Foam-filled Fender

Spirit: I've a suspicion that even if you could inject the raw foam satisfactorily, it wouldn't necessarily do what you hope. The foaming process is caused by a reaction with atmospheric moisture in which the inside of a fender may be deficient. In fact I dimly recall a fairly recent thread in which foam was injected into some sort of bag, with disappointing results.
 
macd said:
Spirit: I've a suspicion that even if you could inject the raw foam satisfactorily, it wouldn't necessarily do what you hope. The foaming process is caused by a reaction with atmospheric moisture in which the inside of a fender may be deficient. In fact I dimly recall a fairly recent thread in which foam was injected into some sort of bag, with disappointing results.
Click to expand...

I'd imagine that some water introduced through the crack around the eye, shaken up and then drained off, would produce a suitably damp environment within, and injecting the foam through the crack at one end and the valve aperature at the other end might work. I've nothing to lose, as the fender will otherwise be binned, and the foam has a limited shelf-life once opened, so I intend to give it a try over the weekend. I'll report results of the experiment, in the interests of budget sailing:)
 
I've certainly done that, but not to use it as a fender. Once the thing is full of foam, it will be completely hard and no use at all for fendering. My mooring buoy was mysteriously holed (any lasooers around here?), so I just cut a small hole in the top, and skooshed in builders foam. The excess comes out the hole.
 
NormanS said:
I've certainly done that, but not to use it as a fender. Once the thing is full of foam, it will be completely hard and no use at all for fendering. My mooring buoy was mysteriously holed (any lasooers around here?), so I just cut a small hole in the top, and skooshed in builders foam. The excess comes out the hole.
Click to expand...

I have assumed that the OP is intending to use flexible PU foam rather than the rigid closed-cell variety.

Richard
 
Sounds like a lot of effort to still end up without a proper fender , cut a big ole out of the top retaining the hanging eye , fill with ice and chill your tipple of choice :encouragement:
 
Spirit (of Glenans) said:
Has anyone ever filled a burst fender with expanding polyeurethane foam? If so was it successful?
Click to expand...

Yes and not really.
The first time that we had a really windy/bumpy night against the dock, it managed to do its job, but by morning the foam inside had crushed leaving a soggy collapsed fender which then went into the bin. It should and would have gone there in the first place, but at the time that I noticed it was holed, I just happened to have a part-used aerosaol-can of foam which was getting past its best, so thought: Why not, give it a try.

I've recently acquired - but not yet had the opportunity to try - some tyre repair turds as used on motorcycle trials bikes for tyre repairs; I'm optimistic that they would repair a small fender puncture?
 
macd said:
Spirit: I've a suspicion that even if you could inject the raw foam satisfactorily, it wouldn't necessarily do what you hope. The foaming process is caused by a reaction with atmospheric moisture in which the inside of a fender may be deficient. In fact I dimly recall a fairly recent thread in which foam was injected into some sort of bag, with disappointing results.
Click to expand...

No doubt they used aerosol foam which, as you say, needs moisture. OTOH 2 part foam doesn't need the moisture.
 
surekandoo said:
I haven't done a fender, BUT have filled the plastic "wheel" of my 40 year old Dyson Ballbarrow with foam. Works a treat! ��
Click to expand...
You did better than me. I filled the roller of a Suffolk Colt with concrete. It weighed a ton but didn't half roll well.

I prefer my fenders to be multiple use rather than to become ineffective after the first time some clumsy oaf comes alongside.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

Y
Quick Aries 1000 anchor windless noisy
Replies
0
Views
102
yotter
Y

Share this page

Top