Floation foam

[Scott Dunsworth]

I am going to try my hand at using the pour in foam. The kit contains enough for 10 cubic feet.

Thought I would mix a small amount at a time so I could learn how this stuff acts.

Anyone used much of this stuff? It is from Clarkcraft marine.

Should have the area under the V berth and cockpit ready for foam Monday or Tuesday.

Scott

[Frank Hagan]

Only think I've heard about using the two part, pour in place foam is that you have to be careful to make sure it can expand out someplace. If trapped and without enough space to "escape", it can cause some stresses on the sides of the place containing it.

[Charlie Jones]

"some stresses" can be a bit of an understatement. If you get too much in an area and it has no place to go it can explode the joints. Make SURE there is adequate room for excess to escape.

And it's a very good idea to work with small batches- Remember- a little liquid becomes a LOT of foam.

[Klaus]

Yes, and mix it when it's not too hot or it will start foaming up in your mixing cup :oops: .

You only have seconds to stir it before pouring.

BTW, I still think air is the lightest type of flotation. Foaming spaces up makes it impossible to access them later if the need for repair should arise.

If moisture should get trapped in there it might cause mischief later on.

On my boat only a small space at the bottom of the engine well was foamed in between two plywood skins. I cut several 1" holes in the top skin to pour it in and let the excess foam out. These ' foam mushrooms' were later cut off.

All the other flotation on my boat is sealed but accessible ( for inspection) by screw type hatches.

Klaus

[Scott Dunsworth]

Thanks all.

I had heard about the pressures although never really thought about it popping joints.

All of the areas that I will be filling won't have the tops on when poured. The instructions are not very detailed, but it does show the excess be trimmed off after cure.

I am building in ventilation under the cockpit and V berth, but not in the bow chamber under the anchor well.

As far as total floation goes, the seats will be air tight and act as floation also. I am planning to use plastic hatchs on the seat tops and 6 inch round ports that go into the cabin from the seat chambers. I will be able to have ventilation through the whole boat when in storage. Then close all the hatchs and screw in ports when in the weather or sailing.

Scott