Foam core construction?

[Itchy]

I would like to know what the best product in foam core material would be.
The use would be in stringer, floor, hull core, transom.
I've never used foam as a core before, is it used the same as wood? same resin/fiberglass amount used?

Thanks

[KnottyBuoyz]

Hi Itchy

You might want to check out this thread on the Bateau.com tech support forums.

http://209.190.4.227/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11294

Joel is a member here so I'm sure he can fill you in on the details.

Rick

[Itchy]

Thanks for the link,
Anyone have more info on this.

[BTScow]

Itchy,

There are a bunch of products out there. The are several considerations in choosing which one - sheer strength - oil can test - and fryability. The first item pertains to the materials actual strength. The second is how well the laminate sticks to the core by actually trying to pull it off - like and oil can (balsa core is in fact the strongest in this catagory). The third is how easy is it to scratch material off with your finger nail or how crumbaly the material is.

Other considerations are cost, availability, and density of foam, and compression loads. For instance in our transoms we used a 1.5'' 24lb. polyuretane foam. We used this heavy foam because we used outboard motors on our boats and you don't want to crush the foam with bolting the motors on or any hardware for that matter. Our hulls we used .5'' 5lb pvc foam (Airex) our decks .75'' 5lb pvc (dyvincel) foam. And for the plug I used Core Cell 5lb foam.

I can go on and on but this should get you off the dock. Good Luck.

Crayke

[Bill Dunn]

I too use 5lb Core Cell in my boats, I find I have less problems with moisture and delam in the older boats we have out on the water. (Tremolino Trimarans) But you better know from the outset Core Cell isn't cheap

[jimslade]

I like nida-core. You can check ou the site.

[Itchy]

Originally Posted by jimslade

I like nida-core. You can check ou the site.

I've emailed nida-core several times now with no responce. Can you buy direct from them or do you have to go through a distributor?

I've talked to some other people that have used nida-core and realy liked it. Which of there products have you used?

Also is there any difference in using this than wood? I mostly use polyetster and vinylester resins.

[jimslade]

Look for distributors. Their site has technical data for construction.

[JR-Shine]

Here is a 10 page tutorial we just put out on foam core construction....

http://bateau2.com/content/view/160/28/

[jimslade]

If you call NIDACORE they will send you samples.That web site JR is directing you to is for male molding not core inner construction. I can post pics if you want.

[Itchy]

Any more info and pics you have would be great.

aaronklos@aol.com

Thanks