: Group

: 1.) I would like to just get the kayaks out and use them. Then later in the
: fall I will coat them with urethane.

Sounds like a good plan as long as you are storing the kayaks out of the sun during that time. A week or so of use won't hurt things, but letting the thing bake for a month might not be good.

: Q1 Is this ok to do or is it just way easier to do it now?

: Q2 Can we do one coat then finish later?

Sure, if you would like. But actually, using the boat a bit first may be a better bet. The water gets off all traces of blush, and the epoxy ets harder with time, making it easier to give it a smooth sanding before applying the varnish.

: Q3 How long does it take to completely polyurethane one kayak?

Well, do you include sanding?

You can apply the varnish ( polyurethane or any other) in about 2 hours. that is just the labor and cleanup. The label on the can will give you a good ide of how long it will take to harden, and how long between recoating.

: Q4 How many coats work best? depends on how thick the coats are and the amount of UV inhibitors the manufacturer mixes in. Two coats is a bare minimum, some people use very thin coats and put on 5 to 7. I go with 3. I get bored after that.

: Q5 How much do I need to do a Guillemot and a Great Auk?

Buy a quart.

: Q6 Brands to recommend?

I don't recommend any brands. The strange thing is that if I did I would NOT start a flame war, but rather start a lengthy list of compliments. Everyone seems to like their varnish, and they want to share their pleasant results -- unles they got an old can and gooped up everything.

: 2.) My father-in-law works with a guy who builds Rob Roy type boats and he
: recommended a two part polyurethane.
: Q7 Has anyone ever used a brand called "Perfection Polyurethane" or
: "Epithane".

: 3.) The lip on the combing is about 95% complete. All that is left is some
: sanding of a couple of runs plus a spot in the very front underneath of
: the lip that has to have cloth applied – area is about 2” x .75”. I’m
: itching to get going on joining the deck and hull together. Since all of
: the work is on the outside of the deck and easily accessible I can sand
: and patch the one area after the hull and deck are joined. I feel this
: will save me time overall because, of scheduling the taping of the inside
: seam.

: Q8 Is my thinking on this ok?

You are thinking jsut fine. While the bond between the deck and hull is setting up you can finish the coaming. Cut your glass for the coaming to fit and keep it on hand. You may be able to use any excess resin from the hull/deck joining.

Good luck

PGJ