: I also have some question on glassing the boat. I’m thinking of using System
: Three Clear Coat to wet out the cloth and then fill the weave with the
: standard System Three with the #1 or #2 hardener. I imagine I can use the
: #1 fast hardener as the cloth will be down and application should go
: quick.
: Or should I use the clear coat through out or the standard epoxy using the #2
: hardener to give me more time to work?

Hi Hawkzappie. I use a fast hardener for detail work like hatch lips, trim and rudder parts; it's just very convienient. My garage is about 50-60 deg and sometimes a slow mix of epoxy is still tacky after 24 hours. Even so I like to use slow hardener for glassing large areas. I don't claim to have perfect technique but I like having plenty of time to use the squeegee and bubble roller or even be able to lift/reposition part of the fabric. Even the slow mix will kick within a reasonable time period and then it's pretty stable from there on out.

In terms of product, I would just keep it as simple as possible. I change tack on an "as needed" basis... pick one product and stick with it until you see a need to change. Everyone is different though. I used S3 Clearcoat on my first boat. It was a long time ago but the glassing went down okay. I got a lot of print-through on my fill coats and then decided to lay on a thick coat... big mistake - it ran like crazy. I had to sand for days but it turned out fine in the end.

I guess that's the main thing; have fun and experiment. Chances are it will turn out fine

- Chip
http://www.nwlink.com/~chips