boxed floatation foam

[firstflight]

Can anyone tell me the names of manufactures of block floatation foam that is compatable with polyester resins and has gasoline resistance. I am building a 72ft.6inch trimarand which the foam will be both mold and floatation support of the hulls. I appreciate any help.

Bill

[Scott]

If you have a large budget and the foam is going to stay as part of the hull, the stuff to use would be either an Airex or lightweight Klegecell foam. But these are both pretty expensive.

Divinycell- http://www.diabgroup.com/ or
Klegecell - http://www.diabgroup.com/
Herex - http://www.alusuisse-airex.com/products/e/100/130_e.htm or http://www.baltek.com/airlite_herex.html
or Corecell.

In general if the foam has to stand up to polyester resin and gasoline polystyrenes are out and you are looking for a urethane foam.

[Scott]

Someone else suggested taking a look at the Aircraft Spruce & Specialty catalogue for some ideas on foams, http://www.aircraftspruce.com/ and specifically
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catmai...t=catorder.php

Their prices aren't cheap, but they offer a good variety.

[Scott]

And as far as cheaper sources, Polyurethane typically comes in 4’ by 8’ by x number of feet blocks called ‘buns’ I believe. They will slice it to the thickness you want at a cost of around $15 per inch of thickness in a 4' x 8' sheet. Sign companies use sheets up to a few inches thick. For thicker you would want to look for a commercial insulation or refrigeration company or contractor.

[keith]

You can use polyurethane foam in sit. material, but that would mean creating a mould for the foam. The other way would be to buy the block form, or create a block your self and carve it. the urethane is petrol resistant. Buying the foam in two pack is not that expensive and you can designate the density and characteristics.