Replacement floatation foam? Help!

[Rick Carlson]

I am rebuilding the deck of a 16' Starcraft Fishmaster aluminum boat, and noticed that some of the floatation foam is in rough shape and I want to replace it. But what with? My local boat dealer does not carry it. They claim the polystyrene you can get at building stores won't work. It looks like ordinary white polystyrene foam to me.<br /><br />I can get sheets of expanded (the white stuff) and extruded (pink stuff) used for insulation at the local Menards. Will this work? <br /><br />The boat will be well cared for..ie, removed from water after use, water drained, garage stored.<br /><br />Any advice would be appreciated!<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[cp]

Re: Replacement floatation foam? Help!

Seems that resin will melt polystyrene. What you want is polyurethane foam. You can get that from lots of companies; for one, check out the link below:<br /><br />Flotation Foam<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Rick Carlson]

Re: Replacement floatation foam? Help!

Thanks pchonda! I'll look into that.

 

[lark2004]

Re: Replacement floatation foam? Help!

try talking to a foam supplier, they should be able to put you onto a 2-part expanding foam that is water proof,most of todays boat manufacturers use it.

 

[Bass Runner]

Re: Replacement floatation foam? Help!

Polystyrene is what came in my boat when it was new and has lasted since 1959. I would just replace any that is damaged or missing with the same thing, don't know how your boat is set up as far as stringers and crossmembers but if you use the 2 part expanding foam it my stop the boat from draining properly. You can see how the foam was installed in my click the url in signature.

 

[Rick Carlson]

Re: Replacement floatation foam? Help!

Yikes, the polyurethane is $100. My boat has no fiberglass so resin is not a concern. I think I'll go with what was there, polystyrene. My boat does have drain channels so the expanding foam is out. It appears the old stuff was damaged by gasoline, not water. I soaked some polystyrene in water for a week, no noticible water absorbed.<br /><br />Thanks for the input everyone, it is good to hear from experienced boat ownewrs!

 

[Rick Carlson]

Re: Replacement floatation foam? Help!

My boat has the drain channels, so the expanding foam is out. I'm going to go with the polystyrene, since that is the original material. It appears the old stuff was damaged by gasoline, and not waterlogged at all. <br /><br />Thanks for all the replies! I appreciate it!