: Hello All;

: I was a bit surprised by a number of replies to my "Fisheye"
: thread, informing me that once the cloth was filled I should end the epoxy
: operation and move onto the varnishing stage. I respectfully disagree.

: To obtain a great finish, one only has to be diligent. There are just a few
: rules, and the number one rule is "Get the surface true with the
: sanding block before proceeding." From sanding experiences on complex
: 3D surfaces similar to what we face with a kayak, a long sanding block and
: controlled material removal are essential. It's never going to look good
: if we don't keep the surfaces absolutely true and fair.

: In the case of a strip built kayak, this will require both fairing the wood
: and then fairing subsequent epoxy coats. If you can read the wattage of
: the overhead incandescent bulb in the reflection off your kayak's polished
: varnish, I'd say the surface is fair. It got me $5K over market on the
: 'Vette I restored, so you could say I'm a believer.

: To accomplish this end, you have to produce a small build-up of epoxy,
: perhaps a weight gain of 6-9 oz worth of epoxy, which you then fair to a
: near perfect surface before you begin the varnish coats. If you don't do
: this then you end up with what looks like the next-door-neighbor kid's
: Chevelle with the lumpy sides. You need extra material and a long sanding
: block to fair it to a perfectly smooth surface! Glossy surfaces are
: totally unforgiving. Period.

: Keep it flat and smooth and you will always have a winner - Spidey

I hope nobody ever leaned up against that Vette with jeans on or has to assist you with getting in the yak after a wetentry. Make sure to install bumper pads ;).

maybe you're planning on selling that yak, I don't know but don't forget it is a tool and may become easily scratched due to conditi0ons beyond your control. You will cringe at the noise of the first rock that you didn't see that puts full length hull scratches in your boat. I did for sure.

Also, having to get out of it in dumping surf before you beach it can be quite interesting. Sometimes the call is for you or the kayak to eat it hard on the landing and generally I have chosen kayak to suffer. Fixing all the dings is fun too.

starting out with a great finish is nice (especially on the deck) but can be difficult to maintain. watch out for flying pebbles and large F-16 sized mosquitos that will ding up your yak when travelling at 65+mph on the way to the next paddling location.

have fun. the finish is looking great. atleast until the fisheyes.

regards, Pete Czerpak albany, NY