help...foam flotation

[beachd]

'91 Sea Nymph 171cc aluminum v bottom is my project boat, with rear bilge pump to remove water that gets under deck.<br />I Removed all decking and water-logged (heavy) foam flotation from below. <br />I would like to re-foam for noise suppression and flotation...but, understand the pourable flotation foam is not completely 'closed cell' and will eventually get saturated and heavy again. <br />Is there a better way? I thought of locating large styrofoam blocks and cutting / mitering to fit all below deck cavities.<br />Or, do I just leave out the foam altogether?<br />Any experience or recommendations.<br />Thanks, beachd

 

[DJ]

Re: help...foam flotation

beachd,<br /><br />Go with the closed cell blocks, cut to fit.

 

[beachd]

Re: help...foam flotation

Where can you purchase blocks of 'closed cell' styrofoam for cutting to size. <br />The standard white styrofoam used in all packaging / coolers, etc seems not to absorb water like the expanding flotation foam...Is this so?<br />I've got to pick a foam method asap, as the new marine ply decks are cut and ready to seal.<br />Beached

 

[DJ]

Re: help...foam flotation

beachd,<br /><br />You can buy it at most construction supply stores.<br /><br />It is true, it doesn't hold water.

 

[crab bait]

Re: help...foam flotation

home depot ,,lowes is lousey with the stuff.. pink owens-corning foam in all sizes & thicknesses...<br /><br />USCG say all boats under 21 foot must have level floatation...

 

[JasonJ]

Re: help...foam flotation

Be careful, all foam absorbs water after awhile. I did an experiment when researching my rebuild, and took samples of every foam I could find, they all took on water after awhile. I am placing as large a diameter as possible of PVC Drainfield pipe, capped on both ends in each stringer void, and then using 2 part foam to fill remaining space and to hold the pvc in place. Drainfield pipe is thinner (and cheaper) than standard pvc, it it used around houses to flow water away from the house. You want to use the solid pipe, not the pipe with holes in it. <br /><br />I can't emphasize this enough: Do Not Leave The Boat Out In The Rain. Keep it covered, prevention is the only way to kep your boat from rotting its guts out.....