Posted by Eric W. on August 13, 19103 at 12:26:01:
In Reply to: Re: Anybody got good ideas for flotation/webletters? posted by brw on August 13, 19103 at 11:14:31:
Barry,
In your response below you alluded to a question that I have been pondering for awhile. I am fairly close to putting in the foam floation in my Console Skiff. I bought the two-part pour in stuff from US Composites specifically for marine applications. My question is, is it ok to fill up the entire space below the sole (except for cable runs of course). I'm wondering if some water gets in there between the foam and the planking, will it be able to dry out or will having the entire space filled up with foam promote rot? I've been thinking about leaving an open corridor with no foam down the centerline, above the keel laminations to allow for drainage and drying. Any thoughts?
Thanks.
: 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.