Adding Foam To Aluminum Boats: Enhancing Performance And Comfort

Adding foam to an aluminum boat is a common practice that offers several advantages, including buoyancy, safety, insulation, and structural reinforcement. The US Coast Guard mandates flotation foam in all small pleasure craft under 20 feet in length, and it is a closed-cell material that provides effective flotation due to its dense and non-absorbent nature. Foam can also enhance stability, improve fuel efficiency, and dampen sound in aluminum boats, making it a valuable addition for fishermen and boat enthusiasts alike.

To meet Coast Guard regulations

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) mandates that all vessels with a hull construction under 20 feet must have foam flotation. This regulation was passed by the coast guard sometime in the 1970s.

Flotation foam acts as a life jacket for your boat. If the vessel is punctured and develops a hole or leak, it will still take on water, but the flotation foam will significantly slow the rate at which the boat sinks. In most cases, flotation foam provides enough time to radio for help and wait for a rescue, or to make it to shore before the boat goes under. In fact, if you have enough foam, it could prevent the boat from sinking entirely, saving your gear and your life.

The type of foam used in aluminium boats is polyurethane spray and injection foam. This is because polystyrene foam, which is often used in insulation and construction projects, is a poor choice for flotation foam because it soaks up water. It can also soak up petroleum, making it a very dangerous fire hazard in the event of a gas leak on a boat. Polyurethane foam is denser than polystyrene foam and is effective at resisting water absorption.

When adding foam to your boat, it is important to first inspect the hull properly for any leaks or corrosion. Once you have dealt with that, applying an epoxy resin coat before applying the foam will ensure that the aluminium does not oxidize and the foam does not get wet.

To increase buoyancy

Adding foam to an aluminium boat can increase its buoyancy. This is because foam is a dense material that can provide a lot of buoyancy for its weight. It is a closed-cell material, meaning the air bubbles within the foam will not escape, making it effective at providing flotation.

Foam is often added to aluminium boats to add buoyancy to the hull and to allow a boat with holes or openings in its hull to remain afloat. This acts as a safety barrier. For example, if the vessel is punctured and develops a hole or leak, the flotation foam will significantly slow the rate at which the boat sinks. In most cases, flotation foam provides enough time to radio for help and wait for a rescue, or to make it to shore before the boat goes under. In fact, if you have enough foam, it could prevent the boat from sinking entirely, saving your gear and your life.

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) mandates that any vessel with a hull construction under 20 feet needs to have foam flotation. This is because smaller boats are more susceptible to capsizing and flooding.

When adding foam to an aluminium boat, it is important to use closed-cell foam, as this type of foam will not absorb water. Open-cell foam, such as polystyrene, is not suitable for use in boats as it can soak up water and petroleum, making it a fire hazard.

It is also important to properly inspect the hull for any leaks or corrosion before adding foam. Applying an epoxy resin coat before installing the foam will help ensure that the aluminium does not oxidise and the foam does not get wet.

To reduce noise levels

Aluminium boats are often filled with foam to reduce noise levels. The foam acts as a sound dampener, preventing the "tinny" or "slap happy" sound that aluminium boats typically make. This is especially useful for fishermen, as it prevents noise from scaring away fish.

There are several types of foam that can be used for this purpose, including polystyrene foam, polyurethane foam, and expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam. Polystyrene is a lightweight, closed-cell foam commonly used in insulation and construction. Polyurethane foam is denser than polystyrene and resists water absorption better. EPS foam is also lightweight and open-cell, but it is less effective at resisting water absorption and is more cost-effective.

When adding foam to an aluminium boat, it is important to consider the weight and cost implications. Foam can add significant weight to the boat, making it harder to move and use. Additionally, it can increase the cost of manufacturing. It is also important to ensure that the foam does not absorb water, as this can make the boat heavier and more difficult to use, and even dangerous if the boat becomes too waterlogged and sinks.

To avoid water absorption, it is recommended to inspect the hull for any leaks or corrosion before adding the foam. Applying an epoxy resin coat to the hull can also help prevent oxidation and water absorption. Another consideration is to leave waterways from bow to stern so that any water that does get into the boat can drain out easily.

Overall, adding foam to an aluminium boat can be an effective way to reduce noise levels and improve the fishing experience. However, it is important to carefully choose the type of foam and consider the potential weight, cost, and water absorption implications.

To strengthen the boat's structure

Adding foam to an aluminium boat can strengthen its structure in several ways. Firstly, dense foams increase strength and stiffness, withstanding pressure without deforming. This added support helps to prevent cracks, leaks, and structural issues, ultimately prolonging the lifespan of the boat.

Foam can also enhance stability by elevating the centre of gravity, reducing the chances of the boat tipping over when turning or navigating rough waters. Evenly distributed foam helps maintain balance by preventing any shifting of weight, and the extra buoyancy minimises rolling for a more comfortable boating experience.

Foam can also be used to fill voids in the boat's hull, which can prevent water from getting inside and increase buoyancy. This is especially important for boats with welded decks, as it can prevent the entire metal hull from filling with water.

Additionally, foam can be used to insulate pipes on a boat, protecting them from freezing in colder temperatures. This is not a common reason to add foam to small boats, but it is important for larger vessels, especially those used for habitation or with climate-controlled cargo areas.

To improve insulation

Adding foam to an aluminium boat can improve insulation, which is particularly important for fishermen in cold weather. However, it is not a common reason to add flotation foam to small boats.

Foam insulation can be added to the pipes on a boat, much like adding insulation to pipes in a garage to prevent them from freezing in winter. This type of insulation typically takes the form of polyurethane spray and injection foam.

The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) states that any vessel with a hull construction under 20 feet needs to have foam floatation. This foam is often polystyrene, a lightweight, closed-cell foam, or polyurethane, a denser foam that is more effective at resisting water absorption.

However, adding foam can also have disadvantages, such as increasing the weight and manufacturing cost of the boat.

Frequently asked questions