What’s Inside Foam-filled Tubes
If you wonder what these ‘tubes’ look at the inside, this video explains it all.
It demonstrates how to remove the sheaths from the tubes. The video included a quick before-and-after view.
The tube’s internal structure, is detailed explaining that the inner bladder pushes the hard foam outward.
When the boat impacts something, the inner bladder absorbs most of the shock as the foam pushes inward.
After pulling out the inner bladder, all the remaining components (foam) were removed by running a line at some point.
This line would allow them to pull the inner tube back through once the chassis was on.
What Are Possible Issues With Foam-filled Tubes
Some issues are logical like water penetration. It is the most important one. But there’s more to compare. The table below gives you a comprehensive overview. I included a video of the effect that air-filled tubes have on impact.
| Feature | Foam-filled tubes (professional closed-cell) | Inflatable tubes (air-filled) |
| Puncture Resistance | Excellent. A puncture does not compromise buoyancy. | Good. Punctures are possible, but chambers provide redundancy. |
| Total Buoyancy Loss | Extremely low risk. Buoyancy is maintained even with major damage. | Low risk. Multiple air chambers prevent complete deflation from a single leak. |
| Weight | Heavier. Foam adds weight compared to air. | Lighter. Minimal weight from air. |
| Performance/Fuel | Heavier weight can slightly reduce top speed and increase fuel consumption. | Lighter weight typically allows for better speed and fuel economy. |
| Shock Absorption/Ride Comfort | Reduced. The tubes are rigid, offering less wave-dampening than air. | Excellent. Air acts as a natural shock absorber for a smoother ride. |
| Repair & Maintenance | Complex/Difficult. Hard to access interior; risk of water absorption in foam. | ‘Easier’. Leaks are found by pressure testing, and simple patches are usually effective. |
| Durability against Abrasion | Excellent. The solid nature provides a very robust fender. | Good. Highly durable fabrics (Hypalon/PVC/TPU) resist abrasion. |
| Primary Use | Military, commercial, search and rescue, patrol, all where extreme redundancy is critical. | Recreational, charter, sailing tenders, general use. |
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