1708 mat for stringers

[cterrebonne]

Looking to start tearing into the V20. Would one layer of 1708 mesh over the stringers would be enough? Or should I do two layers? I am open to ideas. I will being going with epoxy resin.

[tartuffe]

The 1708 is primarily used with polyester resins. The mat sucks up so much resin that is makes for a good waterproofer but it is not as strong as the biax. The problem is that it sucks up so much resin.

When you use epoxy, it is a much better waterproofer ounce for ounce versus polyester so you do not need the mat. Straight 17 oz. biax will be sufficient but personally I am using 2 layers. I like overkill when it comes to my boat. The wood is your structure. The cloth seals the wood. I only go with 2 layers for the purpose of added protection against rubbing over time.

I like US Composites for epoxy and boat builder central for mat.

[cterrebonne]

Originally Posted by tartuffe

The 1708 is primarily used with polyester resins. The mat sucks up so much resin that is makes for a good waterproofer but it is not as strong as the biax. The problem is that it sucks up so much resin.

When you use epoxy, it is a much better waterproofer ounce for ounce versus polyester so you do not need the mat. Straight 17 oz. biax will be sufficient but personally I am using 2 layers. I like overkill when it comes to my boat. The wood is your structure. The cloth seals the wood. I only go with 2 layers for the purpose of added protection against rubbing over time.

I like US Composites for epoxy and boat builder central for mat.

thanks for the info. I was going to use epoxy usa for the resin. Have you heard any negatives about their product?

Also I am looking at the mat. 17 oz 45/45 or 0/90 I see that one mas the chopped strand attached to it is the 45/45.

[tartuffe]

I am not familiar with epoxy USA. That doesn't mean its not as good, I just liked US Composites pricing. I want to say it is around $340 with shipping to NC for a 7.5 gal kit. It comes in 1 gallon containers. You'll want to start with at least 7 gallons so if their prices at that quantity match up then I would go for it. You'll also want the slowest cure available. I was fortunate that most of my big layups took place when it was 40 degrees outside so that gave me the time to work for several hours on a single batch. Now that it has warmed up I am having to mix smaller batches and it is more challenging.

I like the 45/45 and was advised that is the way to go from the fellas on boat design.net.

Here is another tip that I have learned, MEK costs more than acetone per gallon but you save overall because it does not evaporate nearly as quickly but still quickly

[cterrebonne]

thanks for the tips. The epoxy I saw was about 500 for 7.5 gals. It said that it was a no blush formula. I didn't see if the US comp stuff was low/no blush. No big deal if it blushes some simple green can take care of that between coats. The US comp stuff is looking better on price.

What repairs you made that used up 7.5 gallons?

[Shrek]

I'm really thrilled to see that you're going to get cracking on the V. I'm really looking forward to seeing your progress on the old girl.