floatation ideas

[JasonJ]

Got another idea, this time its about the floatation. Has anyone ever heard of augmenting floatation foam with containers to create air voids, needing less foam? I have four stringer voids, two of which are pretty deep. I wonder if a person couldn't take 1 gallon milk jugs, seal the caps, place them in the voids, prior to glassing the floor in, and pouring the foam to secure them in place and create the final floatation. I am wondering this because not only would I need a lot less foam, but it would also be that much less foam that could possibly take on water down the road. I have also though of sealed PVC tubes in the two shallow stringer voids. I know, its a bizarre idea, but other than the potential of melting the milk jugs (don't know how hot the foam gets when it is expanding), I can't see a bad thing about it. Any thoughts? I am trying to iron all this junk out before I get started.....

 

[ajp]

Re: floatation ideas

My 1969 Glastron deckboat was made with no foam. No flotation period. I filled the center of the hull, bow to stern, with empty antifreeze jugs. They are removable and will never soak up water. In my mind 50 airtight compartments is much better than spray on foam that "will" soak up water sooner or later. The jugs are also free. Any auto repair shop should give you all you want.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: floatation ideas

I calculated that the total volume of the four voids combined is roughly 17 cubic feet. One kit of $44 two part foam from US Composites should do the trick (it fills 16 cubic feet), but I may still use some sort of containers, just for the sake of having less foam to possibly soak water. There are two more voids that could be filled as well, leaving the center bilge empty.

 

[DJ]

Re: floatation ideas

Jason,<br /><br />That is a great idea. However, I would prefer containers that are a bit more substantial than milk jugs. The anti freeze jugs sound good.<br /><br />The PVC idea is good too!

 

[Bondo]

Re: floatation ideas

Use Soda Bottles, Then FORGET about the foam.... The soda bottles are small, pack into small areas, sealing the tops is Easy, screw 'em on tight..... They last forever.... <br />Don't use the Foam.... Sooner or Later, You'll Regret it....

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: floatation ideas

Or you could get the empty antifreeze jugs and fill them with the foam, trim to the top lip, put the cap on and throw them in the void. That way you have encased foam for flotation. If they should ever get water soaked, just pull them out and replace...less hassle than replacing foam itself, I bet. Just a thought.

 

[ajp]

Re: floatation ideas

In my opinion putting foam in the jugs has no real value for the $ spent. Foam floats because it traps air. The jugs technically would float better with air only. The reason to have the foam is when the space is not watertight.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: floatation ideas

Here is my final plan. I will use 4 inch diameter lightweight drainfield PVC, capped on both ends. I will fit as many lengths as I can, and will then pour in the foam through a series of holes in the floor. The bow will be super elevated, and I will start with the lowest holes, and pour the foam, letting it expand toward the elevated bow. It will fill the voids and hold the PVC in place. The PVC will act like rebar in concrete, and will create airvoids, as well as the floatation provided by the foam. I will only need one 16 cubic foot foam kit, and will be able to end up with more floatation than I need. The boat will always be covered, never left in the rain, so water saturation will be at a minimum. I could buy two foam kits for the same amount spent, and have just as good of floatation, but I want a minimum of foam, with a maximum of floatation.