Closed cell foam (bulk) sources?

[ampersand]

Does anyone know where I can get a sizable chunk (or composite layers) of closed cell foam to replace some rotted styrofoam?

Quick check on Google reveals smaller specialty pieces and a few larger (1'x2'x1") chunks of no verifiable reputation.

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/1136/Closed-Cell-Foam-12in-x-24in-x-1in.html

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/userportal/show_product.do?pid=54317&BASE

I'm mainly looking to replace the styrofoam immediately below the cockpit on a O'Day 20, and after talking to Rudy about the problem, closed cell seems like the winning bet (epoxy foam evidently does n't take a load well).


Thank you for your time,
Thomas.

 

[jackhartjr]

Check with Northern Tool and Tractor Supply...when they get new trailers in they are 'stacked' using blocks of foam about 18" to 2 ' square, I am pretty sure that would work!
Jack

 

[ampersand]

I was actually up at one of their local stores a few months ago and happened to see a new batch of trailers, but aren't those blocks styrofoam (or styrofoam-like)? The only reason I'm picky is because the styro just doesn't seem to hold up well in this particular environment.

 

[Sunbird22358]

How old is your O'DAY 20?
By my figures, the NEWEST 20 would be a 1978 model and thus 33 years old, if the original styrofoam lasted almost 30 years (or more!!), I don't think I'd be too concerned about using the same stuff again. That said, it is not mandatory that you replace that foam anyway, you will gain potential stowage room by not replacing it. Piece of mind of knowing that the boat will not (or should not?) sink if ever holed is certainly worth the trouble and cost of obtaining and installing new foam.
You could check out sources for the Foam planks/chunks used to support floating docks (I think that is what Jamestown sells?), Jamestown Distributers is a VERY reputable supplier and may even be able to cut the planks for you.

PS: the foam in the bilge of my 1979 DS II is still in fine shape.

 

[ampersand]

It's not so much the age but the temporal distribution of wear on the material...a few decades of extremely sparing freshwater use can be undone by an ill-advised storage method on the part of the previous owner.

I don't need the original variety of foam for sure, styro just fails to meet multiple design criteria.

Looking over Jamestown's site, I don't really know how to gauge the condition/qualities of the materials offered. Has anyone worked with such materials and/or ordered foam from them?

 

[ampersand]

Also, a quick back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests a lower bound price (using Jamestown) or about $600 total, which...is perhaps rather poorly suited to the project.