Okay, I have bought a canoe for Christmas. By its very nature, it will float but it is common to pack the bow/stern sections with flotation aids – which I’m to cheap to buy – ‘cos they are expensive.
So I have acquired some polystyrene and need to cut it to shape – or as close as possible, Problem is where to start? I’m reasonably competent with most tools but am not certain how to measure a curving taper The shape is basically a ‘C’ when viewed from the side and a ‘V’ when viewed from above.
Any suggestions on how to go about this please? Thanks in advance.

Steve H, December 2008

How about avoid cutting altogether and use expanding polystyrene foam - like Polycell or similar - comes in an aerosol - just spray it into the space you want to fill - no measuring!

JD, December 2008

Not an easy one but give it a try.

Place sheet of paper [news print] get the basic shape but over measure. then trim down the polystyrene until if fits. No other way I can see.
To get the correct length you could measure from the bow tip to where the poly will end. Basically it's guess work. Trim & try, Trim & try. use a fine tooth saw or bread knife to cut it.

Bob, December 2008