Jörg--

Fiberglass and epoxy work is something that most people don't do every day. Because it is different there can be a lot to worry about. It can help to have a friend who has experience work on the job with you.

My biggest piece of advice is to use a slow cure epoxy--one that will give you a lot of working time. Don't get your work area too hot--that will make the epoxy harden faster while you are working. You shouldn't have to work fast with slow cure epoxy. Mix small batches and work on a foot or two of the hull on one side at a time. Then switch sides. If you can take your time the job will turn out fine.

I think may people worry about using epoxy for the first time because they have experience with polyester resins and MEKP hardener and how fast they can harden as you are working. Epoxy (slow cure) is different. If it takes an hour and a half to wet out the whole boat, the first area that you started on will still be tacky when you finish the last area.

Mike Scarborough
Friendship Kayak