[Billybob]

Wow, thanks for all the advice, knew I could count on ya's.
What I think I know is that chopped mat is held together with some type of binder which reacts with the poly but is hard to wet out with epoxy.But they make a stitched mat just for epoxy that doesn't have the binder.
So, I was thinking of using that and cloth in layers.I am a little concerned about the whole mess sagging on me while I wait for it to set.I have used plastic sheet before as a release film so I'll have to figure out what I can do to support it.I guess I'll go with the thicker epoxy too, that should help some. Vacuum bagging is beyond me.
I also think you need apply your subsequent layers during the time between initial gel stage and full cure or you'll be sanding good between layers.
So, I'll keep you posted.
It's a really bizarre thing, I've never seen this happen to a boat before.