Hey everyone, I've been away sailing....nah, I wish. I've been workin though. Anyway, what kind of foam should I use for flotation in my dinghy. I have the sealed seats with foam flotation. I've dug out the old waterlogged flotation in the stern seat. Gosh that took off 75 lbs. weight at least. Now before I glass the seat what kind of flotation should I use ? Spray foam ?
Thanks everyone,
Jerry
NOT spray foam- it will absorb water.
I like the blue styrooam myself, or even just white Styrofoam blocks.
If you're going to use the white or blue styrofoam, do yourself a favor and cover it with a layer of fiberglass using epoxy resin. DO NOT USE POLYESTER or VINYLESTER RESIN—the styrene in the *ester resins will eat the styrofoam. The reason I say you should put a layer of fiberglass over the styrofoam is to protect it from damage. Spilling a lot of common chemicals, including gasoline, will damage styrofoam unless it is protected in some way. Also, a layer of fiberglass or two will make it less likely to absorb water, fall apart, or get damaged by impact.
I've used this stuff for some work, and am happy with it. I'll use it in my dinghy when I build it. And John is easy to deal with.
http://www.jgreer.com/Foam%20Page.htm
Good point about the resins. But I doubt he's gonna need glass for protection, since he's sealing it into a seat- won't be exposed.
Quote from: Gerald A. Gotts on May 10, 2009, 11:54:19 PM
I have the sealed seats with foam flotation.
Yes, Thanks Charlie. It will be completely enclosed by a fiberglass seat. Hey , while we are talking about dinghies.....I need to operate my dink from the middle seat as I'm afraid I would sink operating from the stern. What ideas has anyone got for a homemade tiller extender ? The old broomstick and hose clamp idea ?