: Raka is a little cheaper (I could get 3 gallons for the price of the 2 1/4
: gal that is included in the Pygmy kit), apparently doesn't blush, dries
: very clear and shiny, and sounds like it may be better for a beginner like
: myself to work with due to its thinner viscosity. But, as you mention, it
: may be simpler just to use the System Three that is included in the Pygmy
: kit. I hadn't thought about there being more runs requiring more work.
: Thanks for the heads up on that aspect. I sort of doubt that blushing
: would be an issue here in Fresno with our dry hot summers, and since it's
: going to be varnished I don't think the "dries shiny" part is
: that important either. Still not sure which way to go. If I order a
: Water's Dancing kit (I know, I'm still vascilating) I'll be forced to go
: with Raka because WD can't ship their West System 207 epoxy to the US
: because of some silly "hazardus materials restriction" UPS has
: put on them.

: Thanks for your input,
: Ken

Hi Again Ken

I've only used one other type epoxy besides RAKA and you can't go wrong with RAKA. Don't pay any attention to the " Thin... Runs... Drips " and so on. You, being a first timer will totally enjoy the extra time you will get and how easy it works into the glass with their slow hardener and "no-Blush" qualities. Runs come about from having too much resin on or under the glass.
When I started to epoxy my first canoe I went to a friend for advice and he showed me his Dump & Squeegie method and how to work all the resin out from under the glass. I put 1 seal coat, 1 saturation coat and 2 fill coats on this canoe and had "NO" runs at all.

Being my first time, it probably took me 45 minutes to an hour to complete that saturation coat to my satisfaction, and with the RAKA 127/350 combo, I had time to spare.

When I ordered it for the first time I talked to Larry Steeves ( RAKA ) and he asked me enough questions about what I was building and figured out exactly what I needed in resin, cloth and also the little supplies that I would need to accomplish the job. He was right on and comparing prices around, he was the cheapest I could find.

In case you haven't checked, there's no epoxy-resin/glass to be found in the area. At least 2 years ago, I did a search of the phone book and then on the internet for ANY locations around here to find epoxy and it wasn't to be found. I even went to the local Power-Boat builders in the area and although they did have both, they were not, by law, allowed to retail it out. They all mostly use West System, purchased in the Santa Cruz area and it's very pricey.

I used RAKA during the early summer here when it was 100+* and still had over 45 minutes working time.. The other epoxy I used ( which my brother purchased from Glen-L marine in L.A. ) was starting to set up in less than 10 minutes and I could barely get it mixed before it "went-off" and it was useless. I couldn't even make filler as it would harden in the bowl while stirring.

When I ordered my Raka it took about 5 days to arrive from Florida. I can't even get a letter from here to Florida in 5 days.. well, unless it's 2 day priority.

So, if you can.. ask them to leave the kit epoxy out and you can order from RAKA instead. If you think about it you might get a little extra epoxy as there are always other little things you may need for the boat, and or cradles to haul it, etc.

Rehd