Styrofoam?

[Starcraftobsession]

I am tearing apart my 1965 StarCraft and cleaning it up. It needs ALOT of TLC. I tore the floor up today and all the foam is shot and water logged. Does anyone know where I can get new stuff from? Thanks

 

[matt167]

Re: Styrofoam?

Pink or Blue foam from the home center or lumber yard

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Styrofoam?

Owens Corning Foamular F-150 2 in. x 48 in. x 8 ft. Scored Squared Edge Foam-45W at The Home Depot

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: Styrofoam?

The proper flotation foam to use is 2 part pour foam, which is USCG recognized. I get it from US Composites.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Styrofoam?

The proper flotation foam to use is 2 part pour foam, which is USCG recognized. I get it from US Composites.

Yeah, but most people are terrified of that stuff so they use the rigid sheet foam instead.

 

[NickMcCabe]

Re: Styrofoam?

Great idea for a thread that I'm sure would not be original: Building Construction Foam vs. Marine Floatation Foam

I have heard there is a major difference in the cells of the foam and that construction foam can water log.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Styrofoam?

Great idea for a thread that I'm sure would not be original: Building Construction Foam vs. Marine Floatation Foam

I have heard there is a major difference in the cells of the foam and that construction foam can water log.

And we all know that marine floatation foam never gets waterlogged. ??

Uncle has had pink sheets around his pump house for years. They are actually under water.
We had to get into the box last year so we had to remove the foam.
It was not waterlogged at all.

Just as some people have used the swimming pool noodles and have tested for waterlogging issues, not a problem.


For the original poster, your Starcraft came with sheet styrofoam, as did all of mine.
The new sheet foam is better than the old white pellet foam.
I use the 1" thick foam, as it is easier to work with, and will pack into smaller spaces.

 

[NickMcCabe]

Re: Styrofoam?

I didn't say it was fact, just that I had heard it. I'm probably gonna use the 2" HD stuff when I get to it on mine.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Styrofoam?

The Pink/Blue Foam from Lowe's/Home Depot is 100% totally impervious to water penetration as opposed to the Closed Cell Pour in foam used sold by USC. Over time it can/will absorb water. But...If the boat is properly cared for and maintained it really is a moot point.

 

[Cagey59]

Re: Styrofoam?

The Pink/Blue Foam from Lowe's/Home Depot is 100% totally impervious to water penetration as opposed to the Closed Cell Pour in foam used sold by USC. Over time it can/will absorb water. But...If the boat is properly cared for and maintained it really is a moot point.

What about the white foam? It is cheaper.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Styrofoam?

What about the white foam? It is cheaper.

you get what you pay for.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Styrofoam?

Some did use sheet foam,I can't. It is part of the rigitity of the hull. Those that use sheet foam where it should not be are compromising the hull.
Grub

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Styrofoam?

Those that use sheet foam where it should not be are compromising the hull.
Grub

People don't want to think about that... nor do they want to think about the fact that the 2 part expanding urethane foam is the only one that is USCG approved, they just want to think about how cheaply they can get by and the route that will require the least amount of work... pretty sad if you ask me.

 

[Fcdave]

Re: Styrofoam?

I used the pink foam sheets because it is totally waterproof....will not soak up and hold water, whereas the pour foam (even though it is USCG approv) will soak up & hold water.....it wasn't cost, structure or availability...or less labor.....just that it is truly waterproof! I use it to float my docks and they have been fine for 15 yrs!

 

[jasoutside]

Re: Styrofoam?

(even though it is USCG approv)

It's ok man, not doing exactly what the Government wants you to do is a completely reasonable decision. Believe it or not, they don't "always" know whats "best" for you.

 

[chconger]

Re: Styrofoam?

It's ok man, not doing exactly what the Government wants you to do is a completely reasonable decision. Believe it or not, they don't "always" know whats "best" for you.

I used blue board too.

But USCG has a good reason for not approving it. Gas and oil will eat it. Urethane (pour in) is resistant to that stuff.

For me, I think a catastrophic fuel spill that licks at the foam is improbable. But if it does happen, my deck would need to be torn out to remove any damaged foam.

Chris

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Styrofoam?

I used the pink foam sheets because it is totally waterproof....will not soak up and hold water, whereas the pour foam (even though it is USCG approv) will soak up & hold water.....it wasn't cost, structure or availability...or less labor.....just that it is truly waterproof! I use it to float my docks and they have been fine for 15 yrs!

It actually takes years of wanton neglect and/or ignorance by letting the urethane foam be constantly exposed and in contact with water to saturate the foam.

I just can't see anybody that has spent the time and money restoring their boat to nearly new (or even better than new) letting it sit out in the elements uncovered and with the drain plug in to saturate the foam... but I guess there are people that dumb (maybe they work for the government, or are they the ones buying the polystyrene foam?... or both???)

 

[matt167]

Re: Styrofoam?

I think it is 'acceptable' to build a boat back the same way it came apart. If that means using sheet foam as original ( even if not the exact type ) in the case of many Starcraft restorations, so be it. If pour foam was used than pour it in.... My Custom Craft gets much of it's support from the foam core/ sealed bilge ( does not have a 'true' stringer system ), so I have to use pour foam and have a few kits ready for when I need foam..

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Styrofoam?

why do people say that pour foam is harder to use than sheet foam. Maybe my hull was different but as I used pour foam to support the hull and the floor I found it real easy to use and the fun part of the job.

 

[chconger]

Re: Styrofoam?

... but I guess there are people that dumb (maybe they work for the government, or are they the ones buying the polystyrene foam?... or both???)....

Just to clarify:

The "government" are the people that say not to use polystyrene here.