Foam Core FS14

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bainley
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Foam Core FS14

Post by bainley »

Is it possible to build a FS14 using the scored type of construction foam using the same process as you would with marine ply? Only reason I ask is because it would be way easier and less time consuming than cutting the foam into strips and doing it that way.

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Re: Foam Core FS14

Post by topwater »

Why would you cut it into strips ? If you can form the hull panels with plywood panels foam would form
the same panels no problem. You will need more molds for the foam to support it . Why foam ?
Don't think you will save much weight in a boat this size and it will cost more to build .
Novi 23 finally launched !

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Re: Foam Core FS14

Post by tech_support »

bainley wrote:Is it possible to build a FS14 using the scored type of construction foam using the same process as you would with marine ply? Only reason I ask is because it would be way easier and less time consuming than cutting the foam into strips and doing it that way.
what foam? Do you have a link or description?

Unless it is a structural foam for composite sandwich composites, then it will not work.

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Re: Foam Core FS14

Post by jacquesmm »

The comments above are correct:
- no significant gain in weight
- no need to cut strip or use scored foam
- use only true marine foam like the Divinycell sold at BoatBuilderCentral.com:
http://boatbuildercentral.com/products.php?cat=10

I must add the following:
It is possible to build the FS14 in foam sandwich. I am currently building a GF16 using that method in order to produce a tutorial.
The ideal method is to fabricate flat panels of foam sandwich that replicate the bending properties of the plywood.
This means fiberglass the panels with a minimum of glass before assembly.
The tricky part is to specify exactly how much glass to use before bending. Too much and the panel will not bend, too little and it will be flimsy and produce an unfair hull.
After assembly, the hull is fiberglassed with the final layers of glass, more than in the plywood-epoxy version.
I have tested panels and know the bending radii and compounding. For each boat, I can specify how much glass to use.
All our boats can be built that way but I did not calculate the specifications for each of them.
The first small boat plan for which I give foam sandwich specifications (as an alternative to plywood core) is the WE12:
http://www.bateau.com/proddetail.php?prod=WE12
I can give foam sandwich specifications for the FS14 right away.
Keep the following in mind: foam sandwich requires more fiberglass than plywood-epoxy. The materials cost will be double.
Jacques Mertens - Designer
http://boatbuildercentral.com

bainley
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Re: Foam Core FS14

Post by bainley »

Ok thanks, I'll keep my eye out for the tutorial. I wasn't looking to save weight, just wanted to try it with a smaller boat before going bigger. Thanks again fellas.

-Brian

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Re: Foam Core FS14

Post by jacquesmm »

I need about 2 or 3 months before I post that tutorial but there is almost no difference with our current method.
It is an excellent idea to build a small foam sandwich boat to evaluate and learn the technique.
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Re: Foam Core FS14

Post by Marshall Moser »

I am also interested in building my FS14 plans in foam sandwich. Once you calculate the lamination schedule/specifications, I'd like a copy to supplement my FS14 plans.

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Re: Foam Core FS14

Post by jacquesmm »

I was going to sell that version as a separate plan but if you are serious about building in foam, I will do the calculations next week with some tips. Not a real detailed tutorial but enough to build the boat.
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Re: Foam Core FS14

Post by Marshall Moser »

The main difference is the lamination schedule for the outer glass, correct?

Yes, I am serious about building in foam and would certainly purchase another set of plans if necessary. Life changes have made building the boat a very near reality. I would like to start once the weather warms up enough to work without heating my garage.

The eventual goal is to build a CS25 in foam core, but I want to start with something manageable to learn on.

Do the pre-laminated panels need to be vacuumed?

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Re: Foam Core FS14

Post by jacquesmm »

Did anything happen to that project?
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