Ok, So I'm a newbie to boat restoration and I've read a lot of postings. I'm still a little lost on this Epoxy verses polyester resin thing.
I'm rebuilding a transom on an older family owned fiberglass boat.
I've removed the engine, lower unit, bell housing, transom plate and all of the inner fiberglass and plywood. I'm down to the outer skin of fiberglass and I've sanded that smooth all over so it's clean. I went out and purchased hardwood Marine plywood and had it cut in to two pieces cut in opposite directions for grain strength.
Now I'm almost ready to start laminating the plywood together. This is where I have stopped. I have both fiberglass mat and cloth along with 4" fiberglass tape. I have all the necessary tools and supplies to proceed except that all important Fiberglass resin and hardner. I've heard a lot of pro's and con's to each one. So I'm looking for answers as to why I really need to use EPOXY instead of Polyester resin? Except for the costs involved, the different manufactures I've spoken to say that most new boats today are made with the newer polyester resins due to the costs of Epoxy. I know I'm going to get the "here we go again" replies but I'm sorry. Since I'm doing this and it involves my family riding on and in this boat when it's done (someday...lol) I'm sure you can understand my concerns. i want it to be safe. I know the Epoxy is supposed to be stronger and more flexible than polyester. But in a transom that's 2" thick? Does it really make that much difference in this application? If so please explain why. I know that adding either wood flour or microballons to the mix will thicken it up for filleting. But can't you fillet polyester the same way? I'm open to suggestions and opinions that I can use to make an Informed decision before I proceed.
Again, as always, I thank you all in advance for your input and suggestions.
Alex W
Roanoke, VA
I'm rebuilding a transom on an older family owned fiberglass boat.
I've removed the engine, lower unit, bell housing, transom plate and all of the inner fiberglass and plywood. I'm down to the outer skin of fiberglass and I've sanded that smooth all over so it's clean. I went out and purchased hardwood Marine plywood and had it cut in to two pieces cut in opposite directions for grain strength.
Now I'm almost ready to start laminating the plywood together. This is where I have stopped. I have both fiberglass mat and cloth along with 4" fiberglass tape. I have all the necessary tools and supplies to proceed except that all important Fiberglass resin and hardner. I've heard a lot of pro's and con's to each one. So I'm looking for answers as to why I really need to use EPOXY instead of Polyester resin? Except for the costs involved, the different manufactures I've spoken to say that most new boats today are made with the newer polyester resins due to the costs of Epoxy. I know I'm going to get the "here we go again" replies but I'm sorry. Since I'm doing this and it involves my family riding on and in this boat when it's done (someday...lol) I'm sure you can understand my concerns. i want it to be safe. I know the Epoxy is supposed to be stronger and more flexible than polyester. But in a transom that's 2" thick? Does it really make that much difference in this application? If so please explain why. I know that adding either wood flour or microballons to the mix will thicken it up for filleting. But can't you fillet polyester the same way? I'm open to suggestions and opinions that I can use to make an Informed decision before I proceed.
Again, as always, I thank you all in advance for your input and suggestions.
Alex W
Roanoke, VA
