How to use spray in foam for more flotation

**zrdc28** · 01-08-2012, 12:25 AM

I have a boat that does not have enough foam to suit me in case it gets swamped. It is a 15 foot aluminum jon boat with plenty of open space in the front and on the sides to add foam. My only option is to use the spray in foam, it has the lining inside of the the cross bars and the floor is covered with the checked plate aluminum. Does anyone have any knowledge as to how to proceed, There will have to be holes drilled to insert the foam but I can close the holes after filling?

**rocket rich** · 01-08-2012, 08:19 AM

take up the floor and do it right. I filpped a small boat on friday and thank god for the floation i damn near drown... Take it from me DO IT RIGHT. NO MORE SMALL BOATS FOR ME IT WAS A COLEMAN CRAWDAD 11 FOOT

**jimp** · 01-08-2012, 09:08 AM

be careful with the spray in foam as it expands and can bend/warp the metal whether braces, flooring, etc. Is there anyway you can get those swim noodles in the boat somehow, have read of people using those when adding additional floatation to tin boats.

**strmwalker** · 01-08-2012, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by rocket rich

take up the floor and do it right. I filpped a small boat on friday and thank god for the floation i damn near drown... Take it from me DO IT RIGHT. NO MORE SMALL BOATS FOR ME IT WAS A COLEMAN CRAWDAD 11 FOOT

this is the best advice!!!the spray foam you get at the hardware stores will not work because it absorb the water best thing to do is get the type of floatation!!!!

**Zero** · 01-08-2012, 10:15 AM

You need closed foam insulation to use for flotation in boats. This product is sold at Home Depot. It is easy to work with and can be cut with a craft knife or pocket knife or sawed liked plywood. It is impervious to water and provides outstanding floatation qualities.

Zero

Foamular 1/2 in. x 48 in. x 96 in. Squared Edge Insulating Sheathing-36L at The Home Depot

**crappiekiller2** · 01-08-2012, 12:14 PM

urethane foam is what you need for boats.
Here is 1 site for it. There are other sites and you may be able to buy it local. This type of foam works great.

Urethane Foam , Expanding Marine Polyurethane Foam

**Illinois_angler** · 01-08-2012, 01:06 PM

Noway on the spray foam, I don't care if it is the 2 part urethane. That product does not work well with aluminum boats. It clogs up drainage and will cause a reaction with the aluminum and pit it. Go to Lowes or Home Depot and buy the foam sheets and use that. The foam sheets will not absorb water and will leave room for drainage.

**zrdc28** · 01-08-2012, 01:09 PM

Thanks for the great info, the boat has insulation under the checker-plate floor and in the cross seat at the back but not nearly enough to suit me. The panels on the side and the front has very little in them. The pour in foam from crappiekiller looks to be a pretty good way to do it except for the fact that there will have to be large holes to pour it in. But if I have too I will do it.

**crappiekiller2** · 01-08-2012, 07:09 PM

I have used it pouring into a 3/8" hole that worked fine.
The trick is to pour it before it starts foaming up.

**willsjwills** · 01-10-2012, 02:06 PM

Your boat has passed a flotation test performed by the manufacturer to U.S. Coast Guard standards. Your boat is protected if not loaded over the Max. Weight Capacity. The location of the foam in the boat is such that if the boat swamps or fills with water, it will still float level enough and high enough to minimize exposure to 40 degree water. Adding more foam in certain areas can potentially cause the boat to ride bow high, stern high, or list to one side after being swamped, making it difficult to remain on board after the mishap. If you feel the boat's unsafe, then call the manufacturer before you attempt to add any more foam.

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