Where to get foam?

[Chris Ramsey]

Hi all,

So, I'm working on building a small catamaran and I'd like to fill the hulls with foam to make this baby unsinkable... or as near enough as I can get it.

However, I'm not really sure where I'd get foam from.

I'll need something I can cut into the shape of my hulls, so blocks of foam would be great, but again, not sure where to get something like that.

Would Walmart or a hardware store carry it?

[rasorinc]

these people sell stryofoam in blocks or whatever size you want it in. Have places all over US and quoted me some great prices.
http://univfoam.com/productsFlotation.php

[hoytedow]

There is a place on frontage road in Lakeland. I have seen it from Interstate 4.

[hoytedow]

I found it.:http://www.insulfoam.com/images/stor...20_FLORIDA.pdf

[Chris Ramsey]

Oh awesome! Thanks guys.

Also, do you know if adding the foam inside the hull will increase buoyancy? Stupid question, and I'm sure it's answered somewhere... just not sure how to search that in Google.

[hoytedow]

Originally Posted by Chris Ramsey

Oh awesome! Thanks guys.

Also, do you know if adding the foam inside the hull will increase buoyancy? Stupid question, and I'm sure it's answered somewhere... just not sure how to search that in Google.

It will actually lessen buoyancy by the weight of the foam, unless the boat is full of water, which weight will be displaced by the foam at least until said foam absorbs said water.

[hoytedow]

If the bubbles within the foam were helium, the story would turn out differently.