At Empire Foam Solutions, we provide marine-grade foam, spray foam insulation systems, and Coast Guard–approved flotation foam built for top performance and safety. Whether you’re repairing a vessel, improving efficiency, or replacing waterlogged foam, our products deliver durability, compliance, and long-term results. Explore the FAQs below to make informed choices for your next project.
Marine Foam Basics
Q: What is marine foam used for?
A: Marine foam improves buoyancy and stability, helping vessels stay afloat if the hull is compromised. It can also replace thin metal in flotation devices and reduce vibration and noise from motors. Empire Foam Solutions offers marine grade foam designed for durability and performance.
Q: Is marine foam fire resistant?
A: Not all marine foams are fire resistant. Empire Foam Solutions’ marine grade polyurethane foam is flame resistant and self-extinguishing, providing added safety in demanding marine conditions.
Regulations & Requirements
Q: How much flotation foam is required in a boat?
A: Boats under 20 feet must have flotation foam per U.S. Coast Guard regulations. The standard specifies foam amount by vessel size and engine weight. These requirements were updated in 2018.
Q: What foam meets Coast Guard flotation requirements?
A: Coast Guard–approved polyurethane flotation foam meets federal buoyancy standards. For below-waterline use, premium closed-cell foam exceeding minimum standards offers better resistance to waterlogging and longer service life. Empire Foam Solutions’ Bio-Renew Flotation Foam 2.0 cpf is “accepted for use in the construction of U.S. Coast Guard approved lifeboats, life floats, buoyant apparatus, or other constructions requiring USCG accepted buoyancy foams.” as per our acceptance letter from the Coast Guard.
Waterlogged Foam Issues
Q: How can I tell if my boat foam is waterlogged?
A: Signs include added weight, sluggish handling, poor drainage, and reduced buoyancy. Waterlogged foam adds weight instead of providing flotation, creating safety risks. Learn the signs and next steps in our How to Spot Waterlogged Flotation Foam blog.
Q: What should I do if my boat foam is waterlogged?
A: Replace it with high-quality, closed-cell marine grade polyurethane foam to restore buoyancy, stability, and safety on the water. See our Marine Foam Solutions for more information.
Marine Spray Foam Insulation & Applications
Q: What is marine spray foam insulation used for?
A: Marine spray foam insulation prevents condensation, improves thermal efficiency, and helps control noise and vibration. It’s ideal for cabins, hull interiors, and areas needing moisture control in vessels.
Q: What is closed-cell spray foam for marine applications?
A: Closed-cell spray foam resists water absorption, adds buoyancy, and provides thermal and acoustic insulation. It’s preferred for below-waterline and high-moisture marine environments.
Q: How does spray foam insulation help with condensation control in boats?
A: Spray foam insulation creates an air and moisture barrier, reducing condensation buildup on interior surfaces. This can help protect against mold, corrosion, and damage in marine vessels.
Q: Can spray foam protect fish holds?
A: Yes. Spray foam insulation in fish holds can help maintain temperature, prevents ice melt, and protects against condensation—critical for preserving catch quality in commercial fishing operations.
Custom Foam Solutions
Q: What are custom polyurethane foam formulations?
A: Our custom polyurethane foam formulations are designed for a wide range of uses, including storage containers, freezers, walk-in coolers, Jacuzzi manufacturing, swimming pools, custom hot water tanks, barns, metal buildings, decoration, set design, flotation for boat docks and boats, and protective packaging. We tailor density, strength, and resistance to match your exact needs.
Q: When would I need a custom foam solution?
A: Choose a custom foam solution when you need a perfect fit for specialized applications like marine flotation, temperature-controlled storage, or unique building projects.
M-Power™ System
Q: What is the M-Power™ Low Pressure Foam System?
A: Empire Foam Solutions designs and manufactures the M-Power™ line of low-pressure, two-component spray foam proportioners and spray guns. Our patent-pending system runs on 110 volts (optional 220V heater available), features hydro heating, full-time recirculation, and built-in gun solvent flush for faster setup and cleanup. At under 24” wide and 240 lbs., it’s highly portable yet powerful enough for full-scale jobs.
Q: Who should use the M-Power™ foam system?
A: The M-Power™ series is ideal for contractors, spray foam installers, and marine professionals who want portable, cost-effective equipment without sacrificing performance. It can spray directly from 5-gallon pails, 15-gallon kegs, and 55-gallon drums—no transfer pumps needed. Learn more about M-Power™ Systems, explore shop options, check financing solutions, or call us.