Mark Edwards MBE explains how modern epoxy techniques have played a vital role in building historic replica boats – including the royal rowbarge Gloriana. Mark Edwards has shipbuilding in his blood. “I discovered recently that my family history had been traced back to the sixteenth century, and a lot of my ancestors were shipwrights in ... Building the Gloriana: epoxy’s role in history More
“The wind is coming up. Tell the boys they can commence with the race.” Fittingly, these would be the last words of Meade A. Gougeon as he watched a fleet of sailboats, including his trimaran Adagio, assembling for the Great Lakes Multihull Regatta in front of his home on the Saginaw Bay. Gougeon died Sunday, August ... Meade A. Gougeon: September 25, 1938–August 27, 2017 More
There’s only one thing worse than a dark hallway and that’s door envy. Just what we got when we talked to our own Gary Thompson about his new, epoxy coated, Breakfast Room, green painted wood and glass front door. Part 1: Gary’s front and back door project Epoxy expert Gary Thompson had known for a ... Gary’s new doors: weatherproof and very pretty More
Since the Second World War, Leopoldo Colombo and his family have been building exceptional wooden boats on Lake Como in Italy. Now, Leopoldo’s grandson, Giovanni, is overseeing the construction of a beautiful motor day cruiser – the Poldo 23. Could it be the yard’s best model yet? The story of Colombo Leopoldo boat yard began ... Colombo Leopoldo: boat building tradition on Lake Como More
Meeting our Thames Rowing Skiff: “Maggie” I’ve always dreamed of owning a Thames Rowing Skiff, so when I retired, I started searching for one. I met with Mark Edwards at Richmond who builds superb skiffs. One of his beautifully restored skiffs was up for sale and my wife Maggie and I went to look at ... My Project: a complete restoration of a badly damaged Thames Rowing Skiff By Dave Webb More
Andrew Wolstenholme is the renaissance man of naval architecture. He’s designed everything from classic broads sailing yachts to production powerboats and gentlemen’s launches, and he’s more prolific than ever. Epoxycraft asked him how he first got interested in boat design; what drives his design philosophy and why so many of his boats use wood/epoxy construction ... Q&A with Naval Architect Andrew Wolstenholme More
“When I was tasked with building and installing a new wheel at a historic water mill, I wanted to do it right. I’m proud of what we achieved, and the new wheel isn’t just beautiful – it will also last for decades,” says Tony Gray, Trust Joiner at the National Trust for Jersey. Quétival Mill ... Beautiful new wheel for historic Jersey water mill More
If you need to know how to mend a puncture in fibreglass, check this out. This boat owner’s 17ft fibreglass boat sustained a major hit in a storm which caused a puncture hole in the hull. John used the WEST SYSTEM® Mini Pack after it was recommended to him, to mend the hole himself – ... How to fix collision damage in fibreglass (boat hull repair) More
Respect for clients, associates and suppliers is the cornerstone of Ocean Marine’s successful and growing business. The company, which was founded by Mr. Haris Kyriakides in Limassol, Cyprus in 1990, supplies leading marine products, brands and services to customers across the island, including WEST SYSTEM® epoxy products. After I came back from studying business in ... All about: Ocean Marine Equipment Ltd More
If you’re going to spend your time off doing jobs around the house instead of reading the paper or going to the pub, you at least want repairs that look great. Get the results you need with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy, says our DIY master David Johnson. Our epoxy guru David has jobs to do around ... Better DIY with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy More
It’s nearly the Bank Holiday weekend, and for many of us that means quality time with family and friends – and DIY! Did you know that you can use your trusted WEST SYSTEM® epoxy for lots of indoor and outdoor projects – whether it’s fixing a cracked toilet or sorting out problems with your plaster? ... Conquer those household DIY repairs this Bank Holiday weekend with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy More
When HF Marin Sweden’s Founder and Managing Director Krister Bewert returned from a nine-year trans-Atlantic voyage, he didn’t know what the future would hold. Then, he got a golden opportunity to distribute WEST SYSTEM® and PRO-SET® epoxy to boatbuilders and repair yards across Sweden and he’s never looked back. When my wife, Gunilla, and I ... All about: HF Marin Sweden More
In February 2017 we featured a beautiful wooden bath tub built by the multi-talented Marco Casavecchia – an architect, boat builder and cabinet maker based in Susa, Italy. We caught up with Marco again this month to hear all about his latest project, a stunning and unusual wooden sink built for one of his customers. ... The stylish and sleek, handcrafted, wooden sink More
Choosing the right glass cloth is the starting point for any successful boatbuilding or repair project. Make the right choice with our four key selection criteria says technical expert, Hamish Cook. Plain weave, biaxial stitched, twill weave, satin weave. The range of glass cloths available is huge and growing. So how can you make sure ... Ask Hamish: how to choose the right glass cloth for your project More
We found this great blog online showing you the step by step process of successfully installing a bow thruster tunnel into your boat yourself – it even shows what to do if there are certain obstacles in the way. The blog comes complete with photos so you can see what the different stages look like. ... Bow thruster tunnel Installation More
When this DIY enthusiast was offered a free oak slab from an old tree which had been cut down, he jumped at the opportunity to turn it into something incredible. This great little blog documents his process of turning the spalted chunk of wood into a beautifully finished table – with a little help from ... Recycling an oak slab More
Is one or more of your lifeline stanchions coming away from its base? It’s a common problem but it’s vital that it’s fixed quickly. A repair with thickened WEST SYSTEM® epoxy and fibreglass will do an excellent job, as our technical expert Hamish explains. There’s a lot of stress placed on the humble stanchion. Often ... We asked Hamish… how do you repair a stanchion on a fibreglass boat? More
We loved this fun video made by Peter Brown documenting his first time forming and turning something made from epoxy. In the video, Peter shows how he created an epoxy bowl made from epoxy and old wires which were lying around his house. You can find lots more instructional videos on our you tube channel. More
When boatbuilding duo Tim Loftus and Dan Johnson decided to build a dinghy for the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show, they never expected it to win an award. However, this “cute little boat with a jolly countenance” impressed the judges so much, it won the show’s coveted Concours d’Elegance. We speak to Tim to discover how ... The Flying 10: the lovable dinghy with a prize-winning finish More
We found yet again another useful video made by Andy Miller, teaching you how to give teak a professional wood finish. This easy to follow two-part series walks you through each stage step-by-step – the first part, linked here, begins by running through the materials you’ll need and how to use epoxy to prepare the ... Varnish like a pro! More
What another fantastic RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show! The event was a great opportunity to spend some quality time with our customers, from up-and-coming sailors doing repairs on their boats to large boatyards adopting the latest epoxy infusion techniques. Between meetings, we also got to see some of the best dinghies coming out of the UK ... Photo report: The best of RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show, 2017 More
Many of the boatbuilders featured in epoxycraft talk about using peel ply in their builds. But what is it and why is it so great? We ask our resident expert Hamish Cook to explain what it is, the benefits it offers and how best to use it. Peel ply is often talked about by boat ... We asked Hamish: tell us about using peel ply? More
When Petros Dracopoulos started working for marine distributor Delos, he was “the kid that had to do everything”. Some 15 years later, however, he became Managing Director. Here, he tells us how his family business in Greece has gone from strength to strength over the years – and how the products they sell are trusted ... All about: Delos S.A. More
The south east of the UK is home to, arguably, the most innovative hydrofoiling experiment in recent years: the Vampire Project. Through years of hard work and meticulous design, a team comprising of arguably the best in the business, is perfecting a pioneering foiling catamaran that’s really pushing boundaries. We speak to boatbuilder Graham Eeles ... The Vampire: the ultimate foiling experiment More
Get creative with epoxy! We found this fun video made by Linn in the USA showing you how to make these funky personalised knives at home. These could be a great addition to your knife collection or even be used as gifts – Linn teaches you how to customise them so you can choose exactly ... Personalising knives with epoxy More
Maybe you’ve thought about using epoxy products for a project but heard a rumour they’re not good enough in some way? In part one of this myth-busting series our very own Guru of the Gooey Stuff, David Johnson, ‘cures’ a few myths about epoxy resin. Myth 1: Epoxy doesn’t stick to polyester I hear this ... 10 myths about epoxy: cured! More
Check out this great little post from boating enthusiasts Dave and Angi in Ontario, Canada. The pair have documented their experience of building a new rudder for their boat, Dickerson 32 Aft Cockpit Ketch, originally purchased in 1999. Complete with photos, you can really get a good idea of the process here. Read the whole ... Building a new rudder for a ketch More
If you’re new to the world of epoxy and want to learn from the very basics, we have the perfect blog for you. This great guide walks you through everything you need to know about using WEST SYSTEM products – from the types of applications it can be used for, to the various curing stages. ... Back to Basics More
The story of the IT worker who made his own penny floor went viral recently – and it’s easy to see why. With a load of copper pennies, some epoxy and just a little patience, you can create a stunning bespoke floor covering that really won’t cost you the earth. Here, we talk you through ... How to make a penny floor More
What do you get if you cross an architect, a boat-builder and a cabinetmaker? You get Marco Casavecchia, who builds a variety of exquisite wooden items from his studio in Susa, Italy. Here, he talks to us about a recent project: a stunning wooden bathtub. How did the project come about? A customer approached me ... A bath tub… with a difference More
WEST SYSTEM® epoxy is renowned for its clear finish. However, what if you just want to add a splash of colour to your epoxy? In this month’s ‘Ask Hamish’, he explains how to bring the colours of the rainbow to your next epoxy project. If you look at the range of WEST SYSTEM pigments available, ... We asked Hamish: can you colour epoxy? More
If a motor racing legend asks you to build him the ultimate performance cruising cat, you pull out all the stops. Australian shipwright Julian Griffiths tells us how he’s satisfying Tony Longhurst’s need for speed with Kator, the first-of-its-kind G-Force 2000 Speciale – built with a little help from WEST SYSTEM® epoxy products. “When Tony ... Kator: The cruising cat with a need for speed More
Before joining the West System International team, Area Sales Manager Gary Thompson honed his boat building skills and epoxy knowledge with a course at the Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy. Here, Gary proudly recounts the building of his Herreshoff Haven daysailer. How did the project come about? I was keen to top-up my wood working ... Building a Haven with a modern foam and epoxy hull More
§We loved this entertaining two-part blog from carbon fibre enthusiast Paul Carpenter. Paul, who is also a huge fan of the Oakley brand, decided to try and replicate a pair of their sunglasses using carbon fibre fabric from eBay and our very own WEST SYSTEM epoxy – and the result was fab! Paul’s blog relays ... Recreating Oakley sunglasses using carbon fibre More
Here at Epoxycraft, we spend most of our time explaining how to use epoxy with wood and plastics. But what about metals…will it stick to them? Yes it most definitely will, says our technical expert Hamish Cook – as long as you prepare the metal in the right way. I often get asked if it’s ... We asked Hamish: can you use epoxy with metals? More
To his customers in Croatia, he’s known simply as “WEST SYSTEM man”. We talk to Yacht Center Adriatic Managing Director Tomislav Gjurinski about his proud association with the WEST SYSTEM® brand and why providing top-rate knowledge and support goes hand in hand with supplying the best products. It’s over 10 years now since I started ... All about: Yacht Center Adriatic More
Whatever the project you’re working on, you’ll need several coats of epoxy resin and hardener. Most projects need between two and four. However many coats you’re planning on, you need to recoat at the right time and in the right way and ensure your surface is properly prepared. How you prepare a surface for recoating ... 3 ways to prepare a surface for recoating in epoxy More
The Shipyard and Marina in Betina, Croatia has been building boats for a staggering 270 years. It is one of the last bastions of traditional wooden shipbuilding on the Croatian Adriatic coast – but they’re still keen to move with the times. Here, Technical Director Joško Radić tells us about his team’s modern take on ... An historic fishing boat for the 21st century More
A little while ago, we told you all about our very own Richard’s hobby of building and flying model airplanes. In this article, our technical expert Hamish Cook shares his passion for archery – and talks us through how he built a traditional flatbow in bamboo and epoxy. The flatbow is the most traditional and ... How to build a bamboo archery bow More
We found this great blog, written by Ted from the Roarockit Skateboard Company, demonstrating a step by step process of how to apply carbon fibre to the top and bottom of a skateboard desk for a smooth, stylish finish. The blog even contains nice clear photos documenting each stage of Ted’s project, so you can ... Applying Carbon Fibre to a skateboard deck More
Wooden slabs are rapidly becoming the popular choice amongst home owners and interior designers to create beautiful and unique pieces of furniture – and even works of art. We came across this really useful blog showing how you can turn live edge-slabs, slabs with uneven surfaces or even slabs with deep holes in them, into ... Finishing a live edge wooden slab More
Rumour has it that the Ròn Bhán – Gaelic for White Seal – was commissioned for gun running between Ireland and Scotland; but is it true? We dig deeper into the renovation of this classic carvel construction from the James Silver boatyard and see how a complete overhaul with the help of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy ... The White Seal with the mysterious past More
It’s one of the most common questions: why isn’t my epoxy curing? Fortunately, when it comes to WEST SYSTEM® epoxy products, it’s quite easy to work out precisely what’s happening. We spoke to our technical guru Hamish Cook to find out what can go wrong and how avoid it happening again. “Why isn’t my epoxy ... We asked Hamish: why isn’t my epoxy curing? More
Here at epoxycraft you’ll normally find hints and tips for working with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. But what about PRO-SET® epoxy? It’s typically used by professional boat builders and composite manufacturers – until now. As the new 1 kg A pack becomes available, we give you a few top tips for mixing PRO-SET epoxy resin and hardener ... How to mix PRO-SET epoxy resin and hardener More
Anna Fokdal talks about her pioneering father, Hans, and how he has changed the world of Danish boatbuilding. Now I look back on it, it’s probably fair to say that my father was singlehandedly responsible for introducing wood epoxy construction techniques to Denmark. Nearly 25 years since he set up our business, we now supply ... All about: HF Industri & Marine More
The UK engineering sector is full of talent and it’s growing. The question is, how do you attract the next generation of innovators and creators? The Greenpower Education Trust may just have the answer. We caught up with retired Engineering teacher Alan Beardmore and Greenpower CEO Jeremy Way to find out more about this inspirational ... Greenpower: putting engineering in pole position More
We loved this interesting blog by Kate Aughey relaying the process of repairing a beautiful little cabinet originally made in the 18th century. The blog talks through the process of creating new rippled mouldings and carved motifs in line with the rest of the detailing on the cabinet, as well as colouring epoxy for an ... Restoring an 18th century Ebonised Table Cabinet More
We came across this great blog written by Peter d’Anjou explaining the advice he gave to his friend for easily repairing surface damage when he scraped his 25-foot boat against some rocks. Peter suggests a DIY method to carry out the repair as well as top tips for working with epoxy – all the while ... DIY Fibreglass Boat Repairs More
Streamlined, fast and powerful, the ground-breaking Farr (Mumm) 30 has become a modern classic in the field of fleet racing. Still many years from retirement, these boats are enjoying an active competitive life on the one-design racing circuit. We speak to Chris Turner of Ovington Boats and Alon Finkelstein of Farr Yacht Design about how ... Design team behind the Farr 30 talk about use of PRO-SET epoxy in build More
If you’re ever travelling down the Gloucester to Sharpness canal, keep an eye out for Craig Glassonbury. As General Manager of distinguished boatbuilders RW Davis & Son Ltd, he can be seen on the dry dock at Saul refurbishing all sorts of historic boats with his colleagues. Here, he tells us about the boatyard’s restoration ... A lifeboat love affair More
We loved this fantastic blog by an amateur boat builder from New Zealand, giving you a detailed and helpful step by step guide of how he went about his very first project – a stunning Trimaran built from scratch all by himself in his spare time. We were very impressed! To read more about this ... Building a Trimaran as a first timer More
We came across this great video posted by HF Industri & Marine showing how their vacuum expert Ben Denham and a good friend made 2 vacuum infused fibreglass/carbon PRO-SET epoxy kayaks in the space of a weekend! The video takes you through the entire process start to finish so is definitely worth a watch. More
Beach life-saving equipment can be outdated, expensive to run and time-consuming to set up in an emergency. So when Loughborough University graduate Ross Kemp realised this, he created the Asap water craft: an easy-to-use, power-assisted watercraft for beach lifeguards. Here he tells us about the project, its success and why epoxy resin has played an ... The Asap watercraft More
‘Quality Products, Exceptional Service’. It’s the motto that has helped Marine & Industrial in Norfolk become one of the leading distributors of adhesives and sealants to the UK marine industry. We speak to Managing Director Robin Mace about the origins of this family-run business. My parents, Richard and Penny Mace, started the business in 1986 ... All about: Marine & Industrial More
Got a lot of epoxy filleting to do? Or quite a few holes to fill? You might want to think about using a piping bag. It’s quick, clean and easy – and below, we explain exactly how to do it. Whenever we go along to trade shows and boat shows, we typically demonstrate how to ... Using a piping bag with epoxy More
For over 20 years, Katie Walker has been producing original pieces of beautifully crafted furniture. Having gained great success with her iconic, modern and classic designs, her work – which often relies on WEST SYSTEM® epoxy – can be found throughout galleries and retailers across the UK. Here she tells us about the creation of ... The Ribbon rocking chair More
One of the great things about working with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy products is that you can really let your creative juices flow when you apply it; as long as you’ve mixed it properly, that is. So when we asked Hamish what can we use to make custom filleting tools, he explained that really, we’re only ... We asked Hamish: how do you make custom filleting tools? More
Lucky enough to grow up on the Norfolk Broads, Tim Frary has boating in his blood. Keen to pass on his love of sailing to his young family, he’s built Stellar, a stunning 31.4ft traditional river cruiser. Here Tim explains how, with a lot of hard work – and PRO-SET® and WEST SYSTEM® epoxy – ... Stellar: a traditional boat for the modern family More
The International Boatbuilding Training College (IBTC) at Lowestoft builds and restores a wide variety of vessels, both within the college and at its commercial boat yard. The last few weeks have seen some major restoration work on Swn-Y-Dwr (Sea Lion), a 36-foot steel motor yacht built in the late 1960s. Lewis Phillips of IBTC’s Marine ... Restoring the Sea-lion at IBTC Lowestoft More
This is a fantastic blog post to help you build a custom cooler to keep your food and drinks chilled for those long, relaxing cruises. Although you can purchase good iceboxes in many shapes and sizes, this way you can make sure it’s the perfect size for the space you have. You can also make ... Building an efficient ice box using WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
What does Epoxycraft’s Richard Ross do when he isn’t out on the road? He flies remote-controlled planes – and he repairs them with epoxy, too. In this article, he talks us through his latest repair to a Weston Cougar 2000. My wife likes to poke fun at my love of flying radio-controlled planes by calling ... Repairing a radio-controlled plane with epoxy More
After an unfortunate motorbike accident, Harry Evans was forced to put his boating career on hold. However, an opportunity to train as a boatbuilder at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis has given him a fresh start. Here, Harry tells us about his work at the college to build a Clinker sailing boat, which ... Building with the cold-moulded method More
It’s very important to dispose of unwanted epoxy safely. Fortunately, disposing of PRO-SET®, WEST SYSTEM® epoxy and Entropy Resins® is easy if you follow our advice. We recently heard from a customer who had tried to flush some uncured epoxy down the toilet. However, it didn’t flush away and instead stuck to the bottom of ... How To Dispose of Epoxy Safely More
We loved this great blog post from Peter Brown, which he posted after receiving countless requests to re-create these beautiful secret wood rings. Peter takes you through this step-by-step process, complete with clear photos as well as a link to a video documenting the entire process. If you’re feeling creative then why not try it ... Re-creating stunning secret wood rings More
Given its beautiful location, it’s easy to see why Pinmar Supply is at the heart of the Mediterranean superyacht circuit. We speak to Commercial Director Jose Mora to discover how the Spanish arm of this global business grew from a humble corner of a workshop in Mallorca. Pinmar Supply is one of the most established ... All about: Pinmar Supply More
The cutting-edge Arrow 1360 is a stunning 13.6m sailing cat that’s being built for the youth of Switzerland, by the youth of Switzerland. Damian Ruppen of Ocean Youth Sailing tells us more about this unique initiative to sail the world from the shores of Switzerland’s Lake Constance. “It all started about 10 years ago. I, ... Building boats and dreams on the shores of Lake Constance More
Boatbuilder Benjy thought it was a real shame that people weren’t woodworking in their spare time anymore. So in 2006 he decided to do something about that – and Woodenwidget was born. The company now designs and sells detailed plans for all sorts of beautiful, practical wooden items – including the stunning Hoopy wooden bicycle. ... Hoopy: the wooden bike you can build yourself More
Why has foiling become so popular over recent years? Our very own David Johnson explains why foiling has added a seventh gear in speed and excitement to competitive sailing. It’s been a great summer for British hydrofoiling. Not only did Maguire Boats’ Exocet Moth take almost every place on the leader board at this year’s ... Why hydrofoiling is taking the sailing world by storm More
On the face of it, ‘flame-treating’ a flammable material like plastic may seem like a strange thing to do. However, this useful technique is vital for creating a better bond between epoxy and plastic. Technical expert Hamish Cook is on hand to guide you through the process. Plastic and duck feathers have a lot in ... We asked Hamish…How do you flame-treat plastic? More
We’re always delighted when our customers ask for our expert help, so we gladly answered the call from Percy’s garage in Southampton for assistance with laminating a beautiful Canadian canoe. Here, Percy tells us about the project and shares his new-found knowledge of laminating. To build my canoe, I followed the brilliant instructions contained in Ted ... A midsummer day’s sheathing More
We’ve all had those times when we only needed a little bit of epoxy. Maybe to fill in a chip, fix something that’s broken in the house or to glue something small together. How do you mix a small amount, properly? West System International’s very own technical advisor, Hamish Cook, explains all. I’ve had a ... How to mix small amounts of epoxy resin and hardener More
Over the past 20 years, Thorpe Bay Yacht Club (TBYC) has successfully used the Optimist dinghy as an introductory training craft for Cadet Weeks and for the first stages of Sail Training. In this ‘Your Project’, TBYC’s Toby Speller tells us about the recent renovation work of their ‘Oppie’ fleet. TBYC has acquired ex-RYA training ... Bringing the TBYC ‘Oppie’ fleet back up to spec More
We’re still enjoying a bit of late summer sunshine but it’s never too early to plan your end-of-season projects. To that end, our very own epoxy guru, David Johnson talks us through how he built a rudder for his Sandhopper boat last winter. This is the second development of the thin section MK 1 version ... A winter project More
When German boatbuilder Dieter Stöhr acquired the 1936 Kranich from the British Kiel Yacht Club, he knew it was going to take a lot of time and money to launch this striking sea cruiser back in the water. Six years and a lot of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy later, she’s getting ready to fly again. “She ... Helping the Kranich to fly again More
Daithi Murphy from Ireland likes to make beautiful calligraphy pens using exotic hardwoods, plywood and acrylic. Here, he walks us through the craft process, and explains how epoxy gives all these materials the strength and flexibility to stay in one handsome piece. How did the project come about? Making pens on a lathe is exciting ... Crafting a calligraphy pen in wood and epoxy More
As you know, epoxy isn’t just limited for boat repair projects – we loved this great blog post showing how, with a little imagination, a man went about making a beautiful and unique flower vase for his wife out of just a knife block and epoxy. The blog runs you through the entire process, complete ... Get creative with epoxy! More
Technical guru Hamish Cook is always on hand to answer your epoxy-related questions. Amongst the flurry of emails this month was a query about how to fix a broken roof box. Here, Hamish shares his know-how to help you mend and save money. I recently heard from someone who’d broken the lid of their roof ... Ask Hamish: how to fix a roof box in 7 easy steps More
It’s always painful when you damage your car in any way and damaging your bumper is not an uncommon occurrence; whether it’s by accidentally reversing into something hidden from view, or by other drivers scuffing it whilst parking. Whatever the reason, here we are going to help you fix it yourself in 11 easy steps: ... Bumper repair with G/flex epoxy More
If you’re in the yacht-building community, chances are you’ll be familiar with the name ‘von der Linden’. In this profile, General Manager Helge von der Linden tells us how his family’s business went from a small German chandlery to European Distributor of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy, with a little help from an English boatbuilding kit. In ... All about: M u H von der Linden More
Durable and lightweight are the holy grail of offshore powerboat racing but can you have both? Absolutely, says driver Bob McCarthy – with the help of epoxy, that is. We find out how Bob created his dream F3 Xtreme with master boatbuilder Nico Bertels, owner of Bernico International in Belgium. There’s a real skill to ... Racing the dream boat: the Bernico F3 Xtreme More
There could be all sorts of reasons why your buoyancy tank needs mending. Maybe you’ve had an accident when transporting your boat? Perhaps the weather hasn’t been kind to it. Or maybe just the passing of time has taken its toll. Whatever underpins the problem, here we explain how to repair your buoyancy tank in ... Repairing a buoyancy tank with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
This a great DIY resource we found for repairing damage to the bow of a canoe. Eb’s Source For Adventure have created this handy blog with a step by step guide – complete with photos – on how to make and apply a skid plate to protect your composite canoes against damage. From preparing the ... How to apply skid plates to your canoe for added protection More
If you’re new to the world of epoxy and just don’t know where to begin, this simple guide is great to get you up to speed with everything epoxy-related. From discussing the key applications epoxy can be used for, to explaining filler terminology and curing stages, you will have all of the information you need ... Epoxy: the basics More
Cantiere Navali De Cesari (De Cesari Boatyard) on the north-eastern coast of Italy is an illustrious name in international boatbuilding circles. They’re also one of the biggest fans of epoxy you’ll find. In this profile of the WEST SYSTEM® epoxy users, owner Paolo De Cesari tells us how the boatyard’s humble beginnings have led to ... All about: Cantiere Navali De Cesari More
When Anne Barry got the opportunity to build her own boat she took the plunge straight away and – with the help of some experts and WEST SYSTEM® epoxy – she built her very first sandbagger boat. How did the project come about? The idea of building a sandbagger happened quite by chance. All I ... Building a cedar strip-planked hull More
When John White’s grandson was born, he suddenly realised he had the opportunity to fulfil a boyhood dream: to build a Formula 1 racing car! Or, at least, a model of one. We find out more about the role epoxy resin played in bringing a small version of John’s childhood dream-car to life. How did ... Building a Formula One racing car – for the garden More
What does it take to renovate a carvel planked racing sailboat that’s more than 100 years old? Time, collaboration – and a healthy dose of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. In part one of this Your Project, Ian Byrne – co-owner of the Howth 17 Gladys – explores the backstory of this Irish beauty. The Howth 17 ... Renovating a vintage Irish racer More
We found this great resource from a sea-water kayaking enthusiast and blogger, taking you through a simple and easy method for repairing chipping on a soft wooden paddle. Complete with images to support the process of fixing a chipped paddle, this is a great source if you’re looking for a way to fix your paddle ... Fixing a chipped paddle More
We loved this informative do-it-yourself blog on fixing a damaged Kevlar canoe. If you are looking for a guide to mending light damage then this is the resource for you. It takes you through a simple 11 stage process, covering everything from finding the right resin kit to sanding and finishing the repair. You can ... Fixing a damaged Kevlar canoe More
We found this interesting read from Kayaking enthusiast Bryant Burkhardt explaining just how to repair a crack in his cross-linked plastic kayak with WEST SYSTEM G/flex® epoxy. Bryant explains why it’s so important to use a product that fixes the hole or crack in the kayak rather than just filling it, whilst also sharing his ... Repairing a plastic kayak More
Take decades of boat-building knowledge, add one renowned Moth designer and a handful of the UK’s elite Moth sailors, then apply some PRO-SET® epoxy to the mix. What do you get? Exocet: the race-winning, high-performance and ultra-controllable International Moth produced by master boatbuilder Simon Maguire, owner of Hampshire-based Maguire Boats. “I’ve always been excited by ... The race-winning Exocet: built to sail faster for longer More
The Merlin Rocket. The Osprey. The 505. The Mirror. The International Moth. What do all of these classic dinghy designs have in common? They’re experiencing a resurgence in popularity – and that’s largely thanks to epoxy resin. We spoke to technical guru David Johnson to find out why. Dinghy racing has its roots in the ... Why epoxy is re-energising the racing dinghy More
WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy has been used to reliably build and repair boats for over thirty-five years but its practical uses aren’t limited to boats or the marine industry. Last month’s blog on ‘make do and mend with epoxy’ got us thinking about all of the wonderful things you can use epoxy for around the house. ... How WEST SYSTEM epoxy can help you with household repairs More
If you’re as excited about cutting-edge foiling design as we are then you’ll love this short video about ‘The Vampire Project’ – a fantastic collaboration between catamaran sailor William Sunnucks and boat builder Graham Eeles to develop a new and revolutionary breed of foiling catamaran in Brightlingsea, Essex. Basing their design on the hugely successful ... The Vampire Project More
WEST SYSTEM Epoxy is a very versatile system. Experienced customers know that by understanding the fundamental characteristics of WEST SYSTEM fillers, hardeners and additives, they can combine and use them in unique ways for their specific application. Here, we guide you through the method for mixing G/flex® epoxy with other WEST SYSTEM epoxies. For years, experienced users have been blending the various products ... How to mix G/flex epoxy with other WEST SYSTEM epoxies More
Behind the doors of a modest-looking workshop in Brightlingsea, Essex, you’ll find exquisite composite parts being crafted with expert precision. Graham Eeles, of Eeles Boatbuilders, is taking the boating world by storm with his cutting-edge composite foils, masts and other designs. We spoke to him to find out how a trade became a passion – ... All about: Eeles Boatbuilders More
When Daniel Craig cruised the Spirit 54 along Venice’s Grand Canal in the 2006 James Bond movie Casino Royale, it was the first time a sailing boat had entered those waters for 300 years. We spoke to the Spirit Yachts team about this breathtaking wooden beauty and discovered how WEST SYSTEM® epoxy resin had more ... Spirit 54: a Bond girl with a difference More
Epoxy really is a life saver when it comes to common wooden boat repairs. Instead of having to replace entire damaged plywood panels, these areas can be removed and replaced using epoxy to create a strong and resilient wooden boat repair. Boatbuilding with plywood and epoxy has become more popular in recent years. The simplicity ... Replacing damaged plywood sections with epoxy More
Boat designer Keith Callaghan started early when, as a 14-year-old, his father got hold of the first set of plans for the Ballerina Mk2 sloop by designer Robert Tucker, who lived nearby in Enfield, London. Since the age of 18, Keith has been designing and building dinghies and small yachts. Here, he tells us about ... Building the Hadron H2 Dinghy More
It has probably happened to us all once or twice. You’re all dressed up and just before going out the door you swing through your workshop to check on the project. Sure enough, a dab of epoxy finds its way onto your best trousers. Believe me, it has happened to me plenty of times. My ... How to remove epoxy from your clothes More
We loved this great video post by Andy Miller as he conducts an experiment to find out if there’s any truth to the belief that polyester-based materials (such as gelcoat) won’t bond to epoxy. This is the first of a two-part video series clearly demonstrating the techniques Andy used for his challenge, following up with ... Can Gelcoat and Epoxy Bond? More
This is a great resource from a fellow sailing enthusiast working on refinishing the rudders and daggerboards on his boats. The blog takes you through a step-by-step process to complete the task from stripping the pre-existing finish to sanding and using WEST SYSTEM epoxy to fill any holes and cracks. We also liked that this ... How to perform a rudder and daggerboard repair More
From centreboard case construction to scarfing and bonding planks, sailing enthusiast Julio takes you through an in-depth look at how he’s building a Hazardous Zero-9 Merlin Rocket designed by Keith Callaghan. This brilliant blog has been updated regularly by Julio, complete with images and great tips and lessons learnt along the way – so you don’t ... Building a Hazardous Zero-9 Sailing Dinghy More
Barrier coating provides a great way to protect your boat against sun damage and moisture, whilst also supplying a smooth and stable base for your finishing coat. However, if the barrier coating has been damaged, you will need an easy way to restore the coating to ensure your boat is still protected from moisture. Here, ... Four steps to repair barrier coating with epoxy More
The epoxycraft team are always learning about interesting tips and tricks for working with epoxy. We’re amazed at the resourcefulness out there in our community. For instance, Sarah at Sharp and Enright remembers recommending epoxy to reinforce the front panel of a bath; it worked a treat! Joan and Ted of Bear Mountain Boats, meanwhile, ... Four ways to ‘make do and mend’ when working with epoxy More
Are you used to standing in a dust cloud when you mix lightweight filler into your epoxy? There’s a handy technique to avoid that. David Johnson tells all. I have to be honest – no-one ever asks us how to go about mixing a filler into epoxy. In fact, I wondered briefly if it was ... How to mix lightweight fillers efficiently into epoxy More
John Taylor gives a new meaning to the term ‘self-build boat’. With its handmade stainless steel fittings, strip cedar planks, engine system and far more besides, his stunning wood-and-epoxy catamaran Ocean Swift is a feat of expert engineering. To help him get his beautiful 44ft catamaran through customs overseas, John Taylor has written a book ... Ocean Swift: a self-build like no other More
We were really impressed by this blog post by Fogh Marine in Canada, which came about after the company received back a damaged kayak from a customer. The blog takes you through a step by step process to repair a polyethylene kayak scupper using WEST SYSTEM G/Flex epoxy system, inclusive of photos, equipment and final ... Kayak Repair Using WEST SYSTEM G/Flex Epoxy More
We loved this blog by Meredith, a first time restorer, taking us through the processes of restoring her 1967 Boston Whaler boat. Meredith created this blog to share with the boating community her thoughts on the tools which she found most effective for her restoration and which ones she found least effective. As well as ... Restoring a 1967 Boston Whaler More
Sail22 have launched their new weekly online feature “Sail22 Tips & Tricks”, where they will be sharing with you the answers to all of your common how-to questions. They kicked off their first ever post with a guide to using their favourite WEST SYSTEM product, Six10 Epoxy Adhesive. We loved that Sail22 have explained why they ... Tips and tricks with Sail22 More
Each year The Museum of Modern Art and P.S.1 Contemporary Art Centre conduct what is known as the P.S.1 / MOMA Young Architects Program. The competitors vie for the opportunity to build a temporary architectural project in the 17,000 square foot outdoor galleries of P.S.1 in Queens, New York. The structure serves as a venue ... Summer in the City More
When you’ve spent time carefully building or renovating your boat, it seems a shame not to be as diligent with the final steps of giving your boat the perfect finish, smoothing edges and removing unwanted irregularities. A cabinet scraper will remove any trace of irregularities from the surface of an epoxy coating, making it the ... How to make and use a scraper on epoxy More
By the time you notice blisters on the bottom of your hull, the process of osmosis is usually in an advanced stage, meaning you may be facing a large repair job. But fear not: by using the right products and techniques, you’ll save yourself time and hassle. Here, technical expert Richard Ross tells us about ... Osmosis treatment: how repairing and barrier coating with WEST SYSTEM epoxy will return your hull to almost new More
The Water Craft Amateur Boat Building Awards (ABBA) will be taking place once again at the Beale Park Boat and Outdoor Show, this year to be held on the weekend of 3-5 June. The competition aims to inspire more people to build their own boats and celebrates the skills of amateur boat builders, which is ... Amateur Boat Building Awards: sponsored by West System International More
When Turkish boat builder Erbil Arkin wanted a superyacht that blended speed with a stunning aesthetic, he soon realised a J Class wasn’t enough. Here, project manager Önder Kahraman of Arkin Pruva Yachts explains how traditional wood craftsmanship combines with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy to create Tempus Fugit: a yacht that’s in a class of her ... Tempus Fugit: the super-fast superyacht More
Planning on using a moulding tool to make an epoxy composite part? You’ll want to ensure the part releases cleanly from the moulding tool. Plus, of course, the finish on your moulded part must be flawless. Our resident technical expert David Johnson walks you through the process. The simple way to achieve both of these ... How to apply release agent to an epoxy moulding tool More
For decades, carbon fibre has been used purely for its lightweight properties, hidden away under the skin of the world’s fastest yachts – but not anymore. Furniture-maker Nicholas Spens puts the black check fabric centre stage in his sinuous, state-of-the-art designs and he trusts PRO-SET® epoxy to add a brilliant and robust finish. “Under ... Composite furniture that’s ahead of the curve More
A few years ago, Gary Breeze bought plans for a small Mouse pram dinghy with a view to building one for his young daughter Rosalind. The plans languished on a shelf, however, until last year when Gary enrolled at the International Boatbuilding Training College at Lowestoft and was encouraged to dust them off. Gary tells ... Constructing a watertight pram dinghy with the help of epoxy More
Ever thought about setting off into the sunset to start a new adventure? That’s exactly what this Canadian couple did when they sold their house and bought a boat to travel the world as live-aboard cruisers – despite never having sailed before. So when they discovered this wonder of a crack during their trip they ... Every boat owner’s dream – but what happens when it starts to crack? More
We loved this fantastic blog post by Brian Milby showing you his process for extending the engine room bulkhead to the bilge. If you’re looking for tips and advice on this, you’ve come to the right place, Brian’s post covers everything from water washing and sanding to bonding with epoxy. Follow Brian’s detailed step-by-step process, ... Extending the engine room bulkhead to the bilge More
Fairing a hull may seem like an overwhelming task but there are ways that you can make the process a lot easier, whilst also achieving a great smooth finish. Before using fairing boards for final fairing, why not try working with a grinder? You will need to be careful handling the device in order to control ... Our top 5 tips for fairing a hull More
WEST SYSTEM G/flex® speciality epoxy is a sensible investment if your aluminium boat is in a little need of TLC. The exceptionally strong holding qualities are designed to provide unbeatable grip to plastics, glass, masonry, fibreglass, wood and metals, such as aluminium. The bonds that it creates are strong enough to endure shocks, knocks, expansion ... 7 easy steps to restoring a leaky aluminium boat using epoxy More
We were really impressed with this brilliant blog post from epoxy first timer, Dan. He has documented the entire process from start to finish of how he set about fixing a loose thru-hull on his 1981 Nor’sea boat. The easy-to-follow guide comes complete with photos, as well as an account of all of the products ... Fixing a loose thru-hull with epoxy – a first timer’s account More
Want to try hydrofoiling without the multi-million pound price tag? The cutting-edge Whisper catamaran is making America’s Cup-style foiling more accessible than ever – and its lightweight composite construction utilising PRO-SET® Infusion epoxy is helping to make it possible. “The very first time we took the Whisper on the water, she foiled non-stop for four ... The Whisper: the hydrofoil everyone’s shouting about More
Do you ever need to thicken and change the colour of your epoxy – to fill a split or a screw hole perhaps? Adding sawdust or sanding dust to it can seem like a resourceful way to thicken epoxy but that’s not actually the case. Technical expert Hamish Cook explains why. 1. The chemistry doesn’t ... Three reasons not to thicken epoxy with sawdust – and what to do instead More
If you notice that plywood joints are beginning to deteriorate, it’s time to take some action. These three steps make for a simple and easy wooden boat repair that will help you avoid ending up with a leaky boat, which is the last thing you want! Due to its lightweight yet strong qualities, plywood is ... Three easy steps to rebuilding a plywood joint More
There are several methods for repairing laminates on your fibreglass boat but the most effective way is vacuum bagging. This will give you the nearest result to the original. Whilst it’s considered an advanced technique, with the right process, anyone can perform a decent repair job using vacuum bagging – especially when you have us ... How to repair laminates using vacuum bagging More
Technical expert David Johnson gave this informative talk on his best methods for repairing fibreglass at METS back in November. This special Pecha Kucha presentation features 20 slides, each with 20 seconds per slide, won’t take you more than 7 minutes but could save you valuable time when you come to your next repair job. More
We recently came across this fantastic blog post from Paul Calder, as he completes the final stages of the fibreglass work for the cockpit sole of his current boating project. See the photos following his progress and achieve a smoother and more efficient fairing process with Paul’s tried and trusted methods. Read the article in ... Tips for fairing the cockpit sole of your boat More
Trying to fibreglass the bottom of a hull by yourself can be tricky but you can put your struggles to one side once you read this fantastic resource on how to do it. Following a technique similar to hanging wallpaper, this article from experienced hand Tom Pawlak runs you through a comprehensive nine-point process for ... Techniques for fibreglassing overhead More
It’s probably not the kind of vampire most people instinctively think of; the ‘Vampire’ we’re referring to is of course the British jet fighter developed by de Havilland during the Second World War. When talented and highly-skilled master carpenter Les Somner was challenged by a friend to restore one, he couldn’t resist taking it on. ... Bringing a ‘Vampire’ back from the dead with epoxy resin More
At epoxycraft we like nothing more than sharing your boat building stories, which is exactly what Your Projects are all about. From big to small projects, novice to professional boat builders — we welcome contributions from everyone, the only requirement is that you’re passionate about your craft and eager to share your experience. What makes a good ... Your Projects: celebrating the very best of the boat building community More
Peter Minder has never been afraid of doing things differently. In his 13 years as CEO of Bootswerft Heinrich AG, he has led the Swiss boatyard to design some of the most cutting-edge boats in the world. The latest addition is Yamila: a 13m high performance luxury daysailor, which – with the help of PRO-SET® epoxy ... Yamila: changing the face of luxury yachting More
This is a great resource for those of you who need to mix larger batches of epoxy resin and hardener. When you mix epoxy and hardener, an exothermic reaction occurs which releases heat. The more you mix, the more heat will be generated and subsequently the faster the epoxy will cure, which can be difficult ... How to control exothermic reaction when mixing epoxy More
Check out the wonderful story of how car enthusiast Peter Warner rebuilt the body of an old Citroen 2CV with the help of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. Purchasing two large planks of wood felled from an ash tree, Peter got to work on Cretino – a name cleverly designed by rearranging the letters of a Citroen ... The car built with WEST SYSTEM products More
How to thin epoxy and what to consider before you do Reducing the viscosity of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy by adding a solvent can make it easier to apply, as well as penetrating deeper into porous surfaces such as partially rotten wood and saturating faster into fibreglass fabric. For these reasons, many people are attracted to ... Thinning epoxy : what you need to know More
If you need strength and adhesion in a hurry, or if you’re concerned about mixing epoxy accurately or don’t have the right tools for the job, WEST SYSTEM® Six10® Thickened Epoxy Adhesive could be the answer you’re looking for as it’s a pre-thickened epoxy adhesive. WEST SYSTEM Six10 is a two-part, pre-thickened epoxy adhesive, ideal for ... Top reasons why using Six10 epoxy can help you work faster and better More
This is a question the team at West System International get asked a lot. According to technical expert David Johnson, it’s important to have a good idea of how much epoxy your project is going to need before you start. You want to be sure you have enough to hand for the job – but ... How much epoxy resin do I need? More
In a recent article, Watercraft magazine refers to West System International’s David Johnson as the ‘guru of the gooey stuff’. Find out why, as David guides you through which epoxy to use and how to get the most out of it, including his invaluable and easy-to-follow advice for first-time users. You can read the article in full ... What’s the point of epoxy resins? More
How do you ensure that your hardwood structure doesn’t lose its natural sheen over the years? According to engineer and experienced boat restorer Mark Raynes, the answer is preparation, preparation, preparation – plus a good dose of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. You can’t beat the look of natural wood on a boat. On my MANCHESTER AND ... How to keep your hardwood structure looking naturally beautiful with epoxy More
We came across this fantastic article from custom boat builder David Roberts of Nexus Marine Corporation on how best to use WEST SYSTEM® epoxy resin and how this versatile marine epoxy has revolutionised wooden boatbuilding. “Built with WEST SYSTEM epoxy” is a claim Nexus Marine proudly make on their boat builds. They go on to ... Why use WEST SYSTEM epoxy resin ? More
There are fewer things more beautiful than a teak deck with sharp black seams. Every classic boat has them – like Mark Raynes’ MANCHESTER AND SALFORD lifeboat. Here, he talks us through the restoration of his stern deck, step by step. Traditionally, a teak deck was made from one- to two-inch thick planks and the ... Restoring a laminated teak deck with epoxy/graphite seams More
Work doesn’t necessarily slow down after retirement, as engineer Martin Ellison proved when he left his teaching post at the age of 59 and set about building his first boat. What started as some prompting from his wife to find a meaningful project evolved into the idea of building a 40ft catamaran. Martin tells epoxycraft ... Constructing a 40ft catamaran with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
Bear Mountain Boats is a distinguished name in Canadian canoe-manufacture. In this profile of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy suppliers, co-owner Joan Barrett tells us how a little cedar canoe sparked a business venture that changed canoe building in Canada forever. Bear Mountain Boats came to life in the early 1970s, when my partner Ted Moores, searching ... All about: Bear Mountain Boats More
When Sweden-based carpenter Paul Allsop first laid eyes on a cedar strip boat in Hawaii, it captured his imagination and he knew he had to build one of his own. It took him a further seven years to start but once he did, he couldn’t stop. Paul gives us an insight into his passion project. ... Building a wooden boat that shines in the sun More
In the early 20th century, there were more than 60 watermills on the river Drava in Croatia. Destroyed in World War II, none were rebuilt – that is, until now. We find out what role epoxy has to play in bringing this impressive craft back to life. “It should be an awesome place to take ... Renewing a tradition: building a watermill with epoxy More
At 25 metres long and built of Slavonian oak and pine, the brand new Aurora Colapis – “Ship of the Corn” – is a striking sight. This reconstruction of a 19th century grain boat is set to bring an ancient Croatian trade path back to life and epoxy has a big role to play. “Up ... The Ship of the Corn: reviving an ancient Croatian trade path More
Captain Glenn James of the Bounty Hunter guides you through his detailed instructions on how to expertly sheath a wooden boat with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. In doing so he added many years to Bounty Hunter’s life, reduced ongoing maintenance time and boosted performance – the dryer and lighter hull increased her top speed from 15 ... How sheathing with WEST SYSTEM epoxy can reduce maintenance time and increase performance More
Sailing legend and pioneer of marine epoxy Meade Gougeon recounts the uplifting tale of how Adagio was re-commissioned after five years in retirement. Adagio was the first large wooden boat entirely bonded together with epoxy using no permanent fastenings, which might be commonplace now but was revolutionary stuff in the 1970s. Find out how Adagio ... The story of a revolutionary wooden epoxy boat More
We wanted to share the passionate story of father-son team Dave and Scott Wrzesinski and their Marine Services Unlimited boatbuilding shop. From their small shop in Lake Houghton, Michigan, USA, Dave and Scott rebuild classic boats, both wooden and fibreglass, including a 1957 Chris Craft 21ft Continental – one of only six ever produced. They ... In love with their craft: how epoxy helps this classic boat builder More
When it comes to preparing a surface for epoxy application, the cleaner you make the area the better the outcome will be – any sort of contamination on the surface will likely result in reducing the adhesive power of epoxy. Surface roughening improves the strength of the adhesive bond by enabling the epoxy to mechanically ... Ensuring clean surfaces makes for a strong epoxy bond More
What do you do when you find blisters in the gelcoat of your boat? Leave them and hope they may disappear? If you do that, you could be creating a bigger fibreglass boat repair job for yourself in the future. Blisters in your fibreglass boat don’t have to be the end of the world but ... Fibreglass boat repair: six steps to fixing gelcoat blisters with Six10 epoxy More
Steve Bennett started building rockets when he was just 12 years old. Today he’s the CEO of Starchaser Industries, which designs, builds and launches the UK’s biggest rockets – and WEST SYSTEM® epoxy plays a critical role. The first rockets that Steve Bennett built were probably no more than 20cm tall. “I had mixed results; ... Epoxy: helping the UK reach for the stars More
When Dan Mill first came to Galway, Ireland, from New Zealand on a six month visa, he couldn’t have imagined what was in store for him. Before he knew it, Dan was working on one of the biggest boatbuilding projects of his life: building Nimmo, the 68ft cruiser. Four years and plenty of epoxy later, ... An unexpected journey: landing the project of a life-time More
There’s nothing more satisfying than applying that final finish coat after a long project. At the same time, there’s nothing more frustrating than waiting week after week for all those layers of varnish to dry. “Varnishing is often a time-laboured process…But there is a way to achieve the perfect varnish, in less than half the ... How to effectively varnish – in under a week More
West System International Technical guru David Johnson explains how to fix a rudder that’s taking in water. If there’s a top ten list of questions from boat owners who want to carry out their own repairs, “how do I fix the rudder?” is almost certainly up there. Especially if the boat is 20 years old ... How to use epoxy to fix the rudder of a sailing yacht More
We found this fantastic resource from Mark Ryan on how to repair a mast truss, complete with helpful photos to guide you through the process. It needn’t be a complicated task – it just takes some patience and the experience of someone who’s been there before. Mark recommends using WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin® with ... How to repair the mast truss on your fibreglass boat More
Celebrating sixty years since he first journeyed across the Atlantic in his self-built catamaran, James Wharram is creating his ‘dream boat’: Mana 24. Here, James’s co-designer Hanneke Boon tells us all about this commemorative self-build kit. Cornwall’s James Wharram is a bona fide celebrity in the catamaran community. In 1955 he claimed a place in ... Building the ultimate ‘trailer sailer’ with epoxy More
We recently came across a great story of how Geoff Morbey built a beautiful red cedar and oak kayak, with materials sourced from his own backyard. Geoff demonstrates what can be achieved with craftsmanship, dedication and WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. It certainly was a labour of love but we’re sure you will agree that the stunning ... Making your homemade kayak look professional with epoxy More
You’ll be amazed at the results achieved by Torie Morley and Toby Hamer in bringing back to life a Fireball dinghy which hadn’t been afloat for 20 years. With the help of layers of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy their efforts were suitably rewarded when they entered the 2014 Fireball nationals (and were given the nod of ... Using epoxy to restore a Fireball dinghy More
Courtesy of www.epoxyworks.com Meade and Jan Gougeon were inducted into The National Sailing Hall of Fame (NSHOF) in October of 2015. Meade and Jan, along with their brother Joel, founded Gougeon Brothers, Inc. in 1969. They were selected because of their pioneering work in the use of epoxies for boat construction and because each are ... WEST SYSTEM founders Meade and Jan Gougeon inducted into hall of fame More
With sources of epoxy knowledge based far and wide, epoxycraft profiles some of the most influential and long-standing. Sarah Sharp, owner and manager of Sharp and Enright in Dover, tells epoxycraft all about her family’s historic chandlery and general merchants. My great, great grandfather took over the business as a sail makers in 1860. But ... All about: Sharp and Enright More
When it comes to protecting your wooden boat from water penetration, defence is the best form of attack. Coating with a marine epoxy like WEST SYSTEM® epoxy is the best way to waterproof surfaces and guard them from any unwanted ingress. But even the most diligent coater might miss a nook or cranny and leave ... Avoid unnecessary wooden boat repairs with marine epoxy More
We recently discovered an article from boat designer John Welsford about his tried-and-tested method for fibreglassing boat hulls. To avoid “spectacular failures”, John advocates using WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin® with WEST SYSTEM hardeners for consistently good results. Read John’s proven method here. Image credit: www.wooden-boat-building.nka888.com More
When engineer Mark Raynes found the 1924 MANCHESTER AND SALFORD lifeboat abandoned at Deganwy in North Wales, everyone warned him not to take her on. 14 years, tens of thousands of pounds and a lot of WEST SYSTEM epoxy later, her solid, shining timbers are set to re-enter the waters. “She was a basket case. ... Rescuing the rescuer: giving life to a lifeboat with epoxy More
The thought of renewing double diagonal hull planks strikes fear into the heart of many an expert in wooden boat repair. But Mark Raynes has repaired 3,300 ft of it on his antique lifeboat the MANCHESTER AND SALFORD. In this blog he explains why there’s no need to panic and gives you his top tips ... How to repair double diagonal hull planks More
A romantic dinner under the stars. Is it a five-star hotel? A luxury cruise liner? No, it’s the classic teardrop camper, built using Canadian Red Cedar and WEST SYSTEM epoxy. With near-100% protection against water ingress, effectiveness down to 5ºC, and no need for post curing, WEST SYSTEM® epoxy is ideal for boats. The story, ... Happy campers: Creating innovative constructions with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
In his informative video, boatbuilder Jason Eke walks the aspiring coater through the process of sealing the deck and gunwales of a strip planked canoe with epoxy resin. Jason describes coating with the final layer of epoxy as one of the most rewarding parts of boatbuilding while he applies a layer of WEST SYSTEM 105 ... How to seal a deck with epoxy resin More
Boatbuilder Agur Paesuld is currently embarking on his latest boatbuilding venture, building a Wharram Tiki 21 catamaran – with nothing but the paper plans. ‘From Paper to Water’ is tagline of his blog, where he documents each stage of his build process. Through a variety of photos and time-lapse videos, we’re following Agur as he ... Reinforcing a keel with epoxy filler More
Robert, of boating advice blog www.lifeonthehook.com, likes to think he’s pretty handy around the boat. But there’s nothing more he dreads than caulking. In fact, Robert hates using caulk so much, he decided to abandon it altogether. When he decided to undertake the task of replacing two hatches on his fibreglass boat, he began to ... Finding an alternative to caulk More
When Miguel Mclawrence decides to undertake a project, he means business. So when he decided to conduct a major fibreglass boat repair he decided to rely on WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. Miguel chose to rebuild his laser dinghy with a honeycomb core and opted to use epoxy throughout the restoration to ensure a long lasting finish. ... Fibreglass boat repair – restoring a honeycomb core More
Marquetry is the boatbuilder’s opportunity to get creative with their craft. But a lot of us are more technical than artistic. Luckily, there are a few quick tips that can turn even the most creatively challenged among us into a master of marquetry. With the right advice and the right products, no boatbuilding task is ... Eight steps to mastering marquetry More
Until very recently, the Wooden Boat Centre in Kotka, Finland showcased the painstaking restoration of Blue Marlin – a classic 1930s Twelve Metre Class yacht. WEST SYSTEM epoxy has played a crucial role in giving her a brand new lease of life. “When we first saw Blue Marlin, she had barely undergone any repair work ... Blue Marlin: where tradition meets “this new, glued thinking” More
With plywood boats susceptible to rot, a solid epoxy coating is essential to fully protect your boat from moisture. This eHow article takes readers step-by-step through the process of sealing plywood using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. Follow this process to ensure your boat stays protected for longer. More
The most important thing to do when you encounter a hole in your fibreglass boat is to assess the damage thoroughly. If the damage to the skin is larger than 10mm it’s best practice to use a backing to support the wet fabric patch until the epoxy cures. Creating support at the back of a ... Fibreglass boat repair – letter box repair More
Over and over again we see boat builders on forums, support websites and YouTube seeking help to avoid a particularly annoying side-effect of using epoxy, amine blush. This waxy bi-product can have some difficult consequences if not dealt with correctly. Fortunately, there are some very quick and simple methods of getting rid of it. You’ve ... Amine blush: prevention is better than cure More
To compliment his maritime experience, Gary Hunt wanted the chance to build a boat of his own. He joined the Boat Building Academy to start his boat building journey using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. Firstly, tell us a little about yourself. My professional work has always been involved with the maritime environment, as an aviator for ... Building a strip-plank kayak using WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
Priming with epoxy resin Canadian boat builder Jason Eke takes viewers through the stages of applying fibreglass cloth to a canoe using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. In video 1 of this two video series, Jason applies the initial epoxy layer and discusses how to make the application process as problem-free as possible using the right tools and ... Cloth up your canoe More
After finding his paddle had begun to chip due to contact with rocks, this blogger sought an alternative to traditional materials to repair and protect his stick. This blog documents the repair of a traditional wooden paddle carried out using thickened WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. By masking up, sanding and shaping a small amount of thickened ... Strengthen that paddle – epoxy repair to a traditional paddle More
In the late 19th and early 20th Century, William Fife’s yachts were the pinnacle of luxury. Today, the style and grace of these classic yachts lives on at Fairlie Yachts, which builds exquisite wooden yachts based on classic William Fife designs, all using modern epoxy construction techniques. Duncan Walker, Managing Director at Fairlie Yachts, tells ... Fairlie 55: evoking William Fife’s age of luxury with modern epoxy techniques More
Eight boats built by the Boat Building Academy’s class of September 2014 were launched for the first time on Wednesday 10th June 2015. Built as part of the class’s intensive 38 week training, each boat was walked from the Academy’s workshops on Monmouth Beach down to Lyme Regis harbour, where a crowd of three hundred ... Crowds celebrate another successful Boat Building Academy launch More
Nick Wunderly always wanted an opportunity to work with his hands but it wasn’t until a chance conversation that he decided to use them for boat building. Further research led him to enrol onto the 38 week course at the Boat Building Academy, enabling him to personally craft a boat to perfection. Firstly, tell us ... Building a Whilly Tern with marine epoxy More
Technical expert and safety fanatic David Johnson discusses the importance of establishing good safety processes when dealing with epoxy resin. Back when I first started using epoxy resin– quite some time ago – I always made sure to develop important safety habits; starting with wearing gloves. Back then, my go-to choice was the cheap and disposable ... Safety first when using epoxy resin: gloves and goggles More
Gary Thompson was visiting the famous Red Sky Craft boatyard in Kotka, Finland, when he came across a simple but ingenious solution to dispensing large volumes of WEST SYSTEM® G/flex epoxy. Allan Savolainen and his team at Red Sky are big fans of WEST SYSTEM G/flex 655 epoxy, using it for all their bonding applications. ... Epoxy pumps: when bigger is better More
This month’s Trade Secret investigates how to avoid leakages when filling a hole with epoxy on a vertical surface. These techniques will help you use your epoxy effectively, keep surfaces clean and avoid waste. Thanks to the laws of gravity, filling a vertical hole is a relatively simple task. However, things become more difficult when ... TRADE SECRET: Filling a horizontal hole with epoxy More
Whatever your boat is made of it’s likely that, at some point, you’ve had to fill and fair damaged areas. Conducting a marine epoxy boat repair, as opposed to using other types of resin systems, creates a strong bond that is water resistant and easy to sand. Filling and fairing with marine epoxy is widely ... TRADE SECRE: Filling and fairing with marine epoxy More
Nexus Marine Corporation, a custom wooden boat building and design services company based in the US, explains how cold-moulding with epoxy resin is perfect for improving the integrity and longevity of your hull. Their website documents each building stage of the Admiral Phormio, a 34’ Odyssey sailing boat, including detailed photos and descriptions throughout. Discover ... Achieving cold-moulding perfection with epoxy resin More
New to boat building, Kris Washington knew what he wanted to achieve for his ‘stitch and glue’ boat – a clear finish allowing the mahogany plywood of the top-decks to show through. Not only is this his first boat build, but also his first experience with bright finishing. Observe Kris’s journey and find out how ... Epoxy your way to a brighter finish with WEST SYSTEM More
Paddleboards, which help you almost walk on water, are all the rage right now. This blogger decides to undertake the task of building two hollow wood Kaholo 12’6” stand-up paddleboards, keeping a step-by-step photo diary of his project. The Kaholo’s are made from Okoume marine plywood, stitched-and-glued together and covered in fibreglass and epoxy, with ... Stand up for epoxy More
Blog writer Gary Willcox claims that applying epoxy to the frame of your sailing boat is “an absolute must” for anyone wanting to increase the performance of their boat. His in-depth article explains the step-by-step method of epoxying the frame of a Hobie 16 together to achieve a stiff, well-sailing boat. What’s more, his techniques ... Epoxy your sailing boat’s frame, one step at a time More
Tim Harrison has always had a passion for the sea. So, of course, the next logical step was to enrol onto the 38 week course at the Boat Building Academy and produce his own high quality boat. Firstly, tell us a little about yourself I’m a retired Civil Servant with many years sailing experience based ... Building “Tucana” with epoxy resin More
Sometimes, a boat comes along that changes everything. This was the case with Diana, a classic sloop built by Walsteds Boatyard in 1998, which used modern epoxy construction techniques from top to bottom. It was a major breakthrough and proof that epoxy could help boat builders deliver faster, stiffer, stronger, more durable boats. epoxycraft asked ... Diana: the boat that changed everything More
Veneveistämö J.Palviainen is a Finnish boatbuilding company based in Kärkölä, Finland. Their boatyard undertakes all kinds of renovation and maintenance including: electrical work, interior design, shaft mounting and coating fibreglass boats. From canoes to sailing boats, the boatyard relies on WEST SYSTEM® epoxy to keep their boats and their business afloat. In the first of ... ‘Pirtuvene’ the traditional smuggler boat: Photo report More
Traditional boat builder, Tim Loftus, believes that wooden boats have a quality that goes beyond functionality and market trends. When given the chance to work on a small project for one of his loyal customers, he was keen to produce something high-quality and long lasting, with that personal touch. Firstly, would you please tell us ... Building “Willow” the Guillemot dinghy using marine epoxy More
Discovering rot on board your canoe is never a good thing. But all isn’t lost. This blogger shares a video of his first time performing a wooden boat repair using an epoxy kit to scrape out and fill in the rotted area, to get his vessel is back to its original standard. More
This blog documents the restoration of the beautiful small boat, ‘Swamp Thing’. With a little care and attention, even something that at one time seemed irreparable, is restored to its former glory with the help of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. More
Don’s inflatable dinghy was becoming a little threadbare and, without a motor, it was of little use when trying to row in the strong winds. With the help of his team, he decided to upgrade to a ‘stitch & glue’ dinghy. As well as being far more practical, this blogger thought it would make a ... Time for an upgrade More
Epifanes and W. Heeren & Zoon, Dutch distributor for WEST SYSTEM® epoxy, have sponsored eight young students ready to compete in the annual Dong Energy Young Solar Challenge in the Netherlands. The Young Solar Challenge is an opportunity for schools in the Netherlands to teach children between the age of 14 and 18 about practical ... WEST SYSTEM epoxy sponsors Young Solar Challenge More
Whilst giving their sailboat an upgrade, the Ceol Mors became concerned that the tiny little pits and crevices that had been worn into their hatch frames would provide an entry for salt water. Keen to avoid a replacement, Mark began hatching a WEST SYSTEM® epoxy plan to give their frames a new lease of life. ... Hatching a plan with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
Delamination is a common deck and hull construction problem which tends to get worse if left unattended. Eventually, it can reach a point where the overall structural integrity of the hull and deck may be compromised so it’s really important to know how to perform a high quality with this fibreglass boat repair. Delamination is ... Fibreglass boat repair – a solid solution to delamination More
No matter how long you’ve been using epoxy, it’s always worth revisiting the basics to make sure you’re getting them just right. This Trade Secret will provide you with tips and tricks behind dispensing, mixing and adding epoxy filler to minimise waste and get the best results. At epoxycraft, we’ve given readers the chance to learn a ... Back to basics: dispensing, mixing and adding an epoxy filler More
When installing hardware it’s essential that you plan the process meticulously to avoid any safety issues or on-board damage along the way. This Trade Secret shares two methods to keep your hardware secure and watertight using WEST SYSTEM epoxy. At one time, installing hardware may have been seen as a process best left to the ... The perfect seal: installing hardware safely and securely with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
The strength, resilience and flexibility of epoxy resin mean it’s perfect for everything from crossbows to cracked hosepipes, says Hamish Cook, Technical Advisor at West System International. For over fifty years our heritage has been in boat building, using epoxy resin to transform the way that everything from wooden canoes to fibreglass yachts are built ... Why boats are only the beginning for epoxy resin More
What happens when you combine classic design, the best hardwoods and fittings, decades of boat-building knowledge and WEST SYSTEM® epoxy? The answer is a unique, luxury cruising sloop, the Carolina IV, which looks just as beautiful today as when it was built in 2000 by master boatbuilder Henning Bøgh of Walsteds Boatyard in Denmark. “I’ve ... Carolina IV: creating a modern classic with epoxy More
In 1990, the Jubilee Sailing Trust unveiled ambitious plans to build Tenacious, the world’s largest wooden tall ship, with a view of making it fully accessible to people with physical disabilities. The Trust invited John Birkett the position of construction manager as part of the team to oversee the ship’s construction, which took place between ... Tenacious by name, tenacious by nature – building with epoxy More
After several long trips sat half twisted on his wooden seats, one hand constantly on the tiller, this boat blogger had had enough and said, “That’s it! I’m sitting up front from now on!” This blog details the switch from tiller controls to remote – as readers are guided through the steps taken to make ... Making a stunning steering wheel using epoxy More
Fibreglass boats are known for their low maintenance and durability. However, with structural damage to the stringers a common issue, it’s essential to know how to make a replacement that will last. Although fibreglass boats tend to require less maintenance than their wooden counterparts, they’re not without problems. They suffer from many of the same ... TRADE SECRET: Fibreglass boat repair – replacing stringers More
Nobody wants a leaky boat. So when plywood joints start to deteriorate it’s time to start a wooden boat repair that will make sure your boat stays high and dry. Modern boat builders are frequently looking to produce designs that are lightweight, fast and strong. It’s why many of them turn to plywood. But it’s ... TRADE SECRET: Wooden boat repair – rebuilding a plywood joint More
You’ve got your masking tape to hand and the waterline is ready to be marked up against the boot-top. But when it comes to the crunch, sometimes you just need an expert hand. David Johnson, Technical Operations Manager at West System International, explains how to mask up correctly and what, exactly, it has to do ... Masking up: Best practice when working with marine epoxy More
In the days of ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’, there is always a way to minimise your leftovers. David Johnson uses his epoxy experience to offer his top tips on working with these disposable consumables. As the saying goes, you have to break a few eggs to make an omelette. When it comes to epoxy, you have ... Minimising epoxy waste More
No matter what material your boat is built from, just a single chink in its armour is enough to reduce its lifespan. A weak coating can be a big financial mistake and affect your vessel’s longevity. Gary Thompson, WSI Technical Expert, explains why defending your boat with epoxy is the best form of attack. Time ... Preventing a chink in your armour: coating with epoxy More
The clue is in the name. WEST SYSTEM G/flex is, well, flexible and as this blogger has discovered, that makes it particularly suitable for repairing kayaks. More
Perfect for floating down stream and manoeuvring rapids, a drift boat is an essential build for anyone who loves spending time on the river. This video by Paul Butler offers a construction slideshow of the impressive wooden drift boat design ‘Clark Fork Drifter’ built using marine epoxy. Viewers can watch as Paul’s boat takes shape ... Stitch and glue boat design with marine epoxy More
Boatbuilder Jesse Loynes launched Arbor Yachts to create small luxury crafts that successfully combine speed and elegance. He put WEST SYSTEM® epoxy at the centre of his plans because it makes great business sense. “I remember seeing a lot of smaller, 20-25ft classic yachts that reminded me of VW Campervans,” says boatbuilder Jesse Loynes, when asked ... Arbor 26: Where epoxy construction meets business excellence More
Own a fibreglass boat for any length of time and it’s likely you’ll end up with a few dings or scratches in the surface, or if you’re particularly unlucky even some larger structural damage. Fibreglass boat repairs can seem like a daunting process but, with the help of Boatwork’s Andy Miller’s step by step video, you ... Fibreglass boat repairs with epoxy More
In a world with limited resources, the need for alternative boat building methods is becoming more and more crucial. Renowned boat builder Ted Moore looks at how WEST SYSTEM® epoxy can be used to make use of less than ideal wood in a way that will stand the test of time. With 35 years of ... The future of boat building – strip planking with epoxy and less than ideal wood More
In rough weather, a sturdy hand rail is an essential. That’s why, when sailing adventurers Livia and Carol discovered theirs had become unstable, they began a speedy repair using their drill, screws and epoxy. This post takes readers through the simple steps they took to make this repair. (https://thegiddyupplan.blogspot.com/2010/06/grab-rail.html) More
Sheathing is the process of applying an additional surface to your boat’s structure to help increase its strength and durability. Done in the correct way, using the right materials, this can significantly improve your boat’s water resistance and help to protect it against any nasty scrapes or knocks. If you wish to form the strongest ... TRADE SECRET: Sheathing with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
Epoxy is the perfect solution to help with the common wooden boat repairs. Instead of replacing entire damaged plywood panels, damaged areas can now be cut out and bonded into place creating a strong and resilient wooden boat repair. Boatbuilding with plywood and epoxy has become a popular choice in recent years. The simplicity of this method ... TRADE SECRET: Wooden boat repairs – replacing damaged plywood sections More
Specialist epoxies and innovative techniques have enabled boat builders to construct boats which are lighter and tougher than ever before. David Johnson looks at the evolution of infusion technology which does so much to reduce the compromises of boatbuilding. Large boat/small boat? Cruiser/racer? Sail boat/motor boat? Aluminium/fibreglass? (Or wood? Or composite?) No matter what kind ... Strong and light: the evolution of the epoxy infusion revolution More
Epoxy fillets can make a bond between components even stronger than the components themselves, ensuring that loads can be transferred between structures and panels effectively, with no risk of stress fractures or other structural issues. In this blog, David Johnson explains what they are and how they work. In Part II, we overview the five ... Better than new: Epoxy fillets More
Danish shipwright Jørgen Jensen prides himself on building boats that push boundaries and when he was commissioned to build the innovative Pi Boat entirely from carbon fibre, he knew PRO-SET® infusion epoxy had a central part to play. As an increasing number of tourists in the Danish capital Copenhagen will tell you, Pi Boat is ... Creating the unconventional with epoxy resin infusion More
The Lone Twin Boat Project used the latest yacht building methods, to turn wooden objects donated by people from across the South East into a seaworthy archive of stories and memories. Jesse Loynes, who worked alongside Mark Covell as one of the lead boat builders, tells epoxycraft about The Boat Project and how epoxy made ... One boat. A thousand stories. More
An epoxy barrier coating protects your boat from moisture and gives you a smooth, stable base which will help secure the finishing coat to protect your boat from sun damage when you’re out and about. So what’s the best way to restore this coating after it’s been damaged? Before starting the application, prepare your surfaces ... TRADE SECRET: Using epoxy to repair barrier coating More
Dry rot is the natural decay process that causes wood to discolour, crack, shrink and – worst of all – lose its strength. Fortunately, when the worst does strike, you can rely on epoxy to save the day. In the bilges, behind cupboard doors, at the bottom of the chain locker or under the bunks; ... TRADE SECRET: Wooden boat repair – repairing localised dry rot with epoxy More
Friday 17th April 2015 Are you looking for a practical way to increase your skills and knowledge of using epoxy? If so, West System International is hosting a special event for boat owners wanting to gain expert knowledge and hands-on experience of using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy to construct, repair and maintain their own boats. The ... WEST SYSTEM EPOXY WORKSHOP The essential hands-on course for any boat owner More
The most popular resin systems for creating glass and carbon fibre composites are polyester and vinyl-ester. But WSI’s technical expert Gary Thompson isn’t a fan. Fibre reinforced composite laminates are well known as being strong and highly durable materials used in many boat building applications. In practice, you start by creating a composite laminate by ... Lighter and stronger: epoxy – the ideal resin for laminates More
David Johnson, West System International technical expert, explains why epoxy should be the only resin system you reach for if you’re looking to effectively sheath your deck or hull. The benefits of sheathing the key structural elements of a boat come down to one word: durability. By using glass cloth and the adhesive qualities of ... Sheathing with epoxy: your only choice of resin More
It’s pretty fundamental; if boats are not to sink their seacocks can’t leak. It’s also one of the reasons why any seacock repair must be done properly and with care. After discovering a loose seacock in his 1981 Nor’sea 27, boat repair aficionado Daniel set to work fitting a new, sturdier replacement using fibreglass and ... Fibreglass boat repair: how to install a raw water seacock More
After discovering a worrying crack in the hull of his boat, sailing enthusiast Mike describes how he set about repairing the damage using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy (http://www.zerotocruising.com/cracking-up). A self-confessed ‘newbie’ when it comes to boat repair, Mike takes readers through the simple steps he took to make his fibreglass boat repair. His blog, ‘Zero to Cruising’, ... Fibreglass boat repair – advice from a repair ‘newbie’ More
It’s something of a well-trodden path for many boat owners on a budget: to follow some simple plans in order to build a competitive boat at a fraction of the cost of buying that’s already been put together. Today, the home build kit boat dream tends to rely very much on modern materials such as ... Kit boats – held together with epoxy resin More
Shipwright Ralph Springett was one of the first people in the UK to use WEST SYSTEM® epoxy products. Forty years later, as he focuses on repairing traditional Thames barges, marine epoxy remains his first choice for light, resilient and reliable repairs. Ralph Springett remembers well the first time he used epoxy resin, four decades ago ... Marine epoxy: breathing new life into Thames barges More
With sailing events taking place all year round, the Isle of Wight makes a perfect home for those with a passion for boat building. After moving to the island, James Lockhart describes how he and his friend Lukasz Stawski were inspired to set up a boat building business – redefining classic boat designs with modern ... Putting some heart into traditional boat designs – by Lockhart Boatbuilders More
At one time, discovering a large hole in your aluminium canoe may have meant admitting defeat with a trip down to the nearest recycling bin. But, with the rising popularity of epoxy products for boat repair, there is now a long-term solution that can means your boat can withstand further knocks and pressure – and ... TRADE SECRET: How to patch holes in aluminium boats with G/flex epoxy More
When faced with a laminate fibreglass boat repair, there are several methods which could prove effective in achieving a decent repair. But nothing gets you quite as close to the original material as vacuum bagging. Although interpreted as a more advanced method, even the least experienced epoxy DIYer can perform a repair using vacuum bagging, ... TRADE SECRET: Fibreglass boat repair: repairing laminates using vacuum bagging More
Once you’ve assessed the damage to your fibreglass boat and carefully prepared your surfaces, it’s time to laminate glass fabric with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy, as David Johnson explains. In my earlier blog, Preparing for a fibreglass boat repair, I looked at the importance of working out the extent and type of damage you’re facing – ... Repairing your fibreglass boat with epoxy More
In this blog on fixing a crack or hole in your fibreglass boat, David Johnson explains why – before getting to work – you need to carefully assess the damage and plan exactly what’s required. Abraham Lincoln once said that if you gave him six hours to cut down a tree, he’d spend the first four ... Preparing for a fibreglass boat repair More
Paul Calder, son of boat-systems guru and author Nigel Calder, is looking to find out more about boat maintenance and repair. His latest blog keeps readers updated with useful hints and tips for working with epoxy resins. He recommends the best containers for helping epoxy set and which utensils will help to get the most ... Time saving tips when using epoxy resins More
Charlie Hussey, a professional marine carpenter who uses wood to build, restore, repair and upgrade all types of boats, reveals his process for using epoxy on his informative blog: Charlie Hussey – Marine Carpentry. He is currently restoring M.Y Fortuna II. He began the restoration process earlier this year after hauling her out of the ... Marine Carpentry – repair, restoration and boat building More
Is it possible to build a fully functional epoxy dinghy, in 25 hours with a budget of only $250? American boat enthusiast Brian strives to find out, giving readers a chance to pick up his hints and tips on getting speedy results from epoxy on a budget. With each stage of the purchasing and production ... Building an epoxy dinghy – in 25 hours More
Become an expert when thinning your WEST SYSTEM epoxy by reading Brian Knight’s article here. The detailed, scientific and informative article by Brian Knight appeared in Epoxyworks, published by the Gougeon Brothers, all about how to thin your WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. They answer that boat building question on whether thinning your epoxy is necessary, and ... Thinning your WEST SYSTEM epoxy explained More
epoxycraft is a community site so we would like you to take part. If you’ve built a boat or performed an epoxy boat repair using WEST SYSTEM® or PRO-SET® epoxy we can help turn it into an online-published article – completely free. What’s more, it only takes a short five minutes of your time to create an article. Fill out the Your ... Feature your boatbuilding project or epoxy boat repair on epoxycraft More
When the boatyard founded by Danish boatbuilders Jonas Pedersen and Jakob Frost started to grow rapidly in the early 2000s, the pair decided to revive a Danish tradition – and design and build their own racing boat. Here, Jonas details their record-breaking quest for pure speed – and the key role that PRO-SET® epoxy products ... WEST SYSTEM epoxy and the need for speed More
Boat Building Academy students launch the boats that they have spent 38 weeks building as part of an intensive training course at the school in Lyme Regis. At the end of last year, Boat Building Academy students celebrated their success as they finally launched the boats that they have spent 9 months building. Eleven students ... Boat Building Academy students launch the boats they have built from scratch More
A 23ft trailer sailor with built in ballast tanks and buoyancy tanks, four berths, galley and a large roomy cockpit – Adrian Donovan’s most recent (and unnamed) commission leaves little to be desired. The Suffolk based boat builder is used to his boats being described as “drop dead gorgeous” and being complimented on his fine ... Building a 23ft Sailor with WEST SYSTEM epoxy – by Adrian Donovan More
Varnishing the wood trims on your boat is vital for keeping the moisture out of the wood and preventing oxidisation from exposure to UV rays. If the wood is left unvarnished, moisture from dew and rain is drawn into the wood and becomes trapped causing it to swell and discolour. Varnishing also makes the wooden ... TRADE SECRET: Save time varnishing by first sealing timber with epoxy More
Amine blush is a waxy bi-product that appears as epoxy cures. It can prevent varnishes and other coatings from bonding. But, as David Johnson explains, there are simple steps you can take to avoid blush becoming a problem. What is amine blush? As epoxy cures in contact with moisture, a greasy or waxy film known ... Amine blush when working with epoxy: What you need to know More
The art of wooden boat repair has been revolutionised by epoxy. It’s now possible to perform a restoration on a boat in an advanced state of deterioration, without breaking the bank. In Douglas Heckrotte’s article, he tells us how he transformed his old boat into the sleek Flying Dutchman he had always wanted – and how replacing the eroding ... Revolutionise the restoration process: epoxy use in wooden boat repair More
Cutting epoxy cloth can be a messy task. But with Classic Boat’s simple tips, you can’t go far wrong. This short article shows that, when it comes to bonding fibreglass cloth with epoxy, it is possible to remove excess epoxy from the fabric without unravelling the cloth and littering your surface with epoxy threads. With ... How to cut epoxy cloth More
The writers at eHOW have created an easy-to-follow guide to building your own plywood boat using marine epoxy. This guide is registered at skill level easy, therefore any budding boat builders can give it a go! What do you have to lose? Follow the link here to begin building your very own DIY plywood boat. More
Adding a thickening agent, or a filler, to a two-part epoxy mix advances your game to a new level according to Tim Layton, an avid epoxy user. After experiencing some amateur failures when using epoxy he has now become somewhat of an expert and shares his tips on why adding a thickening agent can change ... Thicken your epoxy for more versatility More
Struggling to create strong and resilient bonds between plastics? WEST SYSTEM® G/flex Epoxy can help – and a few simple techniques can make your work even stronger. You might not automatically reach for epoxy products when you need to bond plastics together. But WEST SYSTEM G/flex was specifically formulated to generate resilient, powerful bonds between ... TRADE SECRET: Using WEST SYSTEM G/flex to bond plastics securely More
Igor Bzik spent nearly four years building DRACO, a wooden Dragon daysailer, having previously never built anything bigger than a guitar. As he tried to achieve perfection, the project took over his life – and epoxy products became central to realising his vision. Igor Bzik is no ordinary boatbuilder. For one thing, he lives 300km ... “This dragon boat is my obsession – I wanted the best epoxy.” More
Gougeon Brothers, Inc., the manufacturer of PRO-SET® epoxy, is once again a Technical Supplier to ORACLE TEAM USA — the defending champion going into the 35th America’s Cup Match to be held in Bermuda in the summer of 2017. As a technical supplier of adhesives and epoxy resins to ORACLE TEAM USA, the Michigan-based company ... Gougeon Brothers, Inc. named technical supplier to ORACLE TEAM USA for the 2017 America’s Cup More
When Igor Marukha wanted to fulfil his ambition of building his own canoe, he didn’t take to the water – but to the internet. Today, he runs his own successful boat building company, NeoBoat, and WEST SYSTEM® epoxy products are never far from hand. Boat building, like most things, has been transformed by the internet. ... Starting a canoe business – by surfing the web More
David Johnson urges people new to epoxy to attend WSI’s Epoxy Workshop course. Or, at the very least, to read the manual. If you ever read a technical computer forum you may have seen the acronym ‘RTM!’ being used to pass comment on people who have asked a particularly basic question. It stands for ‘Read ... The best way to avoid mistakes when using epoxy More
Bailey Boat Cat is a life jacket wearing, sea breeze loving Siamese cat – who blogs about his life cruising around the Italian coast. It seems that Bailey’s family have been working on multiple projects to renovate their vessel to ensure it’s ready for cruising safely and comfortably. He recently blogged about his ‘dad’s’ love ... Bailey Boat Cat: an unusual epoxy user More
How to thin your epoxy and what to consider before you do Reducing the viscosity of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy by adding a solvent, can be tempting. It becomes easier to roll out; it penetrates more deeply into porous surfaces such as partially rotten wood; and it saturates faster into materials like fibreglass fabric. But – ... TRADE SECRET: Thinning epoxy: Best practice guidance for reducing the viscosity of WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
WEST SYSTEM® epoxy is an invaluable resource for creating a clear coating that showcases both the beauty of the wood grain and gives you four times the thickness of a single coat of polyurethane. In just a few simple steps, you can achieve a beautiful, bubble-free wooden surface using epoxy resin. Bubbles are a frustrating ... TRADE SECRET: How to create the perfect epoxy coating on wood More
Winter is a time when many boaters migrate away from the water and into the workshop or boat shed in order to repair their vessels or even to build their next ones. If you’re one of these people and you are using marine epoxy, you will most likely know that it’s very sensitive to temperature ... Marine epoxy in cold weather More
Smoothing edges and removing unwanted irregularities are the final steps to giving your boat a perfect finish. A cabinet scraper is the perfect tool for the job, as it will remove all traces of irregularities from the surface of an epoxy resin coating. What’s more, a cabinet scraper is quick and relatively simple to make ... TRADE SECRET: How to make and use a scraper on epoxy resin More
According to Kurt Hughes, a lack of cash does not need to be the end of the road when it comes to building your dream boat. In fact, he insists you can get more boat for your money by building a plywood and epoxy model instead of a composite one. The multihull designer says you ... Build a boat without breaking the bank using plywood and epoxy More
Powerboat driver Bob McCarthy explains why epoxy is now his only choice – whether he’s racing his Formula 3 Bernico in Offshore circuit Racing or breaking water-speed records. People often ask me what the experience of racing powerboats is like. I’ve been doing it for 25 years and I’m still not sure I really know ... Stronger, lighter, faster – using epoxy for powerboats. More
Top tips for installing teak decking panels using PRO-SET® ADV 170 Adhesive and utilising vacuum bagging techniques. Modern prefabricated teak decking panels are manufactured from accurate jigs that allow speedy, clean, final fit installation at the production boat manufacturers. PRO-SET ADV 170 Adhesive is a highly developed thickened, easy to use, 1:1 mix epoxy adhesive that is ... TRADE SECRET: Installing teak decking panels using vacuum bagging More
Business and life partners, Simon and Cat Holman, began their artisan fishing business by designing and building Kensa, an unpowered fishing boat. With Kensa complete, and an integral part of the business, we speak to the couple about their venture and the creation of Kensa. Firstly, tell us about yourselves. Cat: Simon began his career ... Starting an artisan fishing business by Simon and Cat Holman More
Known for his superior knowledge and technique with epoxy, carbon and fibreglass, Russell Brown explains why he’s sticking to WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy in his latest blog post found on ‘Ports Townsend Watercraft Blog’. Russell has over 40 years of experience with boat building and repairs. He has sampled many different brands of epoxy, but insists ... We ‘stick’ with epoxy More
Norman Ralph, writer of ‘Tanks a lot, part 3’, taken from ‘Good Old Boat’ magazine explains how he repaired the diesel tank of his boat ‘Bluebonnet’ using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. Marine epoxy can cure numerous elements of your boat to prolong its life on the water. Norman is a loyal WEST SYSTEM epoxy user and it ... The epoxy ‘Cure’ More
Prevention is the best solution to keeping your boat healthy and on the water, according to the writers and boat fanatics at ‘Compass Marine how to’. Every boat has a ‘core’ that is in danger of becoming saturated and eventually rotting. Preventing this happening with the help of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy can hold your vessels ... Preventing core rot with WEST SYSTEM Epoxy More
Michigan based, sailing enthusiast and writer of ‘my2fish’ blog, shares his process on repairing wooden components of his three boats using WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy. Restoring the wooden parts of all three of his boats, two Sunfish and one Super Porpoise, the blog post follows the wooden boat repairs of two sunfish rudders and one daggerboard. The ... Sailing enthusiast trusts epoxy for his wooden boat repairs More
The creators of the Ocean Explorer C-60 catamaran value quality above all else – and PRO-SET® epoxy products play a central part in their vision. Peter Granholm was visiting a shipping interiors company in his native Finland recently when a poster caught his eye. “It was a quote from Benjamin Franklin,” he says. “’The bitterness ... “If you want top quality, epoxy is a no-brainer.” More
WEST SYSTEM G/flex® speciality epoxy is an exceptionally strong epoxy, designed to provide unbeatable grip to plastics, glass, masonry, fibreglass, wood and metals – including aluminium. So if your aluminium boat is in need of a little TLC, G/flex is a very wise investment. As well as effectively repairing leaky rivets and seams, it creates ... TRADE SECRET: How to fix a leaking aluminium boat with epoxy More
Sustainable living is the future. This pair of boat-builders, Simon and Cat Holman, wanted to live sustainably by fishing locally, after hand-crafting their very own boat. Simon and Cat showed that not only is it achievable, it is also feasible even with a limited space – provided the right materials are available. By using epoxy ... Building a sustainable future: hand-crafting your very own boat More
By keeping these simple ideas in mind, you can make your work with epoxy resin as straightforward and reliable as possible. Prepare to succeed Before you begin using any WEST SYSTEM® epoxy products, ensure your workshop is clean, dry and free from dust. The ideal temperature is 20-22°C, which means you should feel comfortable wearing a ... Four expert tips to use epoxy resin effectively More
John Rousemaniere once said “the goal is not to sail the boat, but rather to help the boat sail herself”. This is exactly what Mat Gravener has done, performing a wooden boat repair and restoration on his 1940’s Broads Cruising Yacht the ‘Lady Perfect 9’ to her eloquently named former self. Using WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy, Mat ... Wooden boat repair – helping the boat to save herself More
By keeping these four kitchen cupboard favourites in mind, you’ll ensure your thickened epoxy is the right consistency, every time. Thickened epoxy – a mix of resin and hardener with filler added – has a huge range of uses. By varying the amount of filler you use, you can alter the consistency of the epoxy ... What have peanut butter, ketchup, syrup and mayonnaise got to do with epoxy resin? More
Sam Collins has been working hard to achieve his vision of ‘Karen,’ the perfect boat. Currently under construction, Sam is building an 18’ Alden Sloop, which is strip planked in western red cedar. When completed, she will have cold-moulded khaya outer veneers. We took a look at how the project is going so far. Firstly, ... Using epoxy to build the perfect boat — by Sam Collins More
Set up in 2012, Boatwork Ltd is run by married team Mark and Julie Bestford with help from their mascot and canine companion Hassle. The company focuses on the management, maintenance and repair of their various clients’ boats. Recently tasked with a wooden boat repair which involved replacing a GRP sheathing with an epoxy one ... The wooden boat repair and renovation — by Boatwork Ltd. More
Marine epoxy is a thoroughly useful material to have with you not just in the boatyard but out to sea as well. It can fulfil any number of purposes when you’re out and about, including small repairs and filling. Sailing Today have recently run a feature on how to go about choosing the most suitable epoxy for ... 6 things to think about when buying marine epoxy More
Willie Crear has been a boatbuilder and racer for over 50 years. Find out why he uses PRO-SET® epoxy on his projects as opposed to cheap polyester resin on his website. And see more about his I-20 and M-20 builds. Why Epoxy Resin, not Polyester? – Willie Crear, boatbuilder More
Fibreglass boat repair, the ultimate challenge for WEST SYSTEM epoxy, can it bond them closer together? This Rhode Island couple’s new GRP boat-building project is the ultimate challenge for any relationship. Follow them as they talk through all the trials and tribulations of fixing up a 1967 Pearson Ariel fibreglass boat. From avoiding boat-pox and removing a rudder to scraping ... Fibreglass boat repair – from scraping paint to naming More
This week’s featured project from an epoxycraft reader comes from boatbuilder Gary Thompson, who’s based in Romsey. His Herreshoff Haven 12 ½, called Lashanna, took him months to build. We caught up with Gary to find out how he did it. How did the project come about? The project came about during my year at Lyme Regis ... My Herreshoff 12 ½ day sailing boat with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
WEST SYSTEM Six10® epoxy is conveniently stored in a self-metering cartridge, providing permanent, waterproof results for all your adhesive needs – from filling holes and cracks, to bonding fiberglass and metal. Check out this video for more information and yet more reasons why WEST SYSTEM epoxy products could be right for you. Got a question about basic boat repairs? ... Using WEST SYSTEM Six10 Thickened Epoxy Adhesive More
If you need to lay up a fibreglass canoe hole, the WEST SYSTEM® Vacuum Bag demonstration in this short two-minute video will offer you a viable solution. Our technical advisers briefly run through the materials you will need, and how to go about this fibreglass boat repair. You’ll be paddling your canoe again in no time! ... Fibreglass boat repair – fixing a hole in your canoe More
You would think that bonding plastics together would be impossible, but using WEST SYSTEM® G/flex® Thickened Epoxy Resin and Hardener proves that you can. The epoxies provide permanent waterproof results, using a simply one-to-one mix ratio, making it easy for even the least confident user. The strength of the WEST SYSTEM epoxy products is second to ... G/flex epoxy: we put it to the test More
It’s really quite tricky to find naturally occurring turns these days, where the grain is the shape you need to make a knee, or breasthook. But never fear! Richard Toyne at Classic Boat has explained how you can manufacture your own knee by bending thin layers of wood to the right shape and gluing them together ... TRADE SECRET Laminate a knee using marine epoxy More
Are you about to start fairing a hull? It may seem like a daunting task but there are ways of making the process run more smoothly – and achieve a great smooth finish. Before using fairing boards for final faring, why not try working with a grinding device? It will remove a substantial amount of material very ... TRADE SECRET: Top tips for easy sanding with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
Would you like to protect your wooden boat from damage caused by the salt and moisture in the air? Brenda Priddy at eHow has posted a simple six-step process for sealing wood using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. See what she had to say here: How to Seal Wood With West System Epoxy | eHow. More
Enavigo is a Croatian company from Virovitica specialised in building wooden boats using PRO-SET® epoxy. After completing two great projects, Enavigo Cutter and Enavigo K850, patience and persistence was crucial in the struggle with the economic crisis. But then, a new project suddenly came up – a challenge that the owner of Enavigo, Tomislav Matasić, couldn’t refuse… ... Building a composite racer in six months with marine epoxy: photo report More
Even without steam, wood can be remarkably flexible – and, indeed, just the job for installing a nice new teak cap rail on a yacht. This wooden boat repair can be a tricky process. Bending the wood can cause it to break or splinter at stress points. Luckily, Richard Toyne at Classic Boat has written some advice ... TRADE SECRET Wooden boat repair – how to install a new teak cap rail More
Have you always wanted to build your own skimboard but don’t know where to start? Even if you have chosen the materials for your project, the next step to actually building a skimboard can be daunting. But don’t worry – we are here to help! This video will show you how to construct a carbon ... Want to build your own skimboard? With epoxy you can! More
So, with a crash of champagne on her imaginary hull, we’re delighted to be launching epoxycraft – a brand-new website for anyone who uses marine epoxy. It’s an online, interactive magazine full of marine epoxy news, ideas, techniques and projects from around the world. The site is sponsored by West System International, the home of WEST SYSTEM® and ... epoxycraft sets sail: the launch of our new marine epoxy site More
Joe Latimer and Alex Lyddon have been working together to build the boat of their dreams – now they are nearing completion, we catch up with them to find more out about the experience, and any problems they may have encountered along the way. Firstly, tell us a little about yourself. Joe: I’m a postgraduate ... Building the dream boat with epoxy – by Joe Latimer and Alex Lyddon More
Despite being connected to the industry, it’s only recently that Stuart McGowan decided to leave his job as an engineer in order to develop his skills as a boat builder. Joining the Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy has given Stuart this chance to take his career down a new route. Firstly, tell us a little about ... New beginnings: starting again as a boat builder More
Getting rid of PRO-SET® and WEST SYSTEM® epoxy resin is straightforward if you follow these simple guidelines (and if you waste as little as possible in the first place…) Not having to dispose of epoxy is easier than having to dispose of epoxy – so it’s always a good idea to try and minimise waste while ... TRADE SECRET: How to dispose of epoxy resin safely More
For Nigel Chapman, getting into boat-building was an opportunity for a fresh start in his career. We caught up with him to find out how he’s found the experience of working on a build from scratch for the very first time. Firstly, tell us a little about yourself. I have been working for almost 30 years ... It’s never too late to change career – a fresh start with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
Production Director Dave Skene of Solution Motor Cruisers is currently building a 60ft powerboat, known as the Solution60, conceived by Ray Davis and world-leading yacht designer Bill Dixon. Modern composite production techniques – including constructing the hull using epoxy infusion methods – have shaped his whole approach to this substantial project. “I consider myself a modern ... Epoxy infusion on a grand scale: “We decided to go with a fully epoxy boat.” More
Following a period of ill health and a realization that ‘you only live once’ Keith McIlwain decided that he needed a change in direction in his career. The Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis gave Keith the skills and confidence he needed to build ‘Daydream,’ his 20’” Golant Ketch, using epoxy resin. How did the ... Building my ‘Daydream’ with epoxy resin – by Keith McIlwain More
So you’ve just pulled your boat from the water, only you’ve noticed blisters in your gelcoat. Now if you leave it, they may disappear, right? Wrong. If you ignore the damage then it could mean greater trials further down the line. That could mean a massive overhaul of your hull… gelcoat removal… a full-blown barrier coat ... TRADE SECRET: Fibreglass boat repair: fix gelcoat blisters with Six10 epoxy More
Defending wood from water penetration is key to making a wooden boat look smart for longer. Coating with marine epoxy, is a great strategy for waterproofing surfaces and preventing wood rot. But there are some potential weak points in your structure’s epoxy armour that many people forget to sort out. Screw holes, even if coated ... TRADE SECRET: Why sealing screw holes with marine epoxy is vital to protecting your wooden boat More
When it comes to preparing a surface for epoxy application, the best advice is to follow the mantra cleanliness is next to godliness. If your surface isn’t clean before you begin, you’ll be making life harder for yourself in the long run as contamination actually reduces the adhesive power of epoxy. To ensure your epoxy ... TRADE SECRET: Why keeping surfaces clean makes for a strong epoxy bond More
Everyone likes the appeal of a well-varnished wood trim on boats. But these days world, waiting two weeks for the twelve layers of varnish to dry just isn’t feasible. In the UK, that’s pretty much the whole summer! But, never fear there’s a way you can still spend your summer out on the water in ... TRADE SECRET: Achieve a well-varnished wood trim in half the time with epoxy resin More
If you need strength and adhesion in a hurry, or if you’re worried about mixing epoxy accurately or don’t have the right tools to hand, WEST SYSTEM® Six10® pre-mixed adhesive could be the trade secret you’re looking for. Six10 is a two-part, pre-thickened epoxy adhesive, perfect for stitch-and-glue boat construction, fibreglass laminate repair and general ... TRADE SECRET: How pre-mixed epoxy can help you work fast without compromising quality More
Not sure whether epoxy has what it takes to fix your fibreglass boat? “It’s versatile, strong, reliable – and more than a match for polyester resin”, says Hamish Cook, Technical Guru at Epoxycraft. Fibreglass boats – like all boats – get damaged. It’s inevitable. Collisions and groundings cause everything from small nicks to serious structural ... Six reasons for using epoxy in fibreglass boat repairs More
Hamish Cook, Technical Adviser at West System International, explains why two-step bonding should be your first choice for structural strength. Two-step bonding is a straightforward process. You wet out the surfaces you want to join using a mix of resin and hardener – that’s step one. Then you add filler to the mix and use this ... Five reasons why two-step bonding with marine epoxy creates a better joint More
If you suspect that a seam or rivet is leaking on your aluminium boat, try following the simple seven-stage process demonstrated in this video. It could have you back on the water within a couple of hours! All you’ll need is a heat source, a wire brush and an epoxy repair pack. Something like the WEST SYSTEM® 655-K ... Got a leak in your aluminium boat? It’s a quick fix with G/flex epoxy More
Don’t panic! It’s easily done and, thankfully, pretty easy to fix too. Follow the 11 steps in this video to see how you can use the WEST SYSTEM® 406 Colloidal Silica epoxy and several patches of reinforcing fabric cut to size to fill in holes in a fibreglass boat. Once you’ve painted it or applied ... What to do when you get a hole in a fibreglass boat More
How do you stop the mattress on your boat from getting mouldy and damp? Strategically placed ventilation holes in the plywood bunk bases have long been used a strategy for preventing this. But, before long, the veneer on the plywood often starts to split. Classic Boat has run a feature on how you can guard ... TRADE SECRET: Prevent plywood from splitting with coats of epoxy resin More
In this 8-page article on Sailing Today, our very own David Johnson shows that laminating using vacuum bagging is well within the reach of the reasonably skilled DIY’er. Starting with a second-hand laminated wooden centreboard from a Fireball dinghy, David uses the vacuum bagging process to create a strong rudder blade for a Swift 18. He ... Vacuum bagging made simple with WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
The chance to fix up a 7-tonne 1935 bermudan sloop designed by Dr T Harrison Butler doesn’t come around very often – only five are known to have survived. But, despite the fact that Mischief had been laid up for 20 years and required extensive work both inside and out, former design and technology teacher Roy ... Saving a 1935 Harrison Butler sloop with epoxy resin More
The components are assembled, the joint is bonded… what’s the next stage of your wooden boat repair? Before moving on to final finishing, don’t forget to apply a protective barrier coat to your wooden surfaces. Doing so will provide an effective moisture barrier and a smooth base for final finishing. Your WEST SYSTEM® Roller Covers ... Wooden boat repair: the basics of barrier coating More
Sometime after the fairing and shaping stage of you epoxy boat repair, but before final coating, it might be an idea to give the joints in your structure extra reinforcement and abrasion resistance by applying glass cloth. WEST SYSTEM® reinforcing fabrics are specially designed to do this and can be applied in multiple layers, or ‘laminated’ ... Epoxy boat repair: Protecting joints with reinforcing fabrics – it’s all in the layers More
The demonstration shows how to improve the strength and reliability of any joint by efficiently installing a screw using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. Some joints need to be able to carry a heavy load and the last thing you want is them letting you down at a crucial point in the race or miles away from the ... Two minute tutorial gives top tips for epoxy fastener bonding More
The bonding stage is where your project will really start to come together. A combination of good surface preparation and the right adhesive will help make a joint strong. The so-called ‘two-step bonding’ process is the best bonding technique to use in most situations. That’s because it makes the epoxy penetrate the bonding surface to the ... Making a joint is easy with two-step epoxy bonding More
So, you’ve got your joint pretty much assembled. Now you need to make sure it blends with the surrounding surfaces. This is where final fairing and the epoxy filler comes in. A mixture of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy and a low-density filler is just the job for fairing. It involves filling and shaping low or uneven areas so they ... Got a gap to fill? See how in this WEST SYSTEM fairing demo More
Have you already dispensed and mixed your epoxy and are now ready to start bonding or fairing? Watch our video to find out how to add epoxy fillers to get the ideal epoxy consistency for your purpose. The video also shows you examples of the four main consistencies of thickened epoxy and the applications each is suited ... How to thicken epoxy with epoxy fillers More
Whether you’re using large amounts of epoxy or small, getting the right ratio of resin to hardener is vital to ensuring a proper cure. Though it is possible to dispense epoxy using weight or volume measures, you might find it easier and more convenient to use the specially-calibrated WEST SYSTEM® 303 special ratio Mini Pump ... Easy dispensing with WEST SYSTEM Mini Pumps More
It’s lightweight, stiff and resistant to fatigue but, when subjected to rot, wood can lose strength, weakening the overall boat. Nexus Marine use WEST SYSTEM® epoxy coating on their wooden boats to keep the moisture out. Learn why they find epoxy useful for adhesive, coating, filleting and many more applications here: WEST SYSTEM epoxy and our wood/epoxy ... WEST SYSTEM epoxy for stronger, stiffer, rot-free wooden boats More
Ever wondered what goes into making a sport boat? Here’s how WEST SYSTEM® epoxy inventors Jan and Meade Gougeon and their team of Technical Experts did it. All in all it took about 700 hours of work but, we’re guessing you don’t have that kind of time to spare. Instead, take the short-cut and watch this ... From plank of wood to i550 Sport Boat in 3 minutes using marine epoxy More
What’s the right way to apply fibreglass cloth or tape to provide reinforcement and abrasion resistance? This video shows how fabric and coats of WEST SYSTEM® epoxy are used to fill the weave of the fabric in one continuous operation. Ready to try it at home? Click here to find your nearest stockist. More
Before every epoxy application comes the crucial step of dispensing the quantities of resin and hardener you need. Getting this right will mean you’re well on the way to achieving a high-strength WEST SYSTEM® epoxy solid. Remember, curing epoxy generates heat so be sure not to leave the dispensed epoxy to stand for the full pot life ... Getting started: dispensing and mixing WEST SYSTEM epoxy More
Did you enjoy our i550 build time-lapse video? Well, here she is in action with Bill Wright during preparations for the Everglades Challenge – building a wooden boat using epoxy. Check out Bill’s YouTube channel for more updates on Hot Canary. Not bad for 3 minutes’ work, eh? More
West System Inc. is delighted to be exhibiting at the 23rd Annual WoodenBoat Show at Mystic, Connecticut on 27-29 June 2014. So, if you find yourself across the pond next month, make your way there for expert skills demonstrations, live racing, craft workshops and special events about Herreshoff classic designs. Find out more on their ... West System Inc. to exhibit at the WoodenBoat Show in Mystic, CT More
Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. I’m sure we’re all guilty of making do with the wrong tool when the right one has gone walkabout. You know, knocking in nails with the end of the spirit level, that sort of thing. Actually, though, some tools you’ll have lying around the workshop could actually be very ... TRADE SECRET: 6 workshop uses for razor blades you’ll want to try More
