Quite a bit of hardening happens in that 24-72 hours, though it wouldn't be noticeable unless you tried scraping or sanding it. Even though it seems dry and hard to the touch after 24 hours, it will scratch more easily and will gum up sandpaper more than if you waited for 72 hours. If you can go for a paddle without scratching it (i.e. you can launch in the water without dragging the bottom on the sand/rocks and don't hit anything while you're in the water) you should be fine. I think I waited a week before launching my Tern, and did scratch the stern keel a bit when launching, but I sanded the scratches away when I prepped for varnishing.

And with a Greenland-style kayak, you should be paddling with a narrow-bladed paddle (just had to get a plug in for us Inuit paddlers...)

Dean

: I have finished my Arctic Tern (except for varnishing) and can't wait to get
: it in the water. My question is how long should I wait to prevent any
: problems with the epoxy. I've heard anything from 24 to 72 hours,
: depending on temperature. Any advice?

: David