There are cheap epoxies ($25-30/gal) that cost little more than polyester resin that I would much rather use than the poly.

There are also inexpensive epoxies ($35-40/gal) like Raka that lots of us use to very good effect. You're talking about $20 to $40 more in the scheme of the total boat.

Polyester will work, but it won't work as well. I think Nick and his brother built a canoe 20 years ago with polyester resin and it's still holding up fine. If you never get a nick or a gouge in your fiberglass coat, you're probably okay. if you get a gouge, the water will wick under the polyester/fiberglass, and the whole fiberglass shell can be peeled off. If you use epoxy, the epoxy encapsulates the wood fibers and permanently waterproofs them. A gouge means small, localized damage.

Shawn

: Hello all: I am about to begin the glassing process. I have been to a local
: supplier to price out the epoxy. I was wondering, First, is it possible to
: glass the outside with epoxy utilizing it's strength and asthetic
: properties while using ployester resin on the inside? THis would prove to
: be a considerable cost saving. My concern is can galssed epoxy be joined
: to a glassed Ployester resin surface? Are they Chemically compatable? are
: the strength properties of Polyester resin compatable with epoxy? I know
: that is is alot to ask but I am guessing that others have had experience.
: I appreciate any input.

: Regards,

: John