Boat Insulation?

[teensailer]

Hi folks, recently asked about checking whether the swing keel on my Swift 18 works in another thread and am also wondering about insulation.

The whole interior is stripped back to the fibreglass and we have the wall panels, just ply, but no insulation. I was gonna just buy some of that cheap foil bubble wrap stuff but not sure if it needs to be ‘marine’ grade or if that’s just the classic make it expensive because it’s for yachts?
Any recommendations for what to use or what brands?

 

[wonkywinch]

I have used TLX Gold (breathable membrane insulation) in house projects and was going to use it in an abandoned camper van project. Might be worth considering for the boat?

TLX Gold

There are problem cheaper clone products if you look somewhere like Loft Insulation | Roof Insulation | Insulation Superstore®

 

[Rum Run]

People have used closed cell neoprene foam in small boats. It does not absorb water and adds to buoyancy in emergency. It is easy to cut and glue to the inside of the hull or whatever. It can be covered in vinyl or that van carpet stuff. Roger Waters used it in both Ming Ming I and II so it works in the Arctic.
Plastazote is the brand.

 

[wallacebob]

Foil insulation is okay on ceiling, plus ply panels for air gap.. Help reduce condensation and keeps heat in/out. Use hi-temp spray adhesive. Simpler is just fourway stretch van liner carpet. Use on ceiling and sides. Lots of YouTube guides for van conversation. Insulation optional as it’s not habitation.

 

[Egret]

Check the material selected is fire resistant.

 

[Tranona]

Insulation on that type of boat is maybe OTT. The key thing is to hide the rough interior of the GRP and reduce the chance of condensation. As already suggested van lining material is good for this as it is eaasy to install and looks good.

 

[ducked]

I have used TLX Gold (breathable membrane insulation) in house projects and was going to use it in an abandoned camper van project. Might be worth considering for the boat?

TLX Gold

There are problem cheaper clone products if you look somewhere like Loft Insulation | Roof Insulation | Insulation Superstore®

Why would you want it to be "breathable"?

My boat has some (very "breathable") carpet on the ply bulkheads, which dont need insulation under any circumstances I can think of, but would seem like a very bad idea anywhere that does, since water vapour will pass through it and condense against the cold (hull) surface, creating a mould farm at the interface.

The hull is generally bare. I thought of maybe applying gelcoat in places to smooth it, making it more easily wiped down, with maybe some non breathable silvery bubble wrap stuff, "Gary Glitters Gondola" stylee.

 

[Martin&Rene]

I have used

Recticel Eurothane GP Insulation Board 2.4m x 1200 x 25mm

glued UNDERNEATH the bases of the beds and this almost eliminates all moisture underneath the matresses. if you can fit it in, use 50mm.