: Greetings: I am quickly approaching the day when I lay 'glass on the outside
: of my S&G hull. I have heard that some like to pre-coat the wood with
: epoxy and some don't. Based on my (first) experience with fiberglass on
: the inside, it seems like the base coat would make things a lot easier. My
: best results were when I slopped a little epoxy on the bare wood, laid the
: tape down on it, then proceeded to wet it out from there.

: I have been told that if I pre-coat the hull exterior, to allow the epoxy to
: cure, sand it smooth, then apply the cloth and goo. I wonder why not
: slather epoxy on the hull, lay the glass down on it before it cures, and
: then finish wetting it out in similar fashion?

: What do the experienced hands have to say about fiberglassing a plywood hull
: exterior? I am using RAKA epoxy and 5 oz cloth on a CLC Mill Creek 13
: built from plans.

: Cheers,

Hey Kurt Maurer,

I just read some/most of your building notes on your website, still laughing. Now let me compose myself, I suppose you could try to apply the hull glass over fresh epoxy, depends on your tolerance level for panic attacks and frustration. If there are absolutely no splinters, or sticky parts to the wood, you might could wet it out then two people holding the glass from each end plop it down and start trying to smooth it slowly so as not to stretch the glass or partly unravel it. I would try a dry fit first to make sure it fits correctly, then practice holding it from each end and slowly let it touch on the keel line and try to spread or touch it evenly towards the sheer, maybe 4 people would be better, someone that you do not mind yelling at when giving instructions would help. Let the 2 extras hold the sides and keep it under slight tension as you all drape it down on the hull.

Now, I must confess, tho I am pretty good at yelling instructions at a feverish pitch, I have never been able to assemble more than 1 helper at a time so have not tried this approach.

Let us know if you make a stab at it, and how you fare.

I also want to know how you like the Mill Creek paddling when that time comes!