Foamey Yak

[GPW]

... ... ... I get it ... sorta’

I’m just going by backyard logic where we know what floats and what doesn't... most by trial (floating) and error (sinking) .. Let’s just say I THINK it will work ... ... Schmaybe’ ?

(Oft repeated statement) “Only one way to find out ! “ .... another “test" ...

[clermont cubby]

... ... ... I get it ... sorta’

I’m just going by backyard logic where we know what floats and what doesn't... most by trial (floating) and error (sinking) .. Let’s just say I THINK it will work ... ... Schmaybe’ ?

(Oft repeated statement) “Only one way to find out ! “ .... another “test" ...

On our boat build forum we figure: 1 square foot 1”-thick piece of Styrofoam was equal to about 4 lbs. in displacement. Have built two boats using this formula and have been pleased with displacement.

Larry

[GPW]

Sorry Larry, hate to be so dense (old age likely ) , but how does that relate to a big ole’ chunk of foam , 4’X 10’ X 20” thick ...

So I’d “assume” That 1 cu. foot would displace 48lbs. Right , and then 72 cu ft. would displace 3456 lbs of water (576 gallons) ... which is right back (close) to where I started ...

... and I’m LOST !!!

[wagondude]

I think where you are getting confused is with the difference in displacement vs. buoyancy. The foam will displace it's own weight once it is in the water. The amount you will have will probably not displace more than a couple of inches. The rest of the height of the foam is reserve buoyancy (or weight bearing capacity before becoming submerged). As you add weight, the boat will displace more water, but the buoyancy will remain constant as it can only support so much weight before going under.

[GPW]

Bill, Thanks !!! I understand the distinction now !!!

[GPW]

And on the other hand , my buddy Vinnie did Not approve of my idea ... He said I’d fall off of it ... and that I should build a strip canoe instead...

[KCStudly]

Naw, it should at least be foam, especially if you want to build fast. Why not copy something like what Rosie built? A pirogue. Simple, light, well proven. Isn't that what you had in mind before? Easy to square off the stern for a small transom and your trolling motor.

I feel like I'm echoing your own words, back on you. Just saying.

Lots of buoyancy, and should have positive floatation with 1.5 or 2 inch thk slabs. Three panels (2 sides and bottom), a couple of stiffening bulkheads (ribs really... incorporate a low seat), and a small transom. Maybe a doubler strip to stiffen the gunnel, and while you're slicing narrow strips rip one for a keel strip. Glue a small patch of ply in the rear well before covering to secure the battery hold down to, and one in the transom for the motor clamp. Cover, paint and Bob's your uncle.

Gee, even a simple little boat gets "complicated" (involved) when you start to look at the details.

[bonnie]

KC, that is so true. Three pieces for the boat and then lots of other stuff.

[GPW]

Yeah !!! LOTS of things to think about .... Too many possibilities , even with foam ...

Whatever happened to Rosie ?

[bonnie]

Spent some very enjoyable time looking at puddle duck racers. Those look like loads of fun. For now, though, I think I stick to plan A. The peddle powered ones have me intrigued.

[clermont cubby]

Spent some very enjoyable time looking at puddle duck racers. Those look like loads of fun. For now, though, I think I stick to plan A. The peddle powered ones have me intrigued.

Bonnie:

I can attest to the fact that the Puddle Duck's are loads of fun. Have been sailing mine for over 1.5 yrs. Easy to build, can be made out of foam (light), can be rowed, sailed or motored.

PD Racer in action.jpg (151.75 KiB) Viewed 678 times

[GPW]

I can’t see where the PD is "that much" different from the foam barge we proposed above ^ ... Am I missing something ?

[clermont cubby]

GPW:

There are similarities in both the PD Racer and Foamie Barge. All depends on your needs. I believe the cockpit area of the PD Racer may be larger. Many times I bring along my three grandchildren and the extra space is nice to have.

The foamie barge would probably be lighter and would be easier to haul around.

The PD Racer has a nice rocker style hull that allows the boat to sail well. The bow and stern rides nice above the water when you are sailing or rowing.

pdracer rocker.gif (4.84 KiB) Viewed 659 times

If u want a fishing platform, the barge design should work well.

Larry

[clermont cubby]

Just can't leave this idea of a foamie easy to build boat. While "surfing" found this:

All foam boat

Foam boat.jpg (6.07 KiB) Viewed 623 times

This boat builder has a passion for easy to build modular type boats. He has always wanted to build an all foam boat and came up with this design. His website is: http://www.portableboatplans.com
He has even built a boat out of coroplast.

Larry

[KCStudly]

A direct link to the construction page of the above foamie "two module" boat.