: How long has it been since you applied the epoxy? I seem to remember you are
: using uscomposites epoxy. That's what I use in Texas...the slow cure type,
: which is blushless and very slow. Humidity has never been a problem...and
: it has been high...raining outside sometimes. If you are using this stuff
: it should be firming up very good after 12 hours, though it will still be
: a trifle sticky. I never move anything until 24 hours is up, or at least
: the next day. I've also found it to be very tolerant of mixtures. I'm sure
: a big goof would make some difference, though. If you put in too little
: hardener it should still cure, but not be as hard as it would be if you
: used the correct mixture. If you are not using the uscomposites
: stuff...then hopefully somebody else will have an answer. Don't be
: disgusted. This is a continual learning process for all of us...even those
: who have built lots of boats.

Hey Gerald,

Yes I am using US composites epoxy and slow hardener and their 4oz E-glass. I hope no one has misunderstood and think that I am saying that their products are giving me a problem. Quite the contrary. The wet-out has been fine, as I have posted before and no problems with clarity or anything like that.

The only problem (other than two mistakes that I know were my own creation)that I have encountered is that the epoxy that has been applied to the seams, for some reason, is staying somewhat tacky even after several days in my garage where the temp has been in the 90's during the day. The seam tape epoxy was applied over several days, and my wife and I both have mixed various small batches during the seam taping.

The worst of the two mistakes that I have made was this morning when I picked up the hot boat after I let it set in the sunshine for abt an hour to get the temp up in an effort to aid in the curing of the seams. The really odd part of the whole thing - I knew as soon as I picked it up that it was not the thing to do.

The other of the two mistakes - sanding green epoxy and not getting all the residue off before the final fill coat.

I'm going to check the accuracy of the graduated measuring cups when I get the time and the enthusiasm to get back at it. I can't remember when I changed cups. Anyway, I'm grabbing at straws right now so, hopefully, I don't run into this problem again.

I'm moving my daughter this week so if I don't get the final sanding and fill coat on before I leave, maybe it will be cured by the time I get back home. Tomorrow's another day with more challenges and a vast varity of solutions. The fun part is figuring out what works and what doesn't. I'm on the "doesn't" side of life right now, it "seams".

Words of wisdom for the day: Half of the boat building process is knowing what to do - the other half is knowing what NOT to do! WOW!! just think . . if everything worked out perfectly every day - most people would only know half as much as a boat builder!

Happy Building.

Charles.