jarhead said:
Hi all: Jarhead here. Been reading follow up posts.
1. What type of epoxy would you use instead of polyurethane resin? I am interested.
2. My Yazoo is 16 ft x 6 ft flat bottom 1972 model.
3. I will be glad to post any info I have on my conversion plans for the boat.
4. I am very pleased to find such an informed and friendly forum.
I am 62 yrs old, semi retired (meaning I need more money than I have)
I just got into fishing fresh water last year. Grew up in Fla fishing in the Atlantic. I have 5 kids and 6 grandkids.
I am looking forward to being as active and contributing a member of this forum as I can.
I hope to establish a website with pictures of the boat as I get into it this year.
Welcome to the forum! Congratulations on your retirement. I dream about it daily when I am at work... only 27 years to go... even then, only if I can afford it!!!!
Epoxy resin (And hardener) are made by many different companies. West Systems if the most popular but, there are many brands to choose from; MAS epoxies, Flag and a bunch more.
The type you use will be dictated by how fast you want to work; If you want it out of the can, onto the wood and into the boat before Law & Order comes on, get the fast hardening epoxies. But, if you are like me and don't want to end up noticing that my watch is stuck to the floor of my boat, go with the slow hardeners. This is also dictated by the working temperature. If you are working and it is under 50 or 55 degrees, you may want to go with a quicker hardening style, opposite goes for high temperature, go slower harder. The warmer the quicker it will harden no matter what style you are using. The colder the longer it will take.
The mixing of hardener is also important. Make certain to use the syringe or measuring cups. Do not eyeball it!! Mix it well... real well.
There low to high viscosity and medium. I would go with the lowest viscosity (thinnest, runniest liquidity) epoxy possible. This should permit it to soak into the wood providing amazing protection.
One thing to be concerned about;
A lot of people will screw their 4x8 to the garage or workshop wall above a heater for a week or longer. This will ensure that the wood starts out dry. What happens if the wood is not dry enough? I warps and splits and cracks all to hell when the epoxy kicks (dries) and you have a strong useless piece of wood. It is not a bad idea to treat it while it is in place screwed in on the wall and let it kick braced.
Once you have treated your wood the put into your boat, you will not have any regrets at all that you did it.
Good luck! I hope this helps.
** Almost forgot** Pre-drill your screw holes and seal the inside of the holes. Don't forget the edges. Do not give moisture a foothold anywhere on your wood.
Craig