foam

[6buoys]

can anyone tell me a good place to by foam to replace the stuff i took out of my 20 sf and also this is my first tme any pointers would be great .

[cdavisdb]

US Composites carries 2 part pour foam in several different densities. They have very good prices on epoxy, not sure about the foam.

[paulmv17]

X2 on US composites, I get most of my stuff from them. You can also try Mertons in MA, there great guys to work with.

[Blue_Heron]

Originally Posted by 6buoys

any pointers would be great .

First, you need to calculate the volume of the space you want to fill. Then you have to calculate the quantity of foam needed to fill it. The instructions will tell you expansion rate. I think the 2lb density expands like 25 times its original volume.

Use two measuring containers, one for Part A, one for part B. Mark them with a Sharpie so you don't reverse them on the second batch. Pour the contents of both measuring containers into a larger container with room for at least 100% expansion. Mix it fast with a power mixer on a drill. You have about 30 seconds in this warm weather before it starts to expand. Mix it right where you intend to use it. You won't have time to climb in the boat to pour it out if you mix it on your work bench.

Pour it out as evenly as you can. If you're pouring it on a slope like the bottom of a hull, start on the uphill side and let it run down. Don't mix too much at a time or it will get away from you. Mix no more than you can pour out in 30 seconds. You can always add more.

Once you've done a few batches, you'll get a sense of how much time you have to work with it.

And X3 on US Composites.

Dave

[FishStretcher]

I was able to get 2 gallon kits for $125-140 locally at New England Marine and Industrial and Jackson's Hardware in Maine. Mar-Pro brand. I am not a huge fan of that brand, it didn't seem to expand that well. My foam from Jamestown Distributors was far older (4-5 years) and it expanded better Some no-name (NCP?) brand from the Carolinas- I can't recall. I poured about 20 gallons of it last week, I was underwhelmed with Mar-Pro, a 2 gallon kit of 2 pound/cubic foot was doing 6-7 cubic feet if it was warm, less it it was not as warm.

[Normagain]

I've bought my foam from Aeromarine Products but they are in California. They always ship the same day and I get it the next. Very nice people to work with if your on the left coast.

[Blue_Heron]

Originally Posted by FishStretcher

I was able to get 2 gallon kits for $125-140 locally ...

Wow. US Composites 1.8 gallon kit (sold by the pound) is $67, and it's fresh. This stuff has a shelf life, so you don't want something that's been sitting around for years. Even with Shipping cost, I think you'd be $$ ahead.

[FishStretcher]

Originally Posted by Blue_Heron

Wow. US Composites 1.8 gallon kit (sold by the pound) is $67, and it's fresh. This stuff has a shelf life, so you don't want something that's been sitting around for years. Even with Shipping cost, I think you'd be $$ ahead.

Yeah. West Marine wanted $89 for 2 QUART packs . $67 for 2 gallons sounds awesome. If we were ever to do it again, we would buy drums, I think.