: I am building a bootlegger canoe out of mahogany and about ready to
: glass. I have seen Nick put kevlar in bottom of kayaks is there
: any reason to do this with a two person canoe (hopefully
: wouldn't be hitting any rocks) should I use a 6 oz glass cloth
: or heavier? Second I have used west system epoxy on my sailboats
: and find it very troublesome in high humidity. Does anyone know
: if the Mas or system three would be a better choice of resin to
: use as the humidity is often high here in north carolina.
: Thanks
: Carl

Hello Carl,

I use West System in the tropics and in the past I had troubles with the 205 and 206 hardeners, but now I use the 207 hardener and I just love the stuff. It cures clear, gives great working time, and has UV additives. It's also very fluid.

That said, if you want to go cheaper you can try Raka. I've heard nothing but good about it.

As for the bottom of the canoe, kevlar won't wet out clear. I would use two layers of 3.25 ounce glass instead of 6 ounce. It is stronger and uses less resin, so therefore is lighter. If you're hard on it you could add another layer around the "football" of the bottom of the boat.