What density of foam do i need?

[stonemason66]

To the point where i got to put in foam. One of you were saying my 1990 19' inboard bayliner had to have pour foam for structure reasons. So what density do i use,and where is a cheap place to get it?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: What density of foam do i need?

I am not an expert, however I believe its 2# density for floatation, and 4# density for structural requirements. Many people are using US composites.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: What density of foam do i need?

That's pretty much correct.

USCOMPOSITES will also provide you with some great advice. They are really nice people.

You also want to keep your questions in the same thread...it will help with answers and not have you all over the board.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: What density of foam do i need?

New boats use 2#, I don't know of any that use 4#

 

[PKomrowski]

Re: What density of foam do i need?

The number 2 is very solid, pleanty for anything. I would say I highly doubt that your boat need foam for structure stability, are you sure? Most of the time its done in hopes it will float if it gets flooded, a big selling point. Problem is all foam aborbs water over a short time, and become heavy, and basicly dose everthing we want to avoid including sinking. So how valuable is it if you dont need it?

I recomend if it dose not need it for structure, then use the blue insulation board or pool noodles and fill it in best you can with that stuff and keep a way for the water to run around it and out again. That stuff dosn't absorb water as fast, it floats and will be able to drain out if it dose get wet and you dont try to pack it in to tight.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: What density of foam do i need?

I just got some 2 lb density foam from US Composites. Just make sure whatever you buy is USCG approved for flotation.