Deck Vents for EPS blank

General Discussion
1

I have just built an 8’6" x30" EPS/Epoxy SUP. I am thinking that I should fit a deck vent. I have looked at the Gore installation instructions and my question is - how does a vent work if the EPS is closed cell? I cannot see how any trapped air/gas would percolate to the vent through the foam core.  Can anybody enlighten me?

 

Thanks

Gary

2

Hi Gary,

 

EPS - "Expanded polystyrene" is basically millions of beanbag beads stuffed into a very tight space. There is no actual bond between them - its more like as if a 3D jigsaw puzzle, and there is space where the beads haven't mushed in together completely. Hence both air and water can travel through most but the very tightest EPS. There is no "Closed Cell" EPS. Your board being so large will benefit from having a vent, whatever density you have used.

 

Maybe you have been told otherwise, in which case the foam is likely to be XPS - extruded polystyrene. Originally going under the Dow brand "Styrofoam" there is cause for confusion there. XPS is a similar basic chemical but contains no beads. It is watertight and will not need venting. However, those thing don't mean its magic for board building...thats a long story...

 

JD

www.joshdowlingshape.com

3

Thanks for the clarification JD. Now I understand. The blank is 1lb EPS so I will definately fit a vent.

 

4

Swaylocks user PeteC has a vent that is the best and you can probably reach him through a PM here.  Make sure you tell him GHETTORAT sent you.  He also is pretty good at fixing old planers, but do not ask him to take out the clicker plate from an ol’skil.  That will upset him.  

5

PeteC’s vents are being sold by Foam-EZ now.

Greenlight Surf Supply also stocks a similar vent that also doubles as a leash plug

Both are great products.

1lb EPS benefits from venting. I put two, one fore and one aft on my paddleboard built from 1lb density EPS.

6

sounds like a cool project - any pics?

7

Thanks for info on plugs but I am in UK and could not find a local supplier. I made and fitted a bronze threaded vent today.
There is some info and pics on the Standup zone forum:
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=8504.0