Hi,

I'm new here but thought I could get some good input. I've made a set of Greenland paddles and I've sealed the paddle ends of the touring blade with gel coat to minimize damage. Not having used the blades yet, the bond appears good. Has anyone used gel coat in this capacity on western red cedar? How well did the bond hold in saltwater through time? I'm using this in lieu of epoxy. Are there good marine epoxies for my purposes (didn't want to use 4200 or 5200)? What would you suggest. I'm hoping for some insight as to how well the gel coat might/will hold up and what (better?) alternatives exist for coating the ends of my storm paddle.

Thanks, Spencer A. Smith (I'm not a boat maker, hence not a subscriber, so off list responses or "cc" to me at "spencerarthur@hotbot.com" would be a bonus).