Abroboard Uses Foamular Extruded Polystyrene for Model Yacht Building

Abroboard has been around for over 21 years and have made their name creating surfboard blanks. With increased overseas competition, Abroboard have expanded into model yachts, revolutionising the industry and embracing new technology. Abroboard's director, Graeme Smith, has been sailing for over 40 years, so he definitely knows what makes a good boat.

The physical properties that make Foamular an ideal material for model boat making are the same properties that make it ideal for insulation. Foamular is a closed-cell extruded polystyrene board, this means it does not absorb moisture and still holds its shape, even when wet. Foamular also has high compressive strength, so it isn't misshapen by the odd bump or scrape, hence your boat will look great for longer.

Creating model boats is surprisingly complex, with every model being created from a sheet of Foamular that is computer cut to create precision shaping down to the nearest mm. Foamular is uses because it's very easy to work with but maintains its ridged shape and lightweight properties long after completion.

Abroboard coats the Foamular blanks with high impact resistant fibre cloth, much like carbon fibre, but much more cost effective. Many new yachts cost $4000+, but Abroboard's technological and material advances have helped dramatically reduce the price of a new boat, helping many newcomers into the sport.

One problem with creating unique shapes with Foamular is the potential waste created form off-cuts. Abroboard helps to minimise this by keeping an eye out for innovative recycling systems. Abroboard regularly donates off-cuts to other model makers or re-uses Foamular around the workshop to create other items like boat stands.

Foamular has an extensive history in model making. It has been used in model railways, model yachts, sculptures and in architectural models. Abroboard use specialist machines to shape their board, but Foamular can be shaped easily by most common woodwork tools and can be shaped into almost everything. Foamular is available in thicknesses ranging from 25-100mm.