Is it possible that because you are the Master Squeege that the float bags have rubbed through the very thin layer of epoxy that was left after lay-up? The color change would be the fibers showing through. A thin seal coat would fix it and be recommended to prevent water ingress.

Don T.

: I'm mystified as to why my glass and/or epoxy discolored, in the
: compartments. It sort of has the look of epoxy that has been
: unprotected, in the sun. Now, I did paddle the boat with bare
: epoxy, a total of 4 times -- the race, and several short
: outings. The only part of the boat that had varnish was the
: cockpit. There was no discoloration of the exterior. The hatches
: were overflowing with blown-up flotation bags -- silver in
: color, bordering on reflective. I don't see that much light was
: getting into the compartments, at all, much less enough to harm
: anything.

: It did rain one time, so water collected in the compartments for
: about an hour. Acid rain -- that must be it, heh.

: What about the quality of the original glass job? I thought it was
: very, very good. Well, the photo below shows some messiness,
: some from work that later occurred on the hatch opening, some I
: can't even recall.

: I had done a seal coat on the wood. I had used a deft touch with a
: squeegee; I know, controvery abounds. But, I've become so good
: at it, I sometimes claim the title of Squeegee Master. At any
: rate, there were no signs of epoxy starvation, and it had that
: beautiful, uniform texture, light-weight texture. I did not do
: any subsequent fill coats.

: The color and appearance was perfect, until after I had used the
: boat... hmm one? or two? times. I wonder if sitting with
: moisture from the rain -- flotation bags still in place -- had
: an effect.

: It does appear that areas that did get accidental subsequent epoxy,
: did not discolor.

: I first thought it was staining. But, it does not wash out. The
: lower right area in this photo has been cleaned with water.
: Obviously, there's sanding dust in the upper left area that can
: still be removed.

: So, what am I missing, here? Thanks