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 predictably. I think Nick and his brother built a canoe 20 years ago with polyester resin and it's still holding up well. If you never get a nick or a gouge in your fiberglass coat, you're probably okay. If you get a gouge, the water can 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.

It's your money and your boat, and we can't tell you how to spend it or how to build it. Lots of us cut corners and scrounge materials, and use materials that the designer may not have intended. You might be a real "trend setter", or you might just be posting here in 6 months saying, "why didn't you guys insist I use epoxy?!" There is a lot of evidence out there that epoxies are superior to polyester resins, and for the small upcharge, I think they're worth every penny.

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