Date: 8/8/2009, 5:28 pm
Hi George,
If this is your first boat, and you want a rough duty boat, use 6oz. plain weave, which is the standard lay-up for most kayaks, Your finished boat will weigh 40-50#, Not bad if your launches are not far from the water.
However, if your looking for a light weight (fragile) kayak, the 3.25 oz. tight weave glass that Bill recommends is a great choice. The tight weave uses much less epoxy to wet out, even 2 layers can create a lighter boat than a single layer of plain weave, but I would not recommend it for a first time builder.
An alterative is 4oz. S glass, Some say it's not as clear as E glass, but I can't see the difference. I used it on a racing boat that has seen it's share of paddle dings and competitors banging into it. The "dent" factor is definately less with S glass than E glass, however, it's more expensive.
I have used West's, System Three, Raka, and others. They all do the job, but Raka is priced right and with the blush free hardner, it performed great for my last three boats. You will get lots of opinions on the best epoxy.
If you have deep pockets, go with West's or System 3 Silver Tip, if not consider the cheaper brands. Whatever you chose will work for you, just follow the directions.
Good luck,
Larry C.
: I'm approaching 'fiberglass and epoxy' time on my Storm LT - and I know this
: has been discussed a hundred times. For some reason, I'm not finding much
: searching the archives.
: Recommendations for Epoxy and fiberglass - both type and sources? I seem to
: recall Raka was recommeneded, as well as West Systems. 4 ounce e for the
: deck, in and out; 6 ounce for the hull, plus an abrasion patch on the
: football. Any/all help appreciated.
Messages In This Thread
- Material: epoxy/fg sources
george jung -- 8/8/2009, 12:12 am- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
Larry Crook -- 8/8/2009, 5:28 pm- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
george jung -- 8/8/2009, 6:04 pm- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
Larry Crook -- 8/9/2009, 9:11 am- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
eric -- 8/9/2009, 11:08 am- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
Bill Hamm -- 8/10/2009, 12:17 am- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
Chris Sperry -- 8/9/2009, 2:01 pm - Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
george jung -- 8/9/2009, 10:38 am- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
Paul G. Jacobson -- 8/10/2009, 1:06 pm- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
george jung -- 8/10/2009, 8:54 pm- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
Bill Hamm -- 8/11/2009, 1:48 am
- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
Bill Hamm -- 8/10/2009, 12:15 am - Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
Bill Hamm -- 8/8/2009, 1:30 am- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
george jung -- 8/8/2009, 10:36 am- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
Bill Hamm -- 8/8/2009, 12:55 pm
- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources
- Re: Material: epoxy/fg sources