Decision time - Resin

[smilinmatt]

I've used all the epoxies that you've mentioned, except TotalBoat. The only one that stands out is West Systems. It blushes horribly and costs more than twice anything else. I built two boats from Bateau (2002 G12 and 2009 OB19) both with System 3 epoxy. I'm in the process of rebuilding a 23' Sceptre from the stringers up, and I'm using RAKA epoxy.

I'd say the only drawback with the RAKA is that the resin and hardener are almost the same color, so you just need to make sure you don't mix them up.

I also built a casting deck on the front of a 13' Whaler using polyester resin and glass to tie it in. After I was done, I was able to peel the deck off the boat by hand. Last time I used polyester.

Since you'll be buying the epoxy in "bulk", there isn't much cost difference between epoxy and polyester. Polyester also has a short shelf life, so if your project takes longer than expected, you could end up spending more on polyester than epoxy.

Also make sure the glass you use is compatible with epoxy. That won't be a problem if you're sourcing them together, but there is glass with binders that are only dissolved by polyester.

[FLexpat]

Yeah - I definitely would not use polyester; it does not stick to old work well, shrinks, and blisters. Depending on what I am doing, I use either Raka epoxy or vinyl ester. Vinyl ester has about a 3-6 month shelf life but the MEKP catalyst is more like 2 months. Epoxy is very long - I have been told a few years (thats good for me ). Both VE and Epoxy have very low water permeability and shrink lots less than polyester. Gelcoat will stick to VE but not as well to epoxy. If it is going to be painted with an epoxy or remain bare, I mostly use epoxy. In higher humidity epoxy will blush but VE does not have that problem. I usually use peel ply on epoxy to eliminate that problem. For me epoxy is a little easier to use since you just pick the right hardener and go with it rather than trying to figure out how much catalyst to use for the expected temps. I used epoxy for my transom recore and other 'hidden' work, but used VE for my new decks since I am using a VE based gelcoat on those. Short version - they all have pros/cons; kinda depends on exactly what you are doing. And avoid poly for anything except mold making.

[uncleboo]

Basing my decision on the information I learned here, I used epoxy for the transom and polyester for the deck. Everything is holding nicely, no cracks or delamination.