Resin Type

[Rogerfire]

I am wondering what type of resin I should use to fix up a fiberglass hull boat. The repairs I will be doing will be small cuts/gouges in the hull.<br />I've noticed there are several types of resins.<br />Polyester Resins--Epoxy Resins--System 3??<br />What is the best bet for my buck. <br />Thanks Roger

 

[Capt. Stabbin]

Re: Resin Type

I recently repaired my hull using West Systems epoxy and was very happy with the results. The best thing about it was the mixing pumps that assure a foolproof mix. I don't know about everyone else, but I hate wondering if I mixed enough hardener with the resin.<br /> Make sure that you use e-glass tape/cloth and not the regular polyester tape/cloth. <br /> Good luck and wear gloves!

 

[ThomWV]

Re: Resin Type

Epoxy is stronger, more waterproof, and bonds better than polyester resin. It is also about 3X expensive. Epoxy has much less smell than polyester but at the same time is more likely to produce a reaction after repeated use - particularly the hardner, should you get it on you.<br /><br />The West System stuff is very good to use if you have small repairs simply because it is sold almost everywhere and is packaged in convienent quantitys. It is not particularly expensive in comparison to smaller private suppliers, but if you are planning on using a quantity greater than about a quart you can save a good bit of money by buying elsewhere. One of the ones often used is Raka which is a small company located in Florida that sells all manner of fiberglass supplys.<br /><br />Just between you and I, the use of polyester is really something to avoid. The stuff makes sense for builders becase they are using so much of the stuff that the price differential really adds up. For home use epoxy is really the way to go. I buy one of Raka's gallon and a half kits about once a year and it takes care of my needs nicely. When I need speciality fillers I use West System stuff, particularly their #404 High Density Filler, mixed with the Raka resin and hardner (he sells the kits with half and half fast and slow set hardners so you can decide how fast you want it to set). Raka also sends out a small How-to handbook with his sales, or he was still sending them out the last time I bought from him.<br /><br />Thom

 

[kd6nem]

Re: Resin Type

A lot of folks like to just use Marine Tex and no cloth for really small dings. Marine Tex is kind of like Bondo for cars, but more suited for marine applications. Depends on how large/deep the "owie" is, and how much structural load and flexing is expected as to whether Marie Tex is appropriate or not. But it is a quicker, simpler fix. Don't know what you're looking at there, just didn't want you to overlook the simpler way unless the stronger fix if called for.

 

[Rogerfire]

Re: Resin Type

Thanks for the info. I have ordered the Epoxy Trial Kit from boat builder central. I think I can use this kit to pratice with and try and get the feel for fiberglassing. The info you have provided has been very helpful, thank you. Roger<br />P.S. I'm sure I will have many more questions.