Great Stuff Foam: The Best Flotation Option For Boats?

Great Stuff spray foam is a popular product used for sealing holes in exterior walls. Some boat owners have considered using it as replacement flotation foam in their boats, but opinions vary on its effectiveness for this purpose. While some people claim that Great Stuff is closed-cell and will not absorb water, others argue that it is open-cell and will eventually soak up water, making it unsuitable for marine applications. In addition, Great Stuff adheres to surfaces, making it difficult to remove and potentially complicating future boat modifications. For these reasons, boat owners are generally advised to use dedicated marine flotation foam, despite its higher price tag.

Great Stuff foam is not designed for boat flotation

Additionally, Great Stuff foam is highly adhesive and challenging to remove. This stickiness can make it difficult to access or modify the boat in the future. In contrast, regular flotation foam is easier to work with and provides peace of mind, knowing that it will keep your boat afloat in an emergency. While Great Stuff foam may be convenient and seem like a cost-effective solution, it is not worth risking your safety on the water.

Furthermore, Great Stuff foam is not designed to withstand the unique conditions that boats are exposed to, such as oil or gas exposure. Marine-grade flotation foam is specifically created to account for these factors and ensure optimal performance and safety. It is also essential to consider the potential impact of UV radiation on the foam. Great Stuff foam may degrade over time due to constant hull flex and UV exposure, leading to a gooey or dusty consistency.

When it comes to boat flotation, it is crucial to prioritize safety and durability. While Great Stuff foam may be suitable for other applications, it is not the right choice for ensuring your boat stays afloat. Investing in proper marine-grade flotation foam is a wiser decision, even if it comes at a higher cost. Remember, your safety on the water is paramount, and using the right materials can make all the difference.

Great Stuff foam is not a good alternative to marine-grade flotation foam

Firstly, Great Stuff foam is not designed for this purpose. It is intended to be used as an adhesive or to seal holes in exterior walls, not to provide flotation for boats. Marine-grade flotation foam, on the other hand, is specifically designed and tested for this critical application, ensuring the safety of boaters.

Secondly, there are concerns about the water absorption properties of Great Stuff foam. While some sources claim that it is closed-cell and does not absorb water, others have firsthand experience with the foam being filled with water like a sponge after exposure to moisture. This could compromise the buoyancy and integrity of the foam over time, especially if the boat is frequently used in damp or moist conditions.

Additionally, Great Stuff foam is known for its strong adhesive properties, which can make it difficult to remove or modify in the future. This could be problematic if access to certain areas of the boat is required for repairs or adjustments. Regular marine-grade flotation foam is generally easier to work with and does not pose the same level of adhesion issues.

Furthermore, the expansion properties of Great Stuff foam can be unpredictable. While it may seem convenient to inject the foam into small spaces, it has the potential to expand and distort the shape of the boat compartments. This could create additional challenges and may require more foam than initially anticipated.

Lastly, Great Stuff foam may not meet the required fire retardancy standards for flotation foam. Marine-grade flotation foam is typically treated with special chemicals to ensure it is flame-resistant, providing an additional layer of safety for boaters.

In summary, while Great Stuff foam may be tempting due to its convenience and initial cost savings, it is not a suitable alternative to marine-grade flotation foam. It is essential to prioritize safety and opt for the proper materials designed and tested for boat flotation.

Great Stuff foam is not suitable for use in boats as it will absorb water

Several boaters have reported that Great Stuff foam has absorbed water and caused issues in their boats. In one case, a boater had to remove 50 lbs of waterlogged Great Stuff foam from their project skiff, which had become filled with water like a sponge. Another boater reported that expandable foam, including Great Stuff, had caused corrosion in their aluminium boat by absorbing water.

Additionally, Great Stuff foam is difficult to remove once it has been sprayed in place. It is very sticky and can be challenging to access if modifications or repairs need to be made to the boat.

For boat flotation, it is recommended to use a two-part marine foam designed specifically for this purpose. While this option is more expensive, it will provide reliable flotation and is worth the investment for safety reasons.

It is also important to consider the potential for abrasion, UV exposure, and fire retardancy when choosing a flotation foam. Properly sealing the foam and the hull can help prevent degradation and ensure the foam's effectiveness over time.

Great Stuff foam is not UV-resistant and will degrade over time

Great Stuff foam is not a suitable material for boat flotation. While it is a closed-cell foam, meaning it does not absorb water, it is not UV-resistant and will degrade over time.

Great Stuff foam is a type of polyurethane foam that is commonly used for sealing holes and cracks in buildings. It is available in hardware stores and is known for its strong adhesive properties. However, it is not designed for use in marine applications and will degrade when exposed to UV radiation and sunlight. This degradation will not only affect the appearance of the foam but also its structural integrity, making it less effective at providing flotation for a boat.

In contrast, flotation foam used in boats is typically a two-part marine foam that is specifically designed to provide buoyancy and withstand the harsh conditions of the marine environment, including UV exposure. This type of foam is more expensive than Great Stuff foam but is essential for ensuring the safety and longevity of a boat.

Additionally, Great Stuff foam can be difficult to work with due to its strong adhesive properties. It expands significantly during curing, which can make it challenging to control and contain. It also requires a large quantity to fill even a small space, making it costly and inefficient for use in boats.

In summary, while Great Stuff foam may seem like a convenient and affordable option for boat flotation, it is not a suitable choice due to its lack of UV resistance and its tendency to degrade over time. Instead, boat owners should invest in proper marine-grade flotation foam to ensure the safety and longevity of their vessels.

Great Stuff foam is not easy to remove and can make boat modifications difficult

Great Stuff spray foam is not the best choice for boat flotation. While it is a closed-cell polyurethane foam, it is not designed for this purpose and can be difficult to remove if modifications are needed.

One of the main issues with using Great Stuff foam for boat flotation is that it is very sticky and can adhere to surfaces, making it challenging to remove. This can be a problem if you need to access something in the boat or make modifications. In one case, a boat owner had to dig out 50 lbs of Great Stuff foam that had been used in their skiff, noting that it was filled with water like a sponge. Another user pointed out that while Great Stuff foam can be used as an adhesive, it is not ideal for boat flotation and can be a challenge to work with.

To remove Great Stuff foam, you may need to use a solvent or acetone, which can be time-consuming and messy. Additionally, the foam can expand and distort the shape of the boat, requiring additional trimming and cleanup. One user suggested using a cardboard box form lined with a garbage bag to contain the foam and make it easier to remove if needed.

Another concern is that Great Stuff foam may not be completely waterproof. While it is marketed as water-resistant, some users have reported that it can absorb water if the skin is broken. This could lead to waterlogged foam, which can add weight to the boat and potentially cause corrosion in aluminium boats.

Overall, while Great Stuff foam may provide some additional flotation, it is not the best choice for boat modifications due to its difficult removal and potential issues with water absorption. It is recommended to use dedicated flotation foam or other materials specifically designed for this purpose to ensure the safety and longevity of your boat.

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