What type of foam to use

MrBill_FLL · May 5, 2015

you can often get free blocks of styrofoam from northern tool. they use it to ship trailers. I would put it in large plastic bags. its kinda noisy and sheds

better is the closed cell foam. those blue sheets at home depot.

stay away from great stuff its open cell foam and will hold water if given a chance, and can smell.

TaZ_Izzy · May 23, 2015

i have the same problem, got a VN23 1977 without any foam...

i have the idea of using this inner tire tubes for flotation ($35)

also found in HD this foam boards ($23)

currently im thinking which way to go

Chief RA · May 23, 2015

spray can of insulation foam. Chief

TaZ_Izzy · May 23, 2015

spray can of insulation foam IS A BIG NO NO!!!

Chief RA · May 23, 2015

Ok, why? Chief

justsomeguy · May 23, 2015

Chief RA said:
Ok, why? Chief

Um, 'cause it's a sticky mess?

woodster · May 23, 2015

this is why "stay away from great stuff its open cell foam and will hold water if given a chance, and can smell."

Chief RA · May 23, 2015

I looked these foams up on Amazon before I posted anything and some spray foam is closed cell and waterproof. These are used for construction sealing purposes and if they smelled for any length of time would not be used I would think. I have used this type of foam and it worked fine. It is not messy once dried. Chief

justsomeguy · May 23, 2015

Chief RA said:
snip- I have used this type of foam and it worked fine. Chief

In the nether regions of your boat?

Chief RA · May 23, 2015

Yes, for flotation foam replacement way up in bow, other small cavities that had foam decaying and I removed. Placing loose foam panels in boats takes up much room. I have used spray can foam for many different applications for years. All these problems with it is news to me! It does need to be closed cell. ????? Chief

justsomeguy · May 23, 2015

It just seems so final to me, I guess. Wiring issues come to mind, but I suppose there are ways around that.

Chief RA · May 23, 2015

I havn't tried to remove the fresh sprayed in foam but the old foam breaks up with a big screwdriver and just take it out a piece at a time. Cover your wiring so it won't stick to it.
Chief

justsomeguy · May 23, 2015

Chief RA said:
I havn't tried to remove the fresh sprayed in foam but the old foam breaks up with a big screwdriver and just take it out a piece at a time. Cover your wiring so it won't stick to it.
Chief

Or conduit?

Chief RA · May 23, 2015

Sure, or plastic pipe,flexible tubing or whatever you have available. Make sure it is closed cell used for sealing and insulating walls. Of course, test it first as we do many times on our projects. Enjoyed talking with you this winter! Chief

prob · May 23, 2015

I think if I were to use the spray type foam, I would first line the area with a heavy duty garbage bag, and spray the foam into the bag. That way, it won't adhere to the fiberglass, and would be a little easier to remove.

Chief RA · May 23, 2015

prob: Good idea, then you could lightly glue it in place after it sets up so you could then remove it with little hassle. Chief

topcat0399 · May 23, 2015

LOL: Guys - its spray foam, nothing that a jab saw a scraper and a little will won't remove....

Doc_holiday · May 24, 2015

prob said:
I think if I were to use the spray type foam, I would first line the area with a heavy duty garbage bag, and spray the foam into the bag. That way, it won't adhere to the fiberglass, and would be a little easier to remove.

This is how our parts department packages compressors for shipping. Not a bad idea but once it's shaped, you still have to get it out someday, but it can be broken up in the bag and not sticking.

I sort of like that idea of going to northern tool and asking for the styrofoam blocks they use for shipping the trailers.

Chief RA · May 24, 2015

The problem with the blocks is they do not form fit and take up much more room for the same flotation rating. Chief