what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

[bobcarter]

I'm getting ready to put a list together but am not sure what to use for replacing part of my deck and repairing a stringer on my 96 bayliner. It seems like most people talk about poly resin, but most of the reviews i read about poly resin state that it can easily delaminate, especially when joining old and new areas? Thoughts?

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

Polyester resin is used all the time in repairs. You just have to grind a little for good adhesion. As long as the old surface is prepped properly you'll have no problems

I've used polyester resin for years on restores and never had a problem, as have countless others here on iboats (or at any fiberglass repair place for that matter) Your boat was built with polyester resin and it's just fine for the repairs as well.

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

I am not a long-time member of iboats, but I think you may have un-wittingly just opened a:


I think historically this has been one of the bigger debates on this forum, ranking up their with:

(a) bunks v. rollers on trailers;
(b) glass v. tin boats.
(c) i/o vs. o/b boats.

So, I am going to get a beer and some popcorn and sit back and see how this unfolds.

So far, I have learned that poly smells and epoxy is expensive. Others will surely follow with more "scientific" explanations for their preferences.

 

[Friscoboater]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

I use all Poly.

 

[bobcarter]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

Honestly...i was afraid that I would get the "search" response. I did do some searching but couldn't really find an answer on this forum. I think the search engine on this forum isn't the best.

Anyways, I will surely use poly based on the cost, I just needed some encouragement from you guys. I stumbled on some sort of epoxy website that scared me into thinking poly was a big mistake.

 

[Pmccraney]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

Anyways, I will surely use poly based on the cost, I just needed some encouragement from you guys. I stumbled on some sort of epoxy website that scared me into thinking poly was a big mistake.

Nahh, I think this a fair question and one that is often debated, so that is why your search may not have given you a clear-cut answer. I am no seasoned pro, but I am going with poly on my restore (just bought 10 gallons of it).

 

[Cadwelder]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

Keep in mind also..a site that sells epoxy is going to lean toward selling epoxy...called marketing.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

Some times the final coat of Poly has wax in it. If so then sanding is imperative to acheive a good secondary bond. However in most cases the poly used for application below decks, i.e. stringers and transoms does not contain wax so sanding it and giving it a wash down with acetone will yield excellent bonding characteristics for your restoration project. Absolutely no worries. Above deck, then a good sanding and cleaning should always be adhered to since wax is commonly used in the final coat of resin.

 

[Bondo]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

Polyester resin is used all the time in repairs. You just have to grind a little for good adhesion. As long as the old surface is prepped properly you'll have no problems

I've used polyester resin for years on restores and never had a problem, as have countless others here on iboats (or at any fiberglass repair place for that matter) Your boat was built with polyester resin and it's just fine for the repairs as well.

Ayuh,.... I honestly think it comes down to the price of the resins, 'n that epoxy will allow mistakes to go Unpunished....

 

[andgott]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

I use epoxy. I have reasons- I just like working with it better, I like the lower (Virtually non-existent) odor. It is generally stronger, which might matter for some repairs, although the strength of poly is just fine most of the time. To me, the smell ALONE is worth the extra price of using epoxy.

My boat repair experience started with wooden boats, and epoxy is king there... Poly is not used on wood boats in general. So, I was used to using it, and when I started doing fiberglass boats, I just stuck with it.

My next restoration, however, may use some Vinylester (shhh! Don't tell anyone!). I have a good reason for this!

-Andrew

 

[Mike Lammert]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

I agree completely with Andrew. I like epoxy for the workability time, strength, and absence of that wonderful aroma!

 

[zopperman]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

I see 5 threads on the same subject at the bottom of the page.

I use poly.
I would use epoxy if I could afford it.

 

[jigngrub]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

I agree completely with Andrew. I like epoxy for the workability time, strength, and absence of that wonderful aroma!

I'm not a fiberglass guy, but if I ever had to do some glass work I'd go with the epoxy for these very same reasons and damn the cost! You get what you pay for in the long run.

 

[oops!]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

lol.....here we go !!!!!!!!!!

i have used both.......imho......epoxy is carp !,,,,,8 hours before you can touch it again.....then you have to grind the annime blush off it before you can do anything with it.....

so if you want to do several sections....you cant because the epoxy is wet.....
'ell....i can be done the entire job and home watching the football game with a case of beer when the epoxy users are just starting the second layer on the stringers !

also.....when you start down the epoxy route....forever will it dictate and narrow the types of products you can use on your boat !

epoxy is a really really good glue....it bonds very tenaciously with most sub-straights......for this fact, the epoxy companies have weaselled into the fibreglass boat rebuilding market.

the truth is, epoxy is so over kill that you will never use the strength it gives. in fact....you will never use the strength that poly gives, in a boat building situation.
....in standard boat use....the only time that poly fails...is due to the improper application of the product.
i have never heard of a properly used poly based fibreglass reinforced plastic failing in normal (or even extreme( use. (250 mph drag boats not with standing).

epoxy does have its uses....wooden boat building is one and off shore racing boats are another. and in some very rare cases, for curing some major poly based boat problems. osmosis blisters to be exact......but it is rare....and even then some times epoxy is only a band-aid.

it does have severe health issues associated with it....and to me....its just not worth the money ! there is no cost vs time benefit. no strength benefit that you can actually use. nothing.

properly used, poly resin and glass are stronger than steel.
why do you need more?

 

[BWT]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

Depending on the repair, timetable and the desired topcoat finish I frequently use both. Glass work is almost strictly poly. If the topcoat is going to be gelcoat then I use poly through the entire process. However if the topcoat is going to be painted I'll use epoxy with a fairing filler for final shaping of the surface prior to priming; it just sands so nice . If it's for repairs below the waterline I almost always use epoxy over the poly (it basically creates a barrier coat and since it's going to have bottom paint over top, there are no bonding issues). Epoxy below the water line is always a win-win IMO.

~BWT

 

[Mark42]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

I used epoxy because the Styrofoam boards would melt if regular resin is used. Epoxy resin does not melt foam. That is the ONLY reason I used expensive Epoxy. The hard top NEEDED to be made from light weight material. Ergo, the foam and epoxy fiberglass coating. Tough as nails, in fact, 4 years later, its still holding up like a champ. Did find a few spots where body filler bubbled and am currently working on those spots. (pays to wash, sand, wash, and sand more between coats of filler). The only problems i have had were just my own lack of experience.

FYI.... Foam: $50, Fiberglass: $35, High end body filler: $60. ........ Custom Cut 1/4" tempered glass windows.... $400-$600 .... Epoxy resin... $400. Add in the hardware, the stainless high end hinges, hooks, marine wire, lights, housings, etc. It probably cost close to $1800 bucks to do the hard top. But, it is well worth it. And no shop is going to build it for you for less.

BTW, the entire top only added 50 lbs to the total weight of the boat. But the wind does push it around when docking on a windy day.
...
Check out the links in my signature for the hard top build. Not cheap, but cheaper than a custom shop.

Regards,

Mark.

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

I'm getting ready to put a list together but am not sure what to use for replacing part of my deck and repairing a stringer on my 96 bayliner. It seems like most people talk about poly resin, but most of the reviews i read about poly resin state that it can easily delaminate, especially when joining old and new areas? Thoughts?

Prep is Key to any Fiberglass repair..

I dont care if its Epoxy or PE or VE .. if you do not want to prep it correctly it has the potential of failing..

The Bond is the bond... period.

You prep and apply (whatever resin) correctly to the substrate and you should be Fine.

Its one thing to suggest Epoxy over PE or VE for your lams or construction .. Its WAY different to apply those said products when using them.

You will need to learn more before you apply/buy your resin and glass Combo...

Stringers and Floors normally can be done with regular PE resin ..

Epoxy on the final coat before you "paint" can be a problem if your using dark colors as the Epoxy will Post cure. ( you Should post cure ANY EPOXY Before topcoat paints IMHO ).

You can post up some pics if you like .. but You Dont have to use Epoxy.

Prep m8 .. all in the Prep ..

YD.

 

[BWT]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

Epoxy on the final coat before you "paint" can be a problem if your using dark colors as the Epoxy will Post cure. ( you Should post cure ANY EPOXY Before topcoat paints IMHO ).
YD.

Yup. Good thing to mention Here's an excerpt from West System:

4. Post cure at an elevated temperature
Post cure at a minimum of 120? F for 4 to 8 hours (after the epoxy has cured at room temperature and can no longer be dented with your thumbnail). You can use a temporary oven or radiant heater to apply an elevated temperature post-cure. A high-wattage incandescent or halogen light bulb can raise the temperature in a tank high enough to do the job. This is often the only way to do an integral tank. However, watch the fire hazard as some light bulbs can get hot enough to cause the epoxy to char or possibly ignite.

 

[Bondo]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

it does have severe health issues associated with it....

Ayuh,..... Could ya expand on that abit Oops,..??

The wet resins, or the ground dust,..??

 

[Yacht Dr.]

Re: what are you guys using. Poly or epoxy

Ayuh,..... Could ya expand on that abit Oops,..??

The wet resins, or the ground dust,..??

What is the difference when your laying up ?

Epoxy does have SOME different characters .. but if you protect youself it might not matter ..

Epoxy is not just WS .. or whatever .. but the base component for Any Resin should be treated the same.

Yes .. the epoxy base ( in general ) is more prone to cause a reaction more then the poly or VE .. .. IMO ..

Use whatever Resin you like.. the safety standards are the SAME !!! Resp and Eye .. Body and Gloves..

Very Simple if you ask me...

Dont get the Sh..Crap on you ..Dont Breath it.. Dont have your family Breath it..Dont have it around Kids..Dont have it Around our friends .. Dont grind unless its contained .. Dont do anything unless its Completely Contained...

Get it ?!

This stuff is nothing like changing your oil in the driveway ..

I can only ask that you Research the product that you are wanting to use.. It could save you Alot of headache ..

YD.