merc1500

whats the most effective flotation i cant add much more weight so whats the best

toesupwa

Packing foam

merc1500

that provides the most floatation

Dan S

Pool noodle.

Dan.

mfr02

Bubble wrap, part inflated ballon. You dont say what type of boat you are hoping to keep on top.

LtDoc

Probably the most effective flotation would be an empty chamber filled with helium. But, it isn't exactly the most practical. Probably the most effective, common/practical, flotation is as already said, some type of light weight 'foam'. It would certainly be nice if that foam was of the 'closed-cell' variety that doesn't soak up water when wet. The 'open-cell' variety (like swiss-cheese) works fine till it gets wet, then it looses most (all?) of it's flotation. It would also be nice if the foam isn't water soluble!
What about the foam in a can stuff? If you are a very good judge of how much is needed, and if you allow for lots of air circulation, it'll probably work fine. If you are not a very good judge of such things, count on it being a huge mess! Too much will 'bulge' it's container to the breaking point sometimes. Not enough air circulation while it's forming means a puddle of very ugly 'goo'. (Not being a good judge of anything, I had to find that out the hard way.)
- 'Doc

Kmot

My Feedback: (24)

I use plastic bags, Air is more effective than any type of foam. Buy yourself one of those cheap battery operated "bag sealers" and then use plastic bags. Simple, form fitting, and weigh virtually nothing.

slivic003

I use a 2 part closed cell foam . It is the same stuff used in full size boats . It is better than the stuff in the can and it is dry in about 15 minutes .All you do is mix the 2 parts together and pour it where you want it . It expands about 3 times the mixed size . It is also very light weight and has a very high flotation . Check with warehouse hobbies . I am pretty sure they use the stuff too.

Steve Collins

My Feedback: (8)

Empty aspirin bottles or prescription bottles are also very light and provide that air bouyancy

Tachikaze

We use R10 pink insulation foam. It is used in the superstructure construction and to fill spaces in the hull. It is easy to cut and shape, and since it is space occupying, you are adding in flotation by decreasing the volume of water that may enter the ship, and increase bouyancy by the open space foam.