First off I'm a long time reader - infrequent poster. I have gleaned numerous scraps of info and complete 'how's to' from these forums - thank you. Currently I have a 1959 Dowty turbocraft (very similar to the Buehler turbocrafts) under restoration. I'm about to install the deck after a transom and stringer rebuild and I need opinions / guidance on floatation foam. Originally the boat didn't come with foam (I believe, from what I found in the hull and the research on this subject), however given the opening for the jet drive intake on the bottom, the potential for water coming into the hull from an impact or leak could be quite problematic as there wouldn't be anything to 'float the boat'. Suffice to say an exceptional bildge pump will be installed later.
My question is: should I go with pourable, expanding foam or cut styrofoam sheets given the cavities aren't the biggest in the world. I haven't done the foam floatation calculation yet but I'm seriously considering going with the expanding product given it would likely provide much better floatation. I expect the boat/motor/drive to weigh about 1500-1600 pounds - fuel gear and people are on top of that. The boat will be on a trailer / lift most of the time.
There are a couple of pictures attached - one showing the interior of the hull and one more of a couple of completed turbocrafts (hopefully by may/ june I'll be close to this!)
Please let me know what you think would be a the best route here.
Thanks
My question is: should I go with pourable, expanding foam or cut styrofoam sheets given the cavities aren't the biggest in the world. I haven't done the foam floatation calculation yet but I'm seriously considering going with the expanding product given it would likely provide much better floatation. I expect the boat/motor/drive to weigh about 1500-1600 pounds - fuel gear and people are on top of that. The boat will be on a trailer / lift most of the time.
There are a couple of pictures attached - one showing the interior of the hull and one more of a couple of completed turbocrafts (hopefully by may/ june I'll be close to this!)
Please let me know what you think would be a the best route here.
Thanks
