For the Builders

[jerseysportfisher]

What epoxies do you like and why, such as JGREERS's AeroMarine Products, System 3, west, or any others.

Thanks

Jim

[Fortunate One]

Being a very conservative person we went with West Systems on my build.

We looked at saving some money with others, but when it came down to it, West has been in use for many years. I felt that the few dollars that we would save by using another product wasn't worth the piece of mind that I have knowing that West is tried, true and has been field tested for years.

I personally wouldn't feel comfortable with any other epoxy, and they all may be fine, but if something works, especially something as using epoxy to build a boat....why not use it.

Just my opinion and that's what it's going to come down wit your decission. Because no matter how much you save in cost, will the product you're using bring you peace of mind?

[jerseysportfisher]

i've used west before, and always had good results. My project now will probably consume at least 9-12 gallons of epoxy. I was just curious, interesting all theese builders posting what their doing to their boats but no input on something simple as epoxy.

[JDLM]

I have used nothing but JGreer's stuff for the last 3 years.I perfer the 300/21 non-blushing.Bonds well and stronger than mustard gas,wets glass out fine,and with balloons fairs great.
Beast value on the market.

[clt_capt]

I've used a bunch of different epoxies - I used to build a lot of whitewater racing canoes and kayaks - Mostly kevlar and carbon ultralite stuff - not Cold Molded boats

I've used West System, System 3, Raka and US Composites most recently.

Both the West System and the System 3 are lower blushing than the less expensive epoxies. This will save you sanding time and solvents...

For smaller jobs, I really like the West System - their metering pumps really cut down on mixing mistakes

[donald/tri-again]

up in nj you should be able to buy mas direct. like it better than west. it doesnt drain out of the biax or cloth as bad as west does, west you need cabosil to keep the cloth wetted out, mas flag is much better for fairing filletting etc. mas hardners slo /fast mix better to get whatever work curetime you need,mas gives a better looking finnish coat but then it all gets sanded and painted anyhow. i cant find a wholesaler for mas so price says west

[Bligh]

I started with west from the early 80s til mid 90s. I am talking drums of epoxy and all west fillers. Too many blush problems and to thick to wet glass. And the expense. OMG I probably pay less then 1/2 for more . It doesnt blush and it wets glass easy. They make a thicker resin If I really needed the plain resin thicker but havent found a reason? I do add arosil and microballons when making putty for fairing and other uses.

[Questsportfishing]

most boat guys don't really 'feel' the 'need' to have to 'tell' you what and how they use stuff... but 'IF' 'YOU' take some time and look at the west system books, website and mass epoxys stuff also ... YOU can do some great things .. just to let you know though that some people are still learning the epoxy's because of strength, wet out capabilities etc ... if you learn vacuum bagging your job is complete and you will smile! the epoxy products also clean up with white vinegar .. so much better than cleaning your hands with m.e.k....lol... ps: it's expensive and they make their living doing the job that you want to do yourself... ~

[jerseysportfisher]

hey bligh, are you still using west ? I liked that euro transom on the formula 23, how is it coming along ? Are you using a different epoxy or vinyle ester with the coosa ?