Pontoon Houseboat Floatation - Use Expanding Foam or Styrofoam?

by Chad
(Hurley, MS)

When it comes to pontoon houseboat floatation, do I use expanding foam, or styrofoam?

Where do we find some styro-foam or expandable foam?

I have started building my boat but can't seem to find any styrofoam. I am looking for 4x4 x16 blocks to get going. Any ideas where I can find a good deal on them?

Thanks for any info, Chad.



Reply - Answer
Well Chad, glad to hear about your decision to use some form of floatation method in your pontoons.

As to where you could find some styrofoam, I would look at the home building or at the industrial markets. You could google styrofoam, and see what it brings.

Now as to whether to use expanding foam, or to purchase lengths of styrofoam to insert, that is the question. Which is better, and which is more cost effective?

When it comes to both methods, should you use "open cell or closed cell construction foam", as I know some will retain water, and others will inhibit water retention.

Possibly someone in the community who some some technical experience in this topic will be able to confirm some of those details.



Lastly, hopefully some of our readers will share and post comments about their experiences with houseboat floatation foam. Feel free to use the "Click here to post comments." link found near the bottom of this page.


Thanks again for sharing, IAN - from www.all-about-houseboats.com

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