insulating a steel boat

[cormorant]

I have a new steel boat which the previous owner shotblasted and epoxied internally. If I do not wish to use spray foam but retain hull access what would you recommend? Anyone got any experience with Celotex?

 

[Anchorite]

I used 50 mm in 2 layers of ROOFMATE and STYRODUR (extruded polystyrene) both are M1 (fire resistant...there is - of course - a new EEC standard now). Boards are 1250 x 600 mm, easy to cut, clean to work

 

[nedmin]

One has to be careful where pvc cables come into contact with polystyrene as one can get a reaction ,is STYRODUR OK?

 

[BrianJ]

I just used " pink Bats" that one would normally use in a house. ( well we do in OZ )
However I did not use anything between the timber ceiling and the steel as the airconditioner man recommended that I keep this space free to allow air to circulate.
BrianJ

 

[Piers]

Use 3M's Thinsulate (boaty version). It's now used in barges, Sealine, Princess, etc. Try 3M's rep on 07770 284926

 

[Anchorite]

Have not heard of this as a problem: couldn't find anything on a quick Google search. What is the source of your information? My cables run in conduits (which are PVC of course!).

 

[tazzle]

look here for a couple who used Armaflex (same as split pipe lagging foam) to insulate their ally boat.

I've also heard that sprayed PU 'eats' PVC, but can't recall where this came from - would also be interested in any info.

 

[PCUK]

I used standard rockwool loft insulation 20 years ago and it's still fine. No condensation or any other problems in that time.

 

[lumphammer]

The plasticiser in the PVC cable is leached out when the cable is in contact with polystyrene leaving the insulation brittle. I don't know how the process would take though.

 

[nedmin]

cannot remember where I read it, could it have been early days in BSS regs? When I was in music business selling organs,we had a model that after a year the tab switches failed,it was found that they were made of 2 different plastics and they were reacting and going brittle.sounds unbelievable but true!

 

[Mudplugger]

Being 2 years down the road on a 3 year project, Steel Van de Stadt 40, Suggest thst you have a look at the www.metalboat society... By the way they reccomend sprayed insulation.....Personally have found it to be a godsend..no condensation, and sticks to epoxy like s**t to a blanket, make sure that you have the fire resistance spec. if you do go down this road. Websters of Doncaster were competitive and very efficient in application and significantly less problems than my mate with a 55' who spent 2 weeks (full time) cutting back the exceess... HTH