> I am a couple of days away from fiberglassing my kayak. Never having done
> this before, I am a little aprehensive. I searched the archives and mainly
> found threads on how to fix fiberglassing srew-ups (didn't do a whole lot
> for my confidence). I was wonder if some of you could offer some tips,
> helpful hints, things to watch out for, etc. as regards to fiberglassing a
> kayak.

> Thanks, Ralph Wight

Hi Ralph

More rot is talked about glassing than any other subject. Today I classed two 19's&g Kayaks.

This is what I did. 1: Inspect in GOOD light to see that hull is ready. 2: Clean whole area with Acetone on NEW (washed in machine like clothes) cloth 3: fold out cloth onto kayak (I am doing hull only) Make certain it is smothed out nicely (use gloves to keep hand oils off) Trim excess cloth and if needed staple or tape to hold in place. 4: I mix 8 pumps WEST B pack 105/205 or 6 and then using a squeegy (stiff plastic type ala WEST ) and working from center to ends apply the epoxy.

It is not a black art it is not difficlult it takes about 45 mins to do a 18/19 foot hull and you then leave it. DO Not try to fix every tiny fault. DO not try to go back over a previous batch of epoxy. Use a new holder and squeegy for each new batch. Work quickly and do it once right with confidence. At worst you will have to sand it all off. A few runs and such are part of the game. Do not try to save three ounces of Epoxy at this stage. Let a bit drip on the floor. If you live near someone who makes surfboards the go have a look at them glassing. They use polyester and make a hottish mix (2%) and they move and the finish in the end is great!

Go for it

Rob