Replacing Skiff Flotation Foam [[Carolina Skiff Rebuild Part 8]]

It has been a long time and a lot of work, but it is finally time to poor the new flotation foam in the skiff! I have been looking forward to this moment for a long time. As well as dreading it in some ways. For some time this has seemed like a daunting task. I have thought of every different way I can to make this go as smoothly as possible. Only time will tell if I thought of everything.
In these Carolina Skiffs the foam is a big part of their construction. It not only provides flotation, but stiffness as well. From my understanding, without the foam these hulls would be much less rigid. The foam seems to also be a key part of their strength as well. Without the foam they also could not cut them in half with a chainsaw. Like in the old commercials that ran in the 90’s.
As you will see not all of my ideas will pan out. I had big plans to aid the foam in forming to the cavity’s. My plan did not work at all. The foam would just push up my four by six. Even with two concrete blocks on top. I assumed the foam would stay some what liquid until it fully explained. Unfortunately the top begins to harden seconds after expansion begins. Therefore this was quite a large learning curve. I wasted some foam and cost myself a little more money, but now I know how the stuff works.
Two part polyester buoyancy foam is not cheap. I searched and searched until I finally found a kit that met my needs at a reasonable price. When I ordered the kit. I gave myself some extra for play room. By my calculations an extra 10 cubic feet, but like most of my plans. They fell apart and I still ran out of foam. I hastily ordered a small 1 gallon kit off of Amazon. Which was more expensive per gallon, but seemed to do just as well. Below I will link both kits that I used.
As you will surly see in the video. I had no idea what I was getting into. Just a general idea of what I wanted to do. As well as a idea of what needed to be accomplished. I believe it turned out half way decent for my first time. If I ever do it again. It would be a lot better, but that goes for most things. I hope some one is able to take something away from this video. Hopefully helping them with their own rebuild. I appreciate everyone who has watched, commented, and subscribed! Thank you so much!
-40 cubic foot kit
www.uscomposite...
-1 gallon kit from Amazon
TRUE COMPOSITES Liquid Urethane Pour Foam Base-2 Part Closed Cell Rigid Pour Foam-2 lb Density-Fast-Acting Formula-Boat Buoyancy, Flotation, Filling, Soundproofing & Insulation-1 Gallon Kit www.amazon.com...
-Amazon Fumed silica. This is not the same thing I had. They no longer carry it, but this works a little better.
Cab O SIL Fumed Silica Flotant, 1 Gallon www.amazon.com...
-Epoxy
www.boatbuilde...
-Mixing cups
(Full Case of 100 each - Quart (32oz) PAINT MIXING CUPS) by Custom Shop - Cups are Calibrated with Multiple Mixing Ratios (1-1) (2-1) (3-1) (4-1) (8-1) BOX of 100 Cups includes 12 bonus Lids www.amazon.com...
-Microspheres. These are the two I have used.
White Glass Microspheres - Filler for Epoxy and Polyester Resin - Quart Tub www.amazon.com...
www.boatbuilde...