Portable Styrofoam Work Float ?

RWS

RWS

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Anyone have an idea where I can purchase one of those stryofoam floats the are used around docks & lifts?

Also, what is the best material to attach to the top of the float to make it last - 1/4" plywood, indoor/outdoor carpet, duct tape?

And finally, what kind of adhesive would you reccomend?

We're going to do some touch up on bottom paint and the kayak is too unstable, the dinghy too valuable to use for this project.

I'm also thinking this might be a good platform for waxing the hull.

Thanks,

RWS
 
Unless it is very large, would not a styrofoam float be very "tippy?"

G
 
My brother has made a couple of dock floats 8'X8' out of treated lumber, 1/2" plywood, pieces of foam insulation between the "stringers" with indoor outdoor carpet on top and sides (the sides so that it doesn't scar the boat). They are pretty cheap and easy to build, they do get funky after a few years, but then you just build a new one. He puts homemade wooden cleats on them to tie them up. We use the one we have now to pull a small sailboat (14' Force 5) up on, as well as for doing various and sundry work projects. We are on a private dock, and my guess is that you don't have a place to keep something like what I am talking about in the water, but you could put it on a small boat trailer and launch it as needed. It is stable enough for two men to work from it.
 
I've seen them made out of concrete floating pier sections too. Those are darn stable to work from.
 
They use them in my Marina all the time for waxing and hull cleaning,I have used them many times my self and would love to make one but one guy said it cost him $500.
Any place to buy the foam in SW Florida.
 
Something like this?

34038_M1.jpg


Overtons sells this and several other styles. They are built for constructing floating docks. There are built in holes to attach them to the dock.

Other vendors sell them also. If floating docks are common in your area, there will be local sources. Contact a dock construction company.

If that's too rich for your blood, I suppose you could build a wooden frame with a top and fill it with empty milk or soda bottles (with lids).
 
quote:
Originally posted by RWS

the dinghy too valuable to use for this project.
Click to expand...


Well, you could build a box that sits over the dingy and protects it.
 
You could locate a barrel salvage yard and get some of them for 8 to 10 bucks each and incorporate them into the framework??
 
if your goal is an inexpensive solution for occasional use, a dinghy is the best answer. if you have to have a flat work platform, google styrofoam in your area. the stuff is sold in bulk in large blocks. you'll have to tell the vendor how big you want a piece. its normally 4 x 8 x 4 blocks and you'll want about an 8 - 10 inch slice. put a ring bolt with a large fender washer on both ends and you've got a way to tie it off. it will be light weight enough that you can pick it up and move it yourself. anything more added to it and its a two man job to move.
 
quote:
Originally posted by stmbtwle

Ditto above.

Click to expand...


+1

That's how they were made at scout camp years decades ago. Very stable.
 
The ones made out of drums get heavy, so if you want light weight the styrofoam block might be your best bet. I'd cover the top of it with at least 1/4" plywood. You can get styrofoam-safe adhesive in caulking-gun tubes.
 
I imagine a singe Styrofoam block would tip over every time you shifted your weight. How about a couple of self filling ballast bags on the bottom?
 
I made one out of a 10-12 inch thick sheet of Styrofoam that was sandwiched between aluminum skin. I believe they use these type of blocks in home construction. And in making stucco covered walls/fences.

Since it had the skin on it all I did was make top and side edging out of wood, paint the wood and then add cleats and rub strips to it. Very stable and it's lasted 10+ years.
 
You're right... it would be about as stable as a really light dinghy of the same dimensions. Weight helps stability.

On another tack, maybe go to big-box and find a cheap inflatable "boat". It'll probably be cheaper than either the drum raft or the styrofoam, and you can pitch it when you're done. This one was listed at $19.96:
0007650103332_215X215.jpg
 
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