: I am building a Guillemot double and just put the second coat of epoxy over
: the glass on the hull. I am disappointed in two areas.
: 1. The white carpenters glue I used shows through in lots of joints - looks
: bad, is their any way to correct or do I just need to build another and
: use less glue next time?
: 2. I have a few ugly air pockets which look really bad. Can these be cut out
: and patched with a piece of glass cloth and re-epoxied?
: Also, where I laid a second layer of glass cloth there is a distinctive line.
: Can I now try to feather that out by sanding and will the varnish leave a
: nice finish or must I lay another coat of epoxy after I sand? I am afraid
: of getting the boat too heavy by using too much epoxy.
: Thanks for your help in these matters.
: Joe

Hey Joe,

The way I'm beginning to look at things like bad glue joints and not quite so clear wet-outs and such, ... its just a good reason to build another one - hopefully better than the last one. Besides, if you count all the joints on your yak, then count the bad joints, I'd be willin' to wager that the majority of the joints look good. And not only that, how many of your family, friends or neighbors have even attempted to do what you're doing?

As far as the air pockets are concerned, if they are "raised" bubble areas you may want to sand them down and add some glass. But, if they are not, you can pick up a hypodermic needle at the Druge Store, drill a hole just larger than the needle and inject some epoxy into the cavity . . it worked for me.

I assume (which one should NEVER do - ass-u&me) that when you say "a second piece with a distinct line" that you're talking about a smaller piece. You will have to feather the edges and then fill the weave with a fill coat of epoxy. The varnish nor the epoxy will hide that distinct line!! When you feather that layer, be sure that you get "ALL" of the sanded waste off or it WILL NOT wet out completely clear when you apply the fill coat if its still green. I found this out tonight and I made up my mind that I will NEVER, EVER, piece another layer of glass on the outside of a boat. And I wish I had that piece OFF that I put around my cockpit last night. Hopefully some of the more experienced will chime in cause I know they do it and make it work.

As far as the weight of the boat goes, when your out paddling, you will never wonder about what it weighs. If you do, let me know and we'll try to find out. I know that I've not been much help, but just remember, even with all the imperfections, its your boat and it floats!

Happy Building and Paddling.

Charles.