Foam Questions

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by Blue_Heron

For floatation, use the 2lb foam. You'll get the same buoyancy for half the cost and half the weight. The heavier foams are structural, for use in casting or sculpting applications where durability is more important than weight or buoyancy.
Dave

I agree with Dave - SeaCraft never depended on foam for strength, it was for flotation only. The original Moesly 21 and maybe the 19 Bowrider, which is the same basic hull as the 20, were built in the 60's prior to the USCG flotation requirement and had NO foam, so they're obviously strong enough without it. Why use the denser foam which will actually provide LESS net buoyancy when the whole purpose of using foam in the first place was to increase buoyancy! The main thing I'd check is to make sure it's closed cell foam, to minimize water retention if it ever does get wet.

[Blue_Heron]

From US Composites description of their 2lb foam:

Our 2LB density marine foam is recommended for void filling in nonstructural applications. This product can be poured underneath decks and inside cavities where a lightweight flotation foam is needed to provide buoyancy. This foam has been tested in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard Regulation # 33 CFR 183.114 . This foam is approximately 95-98% closed cell which resists absorbing water, however continuous water submersion can eventually lead to loss of buoyancy over a period of years. We recommend this product strictly for flotation applications.

Also works very well for thermal insulation if you build a cooler so that you can pour the insulation.

Dave

[77SceptreOB]

Originally Posted by Blue_Heron

Also works very well for thermal insulation if you build a cooler so that you can pour the insulation.

Dave

Yep, sure does. I used it to insulate my livewell/beverage cooler and it worked great!