inland lake other than the great lakes i personally would not worry, the boat is going to be junk and cost to fix if it is recovererd from the water, and if it is a cheap boat buy another and save the initial head ach of foam and then clean up if you ever need the foam. Or if you have a newer boat which i doubt because you are replacing thing let the insurance pay for it.
 

bolo789

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
376
Re: FOAM???

my friend bought two much foam to do his boat, so he is selling the rest real cheap, <br /><br />if instrested send a email at bolo789@yahoo.com
 

jze1212

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 11, 2006
Messages
156
Re: FOAM???

Crap, I used "GREAT STUF"... Hmm,,, I really packed it in there though man, I have floor completely sealed off now and covered, not much water going to get in there.. I only intend on having this boat for about 2 years, think it'll survive anyone?????
 

jze1212

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 11, 2006
Messages
156
Re: FOAM???

I suppose If I have to I can pop a couple holes in the floor and pour in some 2 part stuf...
 

Speedwagon

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 5, 2005
Messages
389
Re: FOAM???

Originally posted by jze1212:<br /> Crap, I used "GREAT STUF"... Hmm,,, I really packed it in there though man, I have floor completely sealed off now and covered, not much water going to get in there.. I only intend on having this boat for about 2 years, think it'll survive anyone?????
As long as you aren't trying to sink the boat, it will be just fine.
 

jze1212

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 11, 2006
Messages
156
Re: FOAM???

Right.. I feel confident that I wont have any problems, the foam is packed in there nicely, along with 2 large PVC pipes that run along side the stringer on each side, sealed off, providing structural support. Whelp, made my bed, gotta sleep in it.. <br /><br />Thanks for the vote of confidence Speedwagon
 

JasonJ

Rear Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2001
Messages
4,163
Re: FOAM???

jze, in all honesty, as much as I preach using the right foam and all that, the number one killer of a boat is just plain abuse. If you are covering it when not in use, not letting rain stay pooled in it, not letting snow build up in it, then you will probably be alright. I am obsessive about covering my boat. The only time the cover is off is when it is sunny out. If I know it will be sunny for several days, I'll leave the cover off, just to let that hot sun bake the boat. <br /><br />I keep my boat in the water during the season, and still secure the cover, especially if I think there is even the remotest chance of rain. Why? Because of all the time I spent rebuilding the darn thing. I still have goals of rebuilding another boat that would be worry free, that I could leave uncovered, but for now the cover is always on.
 
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