hey lingcodjamie

[wjeffofl]

Hey, I was looking at your share a project page and noticed you used US Composites. They are here in FL where I am and was going to order from them. Wondered if you could tell me if you are happy with the product and service? <br />Also, I was shocked when your description under one of the photos said you had burned up 10 gal of epoxy to get to that point. I was looking at from 7-10 gal for my 18 footer that needs transom, floor, stringers and casting deck. (my boat is a single hull with console and bait wells, etc. glassed in so I will have to re-attach all that I have cut out.) Am I way off on that estimate and how much did you end up using. <br /><br />I appreciate your pictures and documentation they are helpful. I'm gonna try to do the same as my project progresses so maybe someone else can benefit from my work.<br /><br />Thanks for your reply if you have the time!!!<br /><br />Jeff

 

[wjeffofl]

Re: hey lingcodjamie

Bumping this up in hopes you make it on here this weekend.<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Jeff

 

[epresutti]

Re: hey lingcodjamie

Jeff,<br /><br />I have gone through about 15 galons, including waste and experiments, I replaced, transom, stringers, deck, gunnels, etc.<br /><br />Started with a shell. I don't know about US Composites. I used Fiberglass Coatings Inc., they are in St. Pete, close to my house.<br /><br />Peace.<br /><br />Ed.

 

[wjeffofl]

Re: hey lingcodjamie

OK thanks for the info. That would change the cost conciderably. Dont want to get in the middle of the project then find out its much more expensive. Guess if it wasnt that way then it wouldnt be a boat!<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Jeff

 

[lingcod]

Re: hey lingcodjamie

I ended up using 9 gallons of epoxy resin and 2.5 gallons of poly. I switched to poly to do the floor as I only had 1 gallon of epoxy left and It takes 10 days to get US composites to get more here. If you had a helper when it comes time do do the glass work, this will cut down on the waste. My experience is that poly saturates the mat alot easier with less resin than the epoxy does. although I was working in temps that ranged from 40-60 degrees. I tried warming the epoxy resin in warm water but that just made it kick off in like 4 minutes. If you go with epoxy, wear long sleeved shirts and good gloves. by the end of my project, if I even touched any resin, my arms would break out in a rash. my project is almost done now, just have to order a new rub rail for it. I am going to put it in the water on tuesday for its maiden voyage as a rot free vessel.

 

[wjeffofl]

Re: hey lingcodjamie

Thanks Lingcod,<br /><br />I was thinking about poly to save money but aside from the bonding debate I am concerned that my neighbors might not appreciate the boatyard odors wafting through the neighborhood. As it stands I feel lucky that nobody has complained yet.<br /><br />I appreciate your sharing your project and responding to my post. Post some more pics if you have them, they help tell the story far more than words. I hope your voyage goes well and you get many years of enjoyment from your work. <br /><br />Thanks again,<br /><br />Jeff

 

[lingcod]

Re: hey lingcodjamie

the epoxy from US Composites is virtually odorless. the poly stinks to high heaven. If I had it to do over again, I would use epoxy but in warmer temps. will post new pics once she's floating. You can't call it done unless you see her float.