Well, the consensus seems to be that the foam is probably a bad idea. I agree! I was never really comfortable with the foam idea and several posts provided good reasons for me to abandon this approach. I still don't like the tube idea, and some of the more 'imaginative' approaches are not that appealing to me. I like to keep things as simple as possible and still get the job done (no this doesn't mean I'm going to put a hatch in the foredeck). So, I guess it's going to be a 4" screw in inspection port in the bulkhead. I'll have to make a tool to reach it though since the bulkhead is about a foot beyond my reach. I think I can put a small hole (like 1/8") in the center of the inspection plate to prevent any 'oil can' effect. A small hole shouldn't let in much water even in extreme situations (which I hope to avoid). Which leads me to wonder, how small is too small to provide an adequate air flow? I'm not too concerned about the awkward location for screwing the inspection plate in and out since I should have to do this infrequently (like off season storage). The tool to screw it in and out should be challenging, but I have a couple of ideas. Anyway, thanks to all who provided input to this discussion.

Jim...

> Windsurfing boards are made with expanded polystyrene because it has a
> density of only 1.0 lb/cuft. Closed cell polystyrene, such as the
> floatation and fabrication billet, has a density of 2.0-2.5 lbs/cuft.

> I would strongly urge you not to fill your forward compartment with two
> part urethane. The grades of this foam commonly available are not
> dimentionally stable with time and temperature. In my experience it will
> continue to change shape over the years and may distort your boat along
> with it. If you must use it, use the more expensive higher temp grades
> that are more stable.

> The foam can generate huge expansion pressures if you mix too much for the
> volume to be filled. Actually though, I don't think you will have a
> problem with this if you do the operation in several pours and if your
> deck is off.

> Calculate the weight that you will be adding to your boat. You may not be
> happy with the answer.

> I think it a far simpler solution to just add a small screw-in or snap-in
> plastic hatch to your front bulkhead. Make a tool to remove it if you
> can't reach. You'll probably only have to take it off for winter storage
> and after paddling sessions when you get lots of water in the cockpit.