Posted by brw on August 13, 19103 at 11:14:31:
In Reply to: Re: Anybody got good ideas for flotation/webletters? posted by ken on August 12, 19103 at 19:03:37:
: : : Does anyone have good ideas for flotation? I read the article in Glen-l book, but I am not too interested in poured in place foam. What about cutting out foam blocks to fit the bilge and close them under the floorboard soles? Couldn't you use styrofoam for this purpose? If you could have your flotation in fitted blocks, then you could remove them for inspection and they would allow air/water to run between the bottom battens.
: : : Any ideas?
: : Not styrofoam. Use dock float foam. It is a closed-cell foam that is not attacked by gas or other chemicals found in a boating environment. I don't know where to find the foam, but you might check local marinas to see if they use it, and their source.
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: Isnt there a fire retardant epoxy that you can coat regular styrofoam with and have it useable?
I don't know.
If it is an open cell styrofoam, it is unlikely that you could apply enough epoxy to seal it without adding a lot of weight. The biggest problem is that open cell absorbs water, making it less effective as flotation and likely to promote dry rot in the long run. Practically speaking, the foam is less likely to be attacked by chemicals as it is to come in contact with water. If it absorbs water, it may never dry out in an enclosed space, adding weight, decreasing bouyancy and promoting dry rot. You would be better off not having any flotation than using the wrong stuff.