Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ronald Shanks on June 6, 2012 at 6:12am

I just finished my Canadian 14' from Spira about a month ago.  My goal for this boat was to build it on the cheap, just in case I blow it up on a section of river I want to fish.

I went with fiberglass mat on the bottom/sides, slapped some 3M poly resin on her and went for a ride.

West Systems is a great option to avoid the smell, but it was too pricey for my build/situation.  

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by eric stevens on June 6, 2012 at 10:28am

You can get epoxy from raka for $50 a gallon delivered to your house, this is like half the cost of west system. I have built boats with both and I like the raka stuff better. It's easyer to mix because it is a 1:1 ratio mix , On the bottom I would recommend using a biaxial fabric that is at least 12 oz , this type is way stronger than plain weave, and doesn't really cost much more for the fabric. It just takes a lot more resin to fill it in,

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by lhedrick on June 8, 2012 at 9:43am

The Raka 127 resin mixes 2 resin to 1 hardener.  Some special hardeners are 5 to 1.  I have used almost 100 gallons of stuff with no issues.

I have never used west epoxy but,  since so many people use it must be a good product.

Remember that plywood is a structural material so almost all of the strength of your floor will be from the plywood and 1/2 inch is a thick bottom.  So I would just use 1 layer of 10 ounce plain weave glass.  Fiber glass does more to add stiffness then strength.  With 1/2 plywood and glass above 10 ounce you will be adding a lot of extra weigh for little difference.  Especially if you are build in a framed boat where the frames will prevent flex.

On a stitch and glue boat with a 3/8 bottom and no frames, I would move up to the heavier biaxial fiberglass for sure.

• ▶ Reply