View Full Version : Epoxy
sbklf
04-19-2006, 10:11 AM
I am repairing a boat that is supposedly vinylester constructed. After reading manufacturers info, I have decided to use epoxy for its bonding and strength characteristics. I have read information on West System, System Three and MAS epoxies. West System is convienient so I was going with it. Are there any reasons I should consider the others? Repairs include stringer reattachment, flooring replacement, and adding laminations to the hull. Lots of corners to make and area to cover. Is there a certain weight woven that might work well in all these areas or will I need a variety? I am worried about strength not appearance. Kevin
Herman
04-19-2006, 10:28 AM
All 3 manufacturers make good epoxy. I would not be worried about that.
Get a roving that is not too course. I am not too familiar with the imperial units, but I would recommend a 300-400 gr/m2 woven roving or cloth for this.
Good luck!
boatbuilder.org
04-19-2006, 11:58 PM
I agree with herman, all those will work. I prefer MAS low viscosity resin (easier to use with glass) and now the the entire line of MAS is blush free including the fast.
---Joel---
wdnboatbuilder
04-23-2006, 07:32 PM
sorry to hear about using west. i have found ot to be brittle and damn expensive. just cause it cost alot does not mean ot works well. I use raka epoxy and have had no problems with it. thats raka.com
Here the cycloaliphatics and low blush are dearer than west. I, too are cautious about the brittleness of 105 resin. Although, not much point having
a low-mod. resin with a hi-mod. glass.
Gerr's "Elements of boat strength" is good reference for fillet scaling and tabing.
sbklf
04-24-2006, 01:59 PM
Thankyou for the valuable Raka information.
Any opinions on using a 17 oz biaxial cloth maybe with a matt backing like the 1708 for the variety of repairs I have to make? Any suggestions? Kevin
I would delete the matt for use wth epoxy.Just use biaxial.
wdnboatbuilder
04-24-2006, 05:42 PM
I agree, if you have to have a finish then I would use a high build epoxy primer and it should hide any weave.
sbklf
04-30-2006, 07:40 PM
This boat has 3 foam filled fiberglass stringers, one on each side (upside down L shape,and one in the middle (upside down U shape) and it is foam filled between the floor and hull. Do they rely on this foam for any structural support? The stringers are only about 1/8 to 3/16 thick by about 10" X 10". Can I remove a section of it and resplice it or is this not advisable? Kevin
View Full Version : Epoxy