| re .0:
See also note 664 in the SAILING notes conference. One coat of epoxy 
(regardless of manufacturer) won't be effective enough to be worthwhile. 
Five or more coats are required.
The Gougeon Brothers (WEST epoxy) publish some inexpensive manuals on 
preventing and repairing blisters. System 3 epoxy is less expensive than 
WEST and as effective (you'll find ads for both in WoodenBoat and other 
magazines). 
There is a technique for avoiding sanding between coats that works for 
both WEST and System 3. Sand bottom thoroughly -- a random orbit air 
sander (which needs at least a 2hp compressor) works well and is 
reasonably fast (orbital electric sanders are horribly slow). Roll on a 
coat of epoxy -- two or three people applying the epoxy while a third 
mixes works well. You must use fast curing epoxy. Wait until the epoxy 
is just barely tacky. Roll on another coat. Wait. Roll. Etc. We used 
System 3 epoxy with the fastest hardener and were able to apply four 
coats to a 32' boat on a warm day (approximately 75 to 80 deg F). 
This is not a fun or inexpensive project.
 |