> I am a bit confused by all that I read about putting on additional coats
> of epoxy. I am building a Pygmy GE13. The instructions tell you to
> complete all 3 coats within 72 hours. Then it also says to never wait more
> than 72 hours between coats of epoxy. Which is it?

> I put my first coat on Sunday evening, a second Monday, a third plus
> taping the keel on Tuesday. Then, as luck would have it, the temp dipped
> into the 40's last night and barely topped 60 today (plus lots of
> humidity.) I was all set to add another coat tonight, but the previous
> coat is still really tacky. I was using hardener 2 from System 3. I think
> I need additional coats because I can still see a lot of the weave of the
> glass.

> I'd appreciate any clarifications/suggestions. Nancy

I'm building a Coho. I believe the latter of their instructions to be true. Apply the next coat within 72 hours of the previous. Hopefully they sent you the System Three Epoxy book with your kit. If you haven't read it, do so, it's insightful. Generally, I believe that the timing has to do with each coat of epoxy forming a chemical bond with the previous coat, rather than a mechanical one. If the previous coat has been curing more than 72 hours, the next coat will not make a good chemical bond (stronger) with the previous, and to get a decent mechanical bond would require sanding first. A chemical bond is more desirable because it is stronger, and requires less effort because you won't be sanding the previous coat. Hope this helps.

Chris