I am in the SF Bay Area, on the peninsula around the Redwood City area, north of Santa Cruz and south of San Francisco. I want to get cheap, rectangular foam blanks to practice my fiberglassing techniques and experiment with different board shapes. At this stage, I don’t need a high quality blank. However, I do want something that is usable. I don’t want to spend $120 on a pre-formed blank PLUS shipping costs and then screw it up. Also, I have enough boards that I use on a regular basis and don’t really want to make a standard shortboard or a longboard. I would rather experiment with something that I don’t have and would still want to use for some fun. What I want to do is get some CHEAP blanks that I can get from somewhere I can drive my van to and pick up the foam. I’m willing to glue sheets together with the appropriate resin. I’m willing to work with either epoxy (I have zero experience) or polyester (I have some repair experience with delams only).
Does anyone know where I can buy cheap, square blanks in my area?
The reason I’m thinking of using square blanks is because I’m thinking of building a standup paddleboard for flatwater. I figure that the shape won’t be that critical in flatwater. The board I’m thinking of would be 12’ by 30" by 4" with a fairly flat rocker, fin box, and leash plug, fiberglass stringer (for simplicity). Once I find the foam, I’ll be asking more questions about board design. I’m also thinking of building a 14’ canoe out of 1/4" plywood and marine epoxy with standard 8 oz boat E-glass before the making the standup paddleboard. The canoe should be much easier and cheaper. I’ve priced out the canoe parts at $200, including the cost of the epoxy, hardener, fiberglass, two sheets of plywood, paint. I want to get the foam parts for the 12’ paddleboard at under $75.
Well, my plans all depend on whether or not I can find cheap foam. I was even thinking of going to Home Depot and seeing what they have available. It’s an educational project for me, so I don’t worry about it taking more time to glue foam sheets together. As long as it works.
Hey, Mahalo for any advice.