How Did I Become a Skipper Through Boat Restoration?
...was entrusted with the boats sailing and upkeep. “From there on I caught the bug of traditional boats and decided that was what I wanted to do as a career,... More
...was entrusted with the boats sailing and upkeep. “From there on I caught the bug of traditional boats and decided that was what I wanted to do as a career,... More
...materials found a new purpose as they took up sailing in their leisure time. “These were often materials we’d use to facilitate boat maintenance or repairs.” Their first sailing boat... More
...Infused Fibreglass and Carbon Technology. This approach transforms kayak construction, providing a multitude of advantages compared to conventional methods. These materials demonstrate outstanding physical properties at room temperature, and post-curing can further... More
...help contact our team at: techinfo@wessex-resins.com Want to learn more epoxy basics? Click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdNfOTLx0q4&t=4s Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! https://epoxycraft.com/epoxy-basics/bonding/ https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/six-reasons-for-using-epoxy-in-fibreglass-boat-repairs/ https://epoxycraft.com/epoxy-basics/how-much-epoxy-resin-do-i-need-for-my-project/ https://epoxycraft.com/epoxy-basics/you-may-be-wondering-so-why-are-epoxy-resins-important/... More
...trade from our experts All completely free! Email Address* First Name Last Name What would you like to hear about? Boat Building Boat Restoration Boat Maintenance Woodworking DIY Resin Art... More
...guidance from experienced boat builders, documenting and sharing the process, celebrating the completion, and planning for the boat’s maintenance with sustainability in mind. “Remember, a boat-building project is not just... More
...a complete overhaul might be necessary. This repair method is intended for localized blisters or temporary repairs prior to a complete anti-osmosis treatment. Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly... 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... More
...Sticks The most straightforward choice is the WEST SYSTEM 804 Reusable Plastic Mixing Sticks. At 19mm wide and 140mm long, they’re perfect for smaller projects, like small dinghies or stitch-and-glue boats.... More
...rents currently unaffordable for me. The Final Product (Swallow Yachts Design) Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/a-directors-boat-building-journey/ https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/restoring-a-sailboat/ Working on a project? Share it... More
...work. To follow Glenn and Debb’s boat building journey, please see their Instagram handle below: Instagram Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/a-directors-boat-building-journey/ https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/a-journey-into-the-boat-industry/ Working... More
...see his social handles below: Instagram Facebook Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/boat-building-top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/a-directors-boat-building-journey/ https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/restoring-a-sailboat/ Working on a project? Share it with us! Click here…... More
...could be the trade secret you’re looking for. What Makes Six10 a Perfect Choice for Various Applications? Six10 is a two-part, pre-thickened epoxy adhesive, perfect for stitch-and-glue boat construction, fibreglass... More
...stockist click here: https://eu.westsystem.com/where-to-buy/ Facebook Instagram YouTube X Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/bumper-repair-with-gflex-epoxy/ https://epoxycraft.com/news/kayak-repair-using-west-system-gflex-epoxy/ Working on a project? Share it with us! Click... More
...ensure the area is properly dry before applying any epoxy when repairing damage around the plumbing. How to Repair Cracked Toilet Cisterns with Epoxy? Epoxy bonds to the porous side... More
...Explore His Social Media Profiles Instagram YouTube Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/traditional-wooden-boat-construction/ https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/six-reasons-for-using-epoxy-in-fibreglass-boat-repairs/ Working on a project? Share it with us! Click here…... More
...heat the fastener head for removal. Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! https://epoxycraft.com/trade-secrets/razorblades/ https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/six-reasons-for-using-epoxy-in-fibreglass-boat-repairs/ https://epoxycraft.com/epoxy-basics/you-may-be-wondering-so-why-are-epoxy-resins-important/ Working on a project? Share it with us! Click here…... More
...give up your entire summer to get it! Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! https://epoxycraft.com/trade-secrets/pre-mix-epoxy-can-help-work-fast-without-compromising-quality/ https://epoxycraft.com/trade-secrets/trade-secret-09why-sealing-screw-holes-epoxy-vital-protecting-wooden-boat/ https://epoxycraft.com/trade-secrets/basic-techniques-of-surface-preparation-for-wooden-boatbuilding-and-repair/ Working on a project? Share it with us!... More
...workboat. What Are the Most Rewarding Aspects of Wooden Boat Construction? Wooden boatbuilding is an endangered skill, making it a privilege to contribute to the preservation of our maritime heritage.... More
...used for cosmetic repairs on fibreglass boats? Yes, epoxy is not just for structural repairs. It can also be used for cosmetic repairs on fibreglass boats. It can fill cracks,... More
...surfaces for a strong epoxy bond. Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! https://epoxycraft.com/epoxy-basics/bonding/ https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/artists-top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/a-beginners-guide-to-creating-jewellery-with-epoxy/ https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/six-reasons-for-using-epoxy-in-fibreglass-boat-repairs/ Working on a project? Share it with us! Click here…... More
...the blade simultaneously. 6. The Fibreglass Cleaner A dulled razor blade is also excellent for removing old bathtub caulk on fibreglass tub and shower surrounds without damaging the gel-coated surfaces.... More
...artwork was difficult and this was just for some repair work. Liquitex produce a range of super heavy body acrylic paints which can be used for the piping. I decided... More
...the final outcome. Instagram Link YouTube TikTok Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! https://epoxycraft.com/projects/using-epoxy-to-glue-wood-the-eat-a-peach-guitar/ https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/lochaber-coastal-rowing-club-and-the-st-ayles-skiff-project/ Working on a project? Share it with us! Click here…... More
...to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! Working on a project? Share it with us! Click here… https://epoxycraft.com/trade-secrets/basic-techniques-of-surface-preparation-for-wooden-boatbuilding-and-repair/ https://epoxycraft.com/epoxy-basics/you-may-be-wondering-so-why-are-epoxy-resins-important/ Working on a project? Share it with us! Click here…... More
...time, I met an amazing woman who happened to own a Hallberg-Rassy Rasmus 35 sailboat. She suggested that I join her in exploring her boat instead of pursuing my van... More
...who works at Latham’s Traditional Boatworks in Cornwall, exemplifying the amazing contributions of women in the field Holly Latham of Latham’s Traditional Boatworks shot for the British Boat Builders 2023... More
...things we didn’t do! To stay tuned with Polly Robinson’s boat building process, check out her social media channel below: Instagram Explore our most recent articles: https://epoxycraft.com/news/ocracoke-20-b/ https://epoxycraft.com/news/sailing-rum-punch/ https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/boat-building-top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/sailing-towards-learning-circles-alternative-educations-boat-project-empowers-youth-through-community-based-education/ https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/artists-top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/a-beginners-guide-to-creating-jewellery-with-epoxy/... More
...your surface is clean before applying epoxy. Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! https://epoxycraft.com/trade-secrets/trade-secret-09why-sealing-screw-holes-epoxy-vital-protecting-wooden-boat/ https://epoxycraft.com/trade-secrets/trade-secret-10the-quick-long-lasting-way-fix-gelcoat-blisters-six10-epoxy/ Working on a project? Share it with us! Click here…... More
...boat construction and can provide valuable insights for enthusiasts like you. Feel free to browse through our selection and delve deeper into the world of boat building. https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/boat-building-top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/from-passion-to-career-the-haven-12-5-project/ https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/boat-building-top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/sailing-towards-learning-circles-alternative-educations-boat-project-empowers-youth-through-community-based-education/ https://epoxycraft.com/news/ocracoke-20-b/... More
...When fatigue sets in, it’s advisable to take a break and engage in something different before returning to work. Click the icon below to access Koray’s Instagram: Instagram https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/restoring-a-sailboat/ https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/a-journey-into-the-boat-industry/... More
...to teach traditional maritime skills. The focus, working with six different charity partners to help build volunteers’ confidence and skills, had been on building a variety of boats like traditional... More
...hit something underwater. His boat sank, and he went down with it. The kill cord dragged him under with the boat, but he managed to untangle himself luckily. His friend,... More
...this exhilarating adventure. What are the features of the boat? The boat, named Orkan, boasts impressive specifications. It stretches 28 metres in length and spans 6 metres in width. Its... More
...boat construction and can provide valuable insights for enthusiasts like you. Feel free to browse through our selection and delve deeper into the world of boat building. https://epoxycraft.com/projects/building-a-bruce-roberts-in-india/ https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/boat-building-top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/sailing-towards-learning-circles-alternative-educations-boat-project-empowers-youth-through-community-based-education/ https://epoxycraft.com/projects/building-the-longbow-hydroplane-part-1/... More
...how they operate. Circles’ latest project involves building a 20ft-long boat. Scruffie Marine manufactures the design and material kit for this boat, known as a Secret 20. A man in... More
...Hot Canary Then, using a random orbital sander, they lightly sanded the panels to clean the scarf joints and prepare the surface for a coating of 105/207 mix. https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/a-journey-into-the-boat-industry/ https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/a-directors-boat-building-journey/... More
...sealing rope ends on the boat, soldering electrical connections etc, it is perfect for flame treating the surfaces of hard to glue plastics before joining them with G/flex. Since this... More
...now means John can expand his business further to make or repair automotive parts, and marine parts “now jobs come in, now we can do that no problem” John mentions.... More
...and boats while knowing you’ve helped them to get there.” “It’s fantastic to have the championships in the UK,” says Chris Turner, MD Ovington Boats. “It’s a breath of fresh... More
...Lower viscosity mixed epoxy will soak into wood grain and wick into exposed glass fibres on a GRP surface prepared for a repair. Faster dispensing with pumps. Efficient blending of... More
Learn the basic techniques! Whether you plan on bonding, laminating, filleting, fairing, or applying fabrics, the success of the application depends not only on the strength of the epoxy, but... More
If you’re a regular follower of epoxycraft, you’ll know we like to feature projects on boat building and boat repair using WEST SYSTEM epoxy. We have thoroughly enjoyed hearing about... More
...currently based in Heswall. Family Buying a 72ft boat was never planned for Gemma and Simon. Simon loves restoring small boats but one of this magnitude was not expected! Having... More
...under the seat and the LCD screen is inside the boat. The battery clips into the boat’s centre. Having the propulsion system in the rudder doesn’t appear to have affected... More
...GRP repair kit. On Sunday 18th (12:00) he’ll be exploring WEST SYSTEM epoxies for GRP boat maintenance and on Saturday 24th (17:00) he’ll be talking about WEST SYSTEM epoxies for... More
...meaning no boat is left rusting and out of use. https://youtu.be/CVNhvCaStgk You can find out more here: The Multi-Mission [M-Class] | Ultimate Boats | Rib Boats Made in Scotland (ultimate-boats.com)... More
...Spirit Yachts since the company started, and ever since, and is on every one of their 76 boats which are now spread out worldwide. “We’ve been told that Spirit has... More
...has a strong maritime heritage and is renowned for its undisturbed bays and secluded anchorages making it a perfect place for boat enthusiasts and boaters. Thursday 9th June kicked off... More
...that out.” Such a heritage seems fitting for a man who now spends much of his time repairing and building traditional and historic boats – and who was commissioned by... More
...minute quantities of super-strong, waterproof epoxy. G/flex 655 can be used for any adhesive eventuality, including boat repairs (for example repairing wood and aluminium windows and gluing in skin fittings)... More
...and out of the boat. Plus, it has better buoyancy with extra compartments added along the side. Next on the tour was Joe, a Medway 10/9 Selway Fisher. The Medway... More
...use peel ply Damage repair techniques The team will also be able to talk to visitors about the PRO-SET® range of epoxies, used in the production of the supremely successful Maguire Boats Exocet Moth, ThinAir... More
...developed WEST SYSTEM Epoxy products, one of the most famous brands of boatbuilding adhesives. Epoxy is used for construction and repairs that require superior moisture resistance and high strength, making... More
...work the boat has gone through, and how epoxy has played such a monumental part in the build of this jet hydroplane. Let’s start way back in August 2018, and... More
...the trust is the workshop. The team, led by Workshop Manager, Lachlan Cunningham, repair and maintain Glenlee and also take part in community boat-building projects. “The broader remit beyond the... More
...about WEST SYSTEM products. Our epoxy experts will be able to offer advice on visitors’ projects and the use of epoxy for boat building, repair and maintenance. The team will also be... More
...including boat building, restoration, joinery, CAD design, 3D scanning and CNC machining. Passionate about vintage race boats and runabouts from the early 1900’s era, while being fascinated by advancements in... More
...working with classic and GRP boats. From minor repairs to full refits, SYH have a state-of-the-art workshop and utilise the latest in marine technology to repair and renovate sail yachts... More
...a small river table… watch this space!” Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/fixing-a-ring-with-g-flex-655-thickened-epoxy/ https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/conquer-household-diy-repairs-bank-holiday-weekend-west-system-epoxy/ Working on a project? Share it with us! Click here…... More
...was something we spoke of undertaking back then,” explains Tom. “Now is the time for that challenge to be realised.” The Trilogy A carbon fibre and fibreglass boat, Trilogy, is... More
As England, Scotland and Wales enter another lockdown, you may have started work on those home projects. Whether it’s boat maintenance and repairs, a restoration or a brand new build,... More
...when you mix modern CNC with traditional Italian wooden boat building heritage. We were thrilled to speak to Master Shipwright, Gabriele Maestri, to talk about his journey at The Castagnola... More
...has opened up to new ideas and he wants to continue experimenting with new and sustainable materials. “I want to build a boat next. Perhaps a Catamaran using epoxy and... More
...the tape can also be used to repair any accidental holes in the lining. You can use an old piece of PVC from a double-glazing job for the base, or... More
...more hardener (i.e. the catalyst with fibreglass) will not speed up the process. The ratio has to be consistent in every job, typically 5:1 (that’s five parts of WEST SYSTEM... More
...if man’s contribution to the planet was no wildlife left. “I started thinking about the marine industry and its impact on nature. There’re lots of issues with glass fibre boats... More
...cousin’s traditional boat building workshop in America. “This is when I first gained hands-on experience working with epoxy,” James explains. After America, he returned to London, with a wealth of... More
Oarsome Chance, the Gosport based charity, has been using WEST SYSTEM epoxy® to aid in a classic engine refit. It’s ‘fixing-up’ the lifeboat which was used in the award-winning documentary... More
...“Everyone builds boats, cars and planes, I wanted to do something that would bring all my life-learned skills together,” he says. “Then when I retired, I bought a 1/16 Heng... More
...and plaster undisturbed. They wanted to use PRO-SET® epoxy products with fibreglass and carbon fibre to make the repairs. Wingspread was built in 1938 for the owner of S. C.... More
...leading source of information for new builds, restorations, or repairs for boat builders and owners alike who are using WEST SYSTEM products, whether they’re professionals or amateurs. BOATPAINT.CO.UK 0800 3890... More
...of foam”. (Brad mainly uses polyurethane foam). It could be argued that his penchant for epoxy was somewhat forced upon him. “I do a lot of surfboard repairs,” Brad says.... More
...to repair fine vases). Dee invested in a WEST SYSTEM 104 Junior Pack which is ideal for small projects and contains a 600g pack of WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin®... More
RS Electric Boats, the sister company to RS Sailing, unveiled its electric RIB earlier this year, a boat that’s said to be the highest level of sustainable construction of any... More
...and punctures as well as refit and replace hardware on a boat. The WEST SYSTEM 105-K Glass Fibre Boat Repair Kit contains: · 250g WEST SYSTEM 105 Epoxy Resin · ... More
...to assemble a 16ft Stornoway design using the strip plank method. The idea was that ‘Barnacle’ would be capable of dinghy ‘cruising’, a popular pastime where a small boat can... More
...about mixing fillers. Surface preparation When you are ready to apply the epoxy, make sure your substrate is properly prepared. For most substrates like wood, fibreglass, and metals the recommendation... More
Making the cedar strips and mast As mentioned in part one of this series, to build the ideal boat with which to join the Dinghy Cruising Association, retired land surveyor... More
...with wooden or composite boats, epoxy provides a straightforward and effective way to make DIY minor repairs. A such the demonstrations offer expert advice about fixing all-to-common problems from a... More
...than they were for the AC50.” Having faith in materials is key and when it comes to PRO-SET adhesive products, Marie is clear. “The boat builders like it which is... More
...Fisher at https://selway-fisher.com. The Stornoway 16 from the drawing board of designer and artist Paul Fisher. He has a huge portfolio of boat designs ranging from steam launches to ocean... More
...using epoxy while experimenting with the entire range of fillers for bonding, gap filling, filleting and fairing while you build a toolbox. Use epoxy and fibreglass fabrics to complete a... More
...wood. In the early days of my woodworking career, beginning in 1981, I spent time as a boatbuilder at Wood Boats, a restoration yard in Norwalk, Connecticut. From the first... More
...the epoxy magic as Christmas presents for sailors in his life. Epoxy presents for sailors include: Glass Fibre Boat Repair kits (WEST SYSTEM 105-K Glass Fibre Boat Repair Kit) Wooden... More
...custom mould. Which is why he wrote this article for us on how to make a oil drip tray. Not that we don’t trust the brand-new gearbox in our boat... More
...Here the boat is on display at a regional boat show where she drew a great deal of attention. With boat owners wanting something a bit special nowadays this merging... More
...crystal-clear epoxy. According to Jason Burnett (Jay Surfboards), most surfboard shapers start making their products in a shed. “I started repairing boards in a hut in my garden and it... More
...eye on Adam and Stu’s progress (https://www.arc2020.org.uk) through their training process and, of course, the repairs to the boat and the fundraising journey (https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/atlanticrowingchallenge2020) as they raise money for charity.... More
In 2002 the seed was planted for John Taylor to build a boat with WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. He bought a wagon full of cedar four by two and that was... More
Maguire Boats customers range from triple Olympic gold medallists to current America’s Cup sailors, via weekend sailors. “Whoever it is though, the product doesn’t change,” says Simon Maguire, “the quality... More
...tells us what we do wrong and provides the training for us. Twenty-six years and no problems at all!” Watch the full interview from Southampton International Boat Show 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sN1K_L_yNM0... More
“We’ve had a long collaboration with Wessex Resins,” says Will Reed from the Boat Building Academy. “The products are excellent. I’ve used them for 20 years personally. The technical support... More
...it to do’. He’s been using composites from an early age, starting out with a model boat which had such a “ridiculous engine, it ended up in a corn field.”... More
...lights, and other projects using this bio-based resin. Will Reed – Building boats with precision, and passion – 15:15 Will Reed is the principal of the Boat Building Academy, Lyme... More
...grade epoxy, to PRO-SET® epoxies for composite work and finally our Bio-Based ENTROPY RESINS®. Find out how we support the marine market, whether that’s with repair kits for dinghy sailors,... More
...special event for those wanting to gain expert knowledge and hands-on experience of using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy to construct, repair and maintain their own boats, or work on other projects.... More
...timber vessel, so this boat will be sailing for decades to come with relatively little maintenance required. Read the final part of this series about building a boat with epoxy.... More
...my boards comes from perfect epoxy saturation in first-class surfboard fibreglass cloth, really good blanks and really good epoxy. I haven’t bought any other epoxy since I first used Entropy... More
...mould. You can see the thick fibreglass part James made from the mould the university supplied him with. Here’s the final item just after lacquer application. That outside help takes... More
...possible. One English boat builder (Freeman Boats) solved the problem by buying an entire tree for each interior fitout and making his own laminates in house. This guaranteed the grain,... More
...finished items to add an extra layer of aesthetics. WEST SYSTEM G/5 Five Minute Adhesive, seen here ready for a boat building project, is easily mixed at 1:1 by volume.... More
...decide that wood was the obvious answer.” Classic Sail Boats Ltd not only creates beautiful custom vessel in clinker and carvel… Classic Sail Boats Ltd not only creates beautiful custom... More
...as a boat shop to a company which is now helping millions of people across the world build, repair and maintain boats of all sizes and description, in addition to... More
Back to basics Wessex Resins and Adhesives is a proud sponsor of the charity Oarsome Chance, where disadvantaged and school-excluded young adults learn how to build and repair boats and... More
...WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy widely. He works on all types of boat projects, from budget weekenders (pictured) to superyachts. He is based on the UK’s central South Coast. These are Mark’s... More
...the epoxy went an old cotton sail, and a selection of old boat fittings (pulleys and blocks) for a back drop, as well as a transom and a boat frame.... More
...The intervention has come in the nick of time as the yacht was in a very poor state of repair. The plan is to restore the yacht to full sailing... More
...pipework. They will be attached later. Forward planning of any boat design minimises the work needed in the subsequent fitout. The frame for the seats has been positioned and sits... More
...fixing battens with epoxy, get in touch with our technical team. Or, check out other related article on repairs, like how to upgrade a rudder, or repairing a buoyancy tank.... More
...and centreplates, for example, 423 Graphite Powder will also offer impact resistance whilst providing additional low friction resistance to improve boat speed. Similarly, when coating items such as battery boxes,... More
...Lt David-John Gibbs, who first trained on Sea King helicopters before moving over to fixed wing aircraft. He is also an accomplished powerboat racer so has the experience required to... More
...fibreglass locker In this project, a detachable fibreglass locker is being built in the cockpit of a small yacht. The sheets of GRP are offcuts from a pontoon boat project... More
...resins, fibreglass moulding took over for production boatbuilding, whilst traditional planking skills were kept alive for classic renovations. Now wooden boatbuilding using this method is beginning to make a comeback,... More
...I’ve built motor launches, looked after other boats’ maintenance and done fibreglass and woodwork. I owned an INT14 that required endless repairs and maintenance before,” he continues, “which helps.” “I’m... More
Back in 2015, we ran a story on fixing rudders, written by technical guru David Johnson. Here he updates us on his rudder repairs and how to make them using... More
...Turan – famous naval architects and WEST SYSTEM epoxy advocates for Gulket (boat) construction We run a variety of courses and seminars at Romsey and are also very happy to... More
...of kayak versus canoe. After years in the former, he moved to racing in the latter but couldn’t find the right boat for his needs. Athletes sponsored by Darkside Canoes... More
...under licence from Gougeon Bros Inc. USA. These durable, high-quality epoxies are the adhesives of choice for boat and car manufacturers, chandlers, board sports enthusiasts and DIY aficionados throughout the... More
The charity Oarsome Chance has a well-equipped workshop where disadvantaged local youngsters learn how to build and repair boats. Oarsome Chance (OC) is a charity where young people who have... More
A team of British enthusiasts is building a jet-powered boat to beat the current water speed record of 317mph. WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy will be holding it all together. Tucked away... More
Part 3: Base layer planking The finished vessel on display at a local boat show. She would later be raced in an annual regatta to prove the advantage of her... More
Part 2: Applying the skin In a remarkable project that combines traditional boatbuilding skills with modern techniques, a Croatian Gajetareceives its primary wooden framework, cut by computer and bonded with... More
...your idea and a few images of what you’re working on. Need inspiration? Check out other stories from fellow epoxy enthusiasts below… https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/a-journey-into-the-boat-industry/ https://epoxycraft.com/westsystem/dentist-transition-into-a-skilled-woodworker-using-west-system-epoxy/ https://epoxycraft.com/projects/les-batar-viking-boat/ ... More
...fierce as it gets. As such, these boats need to be as light and as strong as possible, which is why Winder Boats moved away from working solely in plywood... More
...Merging the centuries “The Betina Shipyard is located in a traditional boatbuilding area where local craftsmen still build wooden boats using time honoured techniques,” Srdan explained. “Unfortunately, these days there... More
...techniques. These would be used for building long-range luxury multihulls, with PRO-SET epoxy products specified from the outset. These boats are towards the top end of the size range for... More
...my main intention was therefore to build boats using lamination techniques.” It was around this time that Abdul also met a legendary boat designer, Bruce Roberts, at the London Boat... More
...the WEST SYSTEM users to ask specific questions regarding the use of epoxy for the construction, repair and maintenance of their own boats. Find more information and booking form here.... More
...perfect for semi-structural repairs. No other manufacturer is produces this type of gap filler and it has proved very effective in GRP repairs. Used for? Mainly for filling small holes... More
Simon Hawksley poses with his classic Etoile 18, which was the first boat VIP visitors saw as they entered the show. Whilst Epoxycraft was visiting the Cannes Boat Show this... More
...Swan 42 designed by Ron Holland. The Kayll family’s high standards have been borne out in the quality and durability of her construction. Built as a ‘Show boat’ for their... More
...boat is finally coming together. November 2017: The bottom of the hull was painted with six coats of primer, followed by seven coats of two-pack Jotun paint. This was allowed... More
...to make stunning one-offs and the 52D from UK-based Spirit Yachts is a classic example – classic being the operative word. Spirit Yachts draws its inspiration from the ‘metre-boats’ of... More
...repair as it progressed. The boat has a fibreglass keel, which had suffered a form of osmotic damage through a combination of water and anti-freeze. Yep, anti-freeze!! The keel needs... More
...of colloidal silica and timber-coloured microfibres. This carefully formulated mix gives a pleasant hardwood-style finish to the seams of any boatbuilding project. Used for? As the name suggests, filleting. This... More
...completely stripped out before receiving brand new iroko decks. A long list of other vital repair jobs have been done inside as well, bringing the yacht back from a derelict... More
...offer the best technical support to all our customers. Originally developed for boatbuilding, the superior strength and moisture resistance of WEST SYSTEM epoxy has made it the number one choice... More
...handy at all times! 2/ The WEST SYSTEM 105-K Glass Fibre Boat Repair Kit is a must for the dinghy park. It contains everything you need to effect a repair,... More
...boats name into the planking – risky when it comes to resale. Pre-made panels Wherever possible, builders prefer to make the teak decking off the boat by mounting the planks... More
...of these boats a year and whilst wooden boatbuilding is not a huge share of the market nowadays, the custom base is made up of dedicated and passionate enthusiasts willing... More
...used in construction concrete. For epoxy and fibreglass work, colloidal silica is perhaps the cheapest and most general-purpose additive available as it has so many uses. The tiny particles are... More
Hamish, one of West System Technical Team, has a solution for those times when accurate application of epoxy to make a repair on a small surface is key – trim... More
...designed and built by Jan Andersen using PRO-SET materials. Boat builder Jan Andersen is the one-man band running Vision Boats, a company that specialises in building fast and eco-friendly sailing... More
...Boat magazine. My carving process is very similar to boat building so I knew I needed WEST SYSTEM epoxy products to protect them.” Robert designs and creates full-size figures to... More
...varnish. Ultra violet inhibiters in the varnish protect the epoxy base layer and the two work together to form a tough and attractive finish. Italian boat builders Riva build up... More
...boatbuilders, HF Marin also provides epoxy to a leading truck repair workshop. When a lorry was brought in with side panel damage, the workshop thought it would be interesting to... More
...I used the WEST SYSTEM G/Flex 655-K Repair Kit.” Steve is keen to point out that the railway cannot be ridden, even though it’s outdoors, it’s garden scale, not human.... More
Soon to be celebrating the creation of their 100th Exocet Moth, the team at Hampshire-based Maguire Boats are flushed with the success of recent racing results. Maguire-built boats took all... More
...from a pair of electric motors set behind the rear foils, with the battery recharged from renewables, mainly solar and tidal flow captured by the Seabubble’s dock. The boat lifts... More
...with vocational training. As part of their work, the charity is developing the OC 24 skiff – a purpose-built boat designed for them by Paul Fisher for the young people... More
Many older boats are made using plywood and this can deteriorate with age, especially if rainwater has been able to penetrate the paint layers. WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy will repair and... More
...intervention has come in the nick of time as the yacht was in a very poor state of repair. The plan is to restore the yacht to full sailing condition,... More
...coats of paint and epoxy I am confident that my little plywood boat will not leak. For full details of how to build a stitch and tape boat you will... More
...speed boat, approximately 1 metre long. From the drawings I made a wooden buck (plug), a fibreglass mould and then an epoxy fibreglass hull. The finished boat was way too... More
Experiment with cedar strip canoe building with this 1:12 scale model from Bear Mountain Boats The cedar strip method of boat building allows for the creation of some truly beautiful... More
...stand (C42), showing you how to get the most from your epoxy products. Plus enter our competition to WIN one of four WEST SYSTEM® 105-K Glass Fibre Boat Repair Kits!... More
...the most useful types of epoxy bonding techniques for making strong and attractive joins. When attempting to apply fillets on the underside of a boat’s cabin or decks, however, gravity... More
WEST SYSTEM hosts workshops for both amateurs and professionals. We offer advice to members of the public about the use of epoxy for boat building, repair and maintenance as well... More
...at the boatyard – just make allowances for the lower temperatures and seasonal damp conditions. Frost on the ground! Your epoxy should be safely stored above 10ºC before this happens.... More
...the surface called ‘amine blush’ and it needs to be washed off before the boat can be re-coated. This is where the faster hardener comes in. Coat the boat with... More
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk-FzPc-HNg ... More
...the products, and they are also selling well to cruising enthusiasts and boat builders. Customers are increasingly drawn to the Ropeye brand as the deck hardware is so easy to... More
...to make an invisible repair and return the guitar as good as new. “We use WEST SYSTEM epoxy to build guitars and also to repair them,” Joe told Epoxycraft. “If... More
Back to basics I just completed the 38 week Boat Building Course at the Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy. Like several other students on the course, I’d spent several years... More
...Boat Construction. This famous boatbuilding guide details composite construction techniques using wood and epoxy. It remains a favourite resource for professionals and first-time boat builders, and is often used as... More
From boat enthusiast to boat builder When I was a kid, my dad used to take me to the seaside and we’d go out fishing on a tiny boat with... More
...Breakthrough boat: Voodoo Moth With the two builds under his belt, Phil started working with moth designer Chris Allen. “Chris designed our latest boat, which is called the Voodoo Moth,”... More
...bigger wooden boats for its customers, including motor and sailing boats of up to 20 metres. High customer demand meant the boatyard outgrew its original location in 2004, resulting in... More
...lease of life for Maggie We met Roger Hardy at the Traditional Boat Rally at Henley, which is a Skiff-lovers paradise. Roger is a brilliant restorer of boats and specialised... More
...29’ landing craft or “bow-door boat” for Jim Coulam Boatbuilders which follows on from the 20footer we built for the Wheelyboat Trust that gives mobility impaired people the chance to... 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... More
...set up Ocean Marine Equipment Ltd in Limassol, Cyprus. Although it’s a coastal city, the local market for marine products was very small. With no local boat manufacturing industry, we... More
...be an extremely effective, long-lasting repair.” For more information about David’s DIY adventures, or how you can complete your own home improvement and repair projects with WEST SYSTEM epoxy,... More
...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 decided to take a life... 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... 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... More
...by watching our stanchion base repair video by David Johnson. Want to know more about fibreglass boat repair? We have a whole host of articles – take a look here.... More
...bigger boatyard in Ullapool,” says Tim. “So, instead of us travelling to the boats, the boats will be able to come to us!” See the moment Tim and Dan... 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... More
...of epoxy. The benefits It protects the integrity of fibreglass Using peel ply means that no sanding is needed – and that’s essential for fibreglassed surfaces. Sanding fibreglass is very... More
...epoxy certainly offers them that quality assurance. Most of our customers buy WEST SYSTEM products for repairs. However, it’s not just boat repairs they use it for. We’ve found it’s... More
...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 to find out more. “The... More
...knowledge within established boatyards and yacht surveyors that the best means of effecting a robust, long-lasting glass fibre repair on a polyester or vinylester hull, is to use epoxy. In... 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... 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... More
...for some of the most impressive boats on the water. After learning his craft at Brisbane’s Norman Wright and Sons, he honed his skills at various boatyards before building his... More
...boat building experience so I enrolled on a 6-month course at the Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy in 2011. At first, I wasn’t sure which particular boat I wanted to... More
...for your epoxy blend to adhere. This is the best method for steel of all types. If you’re preparing a small area of steel (for a repair, for instance), you... More
...to achieve a traditional-looking boat with an exceptional quality finish was very satisfying. What’s your top tip for boatbuilders looking to start a similar project? It’s vital you use high... More
...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 has left her gleaming once... 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... More
First-time boatbuilder Martin Corrall found the perfect retirement project when he saw a beautiful Nick Schade designed cedar strip canoe at a friend’s house. Martin tells us about his steep... More
...boatyards. He is also someone who naturally takes full advantage of any opportunity that comes his way. So when the Walsteds boatyard gave him the chance to do a six... 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... More
...by a cast steel fin. This provided the strength the boat demanded but also – arguably for the first time in a boat of this type – maximised the righting... More
...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 of classic lifeboats. How did... More
...prototype of the watercraft using similar methods used in surfboard construction – fibreglassing the wrong way round. I started with a wooden chassis onto which the motor was bolted and... More
...hold of a couple of boxes of stock. It occurred to my parents that it could be the perfect product for boatbuilders, so they looked through the Yellow Pages one... More
... Thanks very much to Hamish Cook for this Trade Secret. Want more advice on filleting? Have a look our two-part Trade Secret all about it. Image credit: https://www.clcboats.com/life-of-boats-blog/build-a-small-boat-galley-box.html?jm=1 ... More
...If you would like to see your own boatbuilding project featured in epoxycraft for free, then get in touch with us today. Want to know more about the full range... More
...always wanted a boat that I could sail with my wife and two sons,” says Tim Frary of TMF Boatbuilding in Horning. “Something that we could sail very easily and... 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... More
...damage repair assessment, listing all the repair and modification work I wanted to carry out. The most obvious starting point was to give everything a good clean up, which is... 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... More
...very successful international yacht painting and yacht supply company. In addition to our core business, we do a lot of training, seminars and talks about boatbuilding and repair around the... More
...water sooner.” The kit comprises pre-produced, lightweight sandwich panels with a balsa wood core, sheathed in 600g/m2 of fibreglass on each side. “To build the hull, we just need to... 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... More
...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 International Moth European Championships but... More
...sheathe a wooden boat that will finally become clear finished wood, they told me it’s very important to ensure conditions are perfect. Any amount of moisture in the fabric, atmosphere... More
...up to spec, with 12 fully functional boats. The fleet of boats were each surveyed for hull damage and assessed as to what could be economically repaired. This resulted in... More
...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 rudder I made and have... 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... More
...boatbuilding project featured in epoxycraft for free, then get in touch with us now. Want to know more about the full range of WEST SYSTEM epoxies, including G/flex? Visit the... More
...What Materials Are Needed to Repair a Roof Box? We recommend using the WEST SYSTEM® G/flex® Epoxy range, along with some fibreglass cloth. G/flex is perfect for roof boxes, as... More
...all too common. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how you can repair your car bumper yourself in these easy steps: Start by giving the back of your... More
...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 the 1970s, my parents Marga... 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... More
...wet out two layers of tape around the panel in position on the boat.* 9. Once all the glassing has cured, the whole repair area can be abraded with 80-grit... 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... More
...curing stages, you will have all of the information you need to know in order to begin your first repair using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. To read more click here. ... 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... 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 –... More
...I started out with a £4 model of an F1 Ferrari that I’d bought. I also had some previous knowledge of boat building, so I knew the first thing I... 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... 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... More
...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 read the full blog and... 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... More
...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 foiling,” says Simon. “Soon after... More
...these classic boats have been constructed with polyester resin. However, polyester could never allow these classes to realise their full potential. This is for two key reasons: 1. You can’t... More
...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 International Moth, the enthusiastic pair... 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... More
...sails. “We treat wood as an engineering product. With the right construction techniques, wood and epoxy can build very lightweight, stiff boats. In comparison to our own production methods, fibreglass... More
...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 of this method means that... 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... More
...quality images so you can keep track easily with every stage. So if you’re looking to repair the rudders or daggerboards on your boat, this is definitely a worthwhile read.... More
...and reliable way to repair barrier coating. Before starting the repair process, it’s important to prepare the surfaces you want to protect by carrying out fairing on these areas. We... More
...Improve Filleting? Hanneke also shared a clever trick for making filleting easier. “When you’re making fillets, leaning into the boat can distort the finish. The stem of a boat can... More
...of every boat would be the same,” explains Carl, John’s father. “But we know we can make our boat as lightweight with Western Red cedar and epoxy as we could... More
...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 conclusions. If you are also... 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,... 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... More
...categories, recognising excellence in: · boats which offer the most encouragement to beginners · boats which demonstrate innovation · boats which look the most professionally built. Putting amateurs to the... 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... More
...wax. Our thanks to David Johnson for his technical expertise. Got blisters in the gelcoat of your fibreglass boat? All is not lost – find out how to repair them.... More
...the boat travels fast.” A background in boats Given the materials he works with, it’s not surprising that Nicholas’s background is in boat construction. Following a summer placement at a... More
...Phil Swift at Willow Bay Boats, I liked the traditional look of a clinker plywood boat and was drawn by the practicalities of owning a ‘dry’ boat built from modern... 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... More
...method can remove a substantial amount of material very quickly. Preparing your sander Glue a 9″ × 11″ fibreglass piece onto the standard round foam backup pad on your to... More
...it be used to effectively repair leaky rivets and seams, the bonds that it creates are strong enough to endure shocks, knocks, expansion and contraction, meaning that your boat will... More
...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 and tools he used, so... More
...it easier to apply. This also allows it to penetrate deeper into porous surfaces like partially rotten wood and saturate faster into fibreglass fabric. For these reasons, many people are... More
...a prototype of the Whisper,” says Henry. “We knew we had something special on our hands.” White Formula was the ideal choice for manufacturing the boat. Directors Thom and Henry... 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... 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... 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... 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.... 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... More
...balsa wooden core. When Les assessed the repair work needed he found the whole forward fuselage nacelle was in desperate need of refurbishment. Les achieved this with a WEST SYSTEM... More
...boat build. We’ve put together this fantastic photo story which follows the building of a 1940s-style smuggler boat by a Finnish boat company. It’s the level of detail and the... More
...a boat which could be left uncovered at all times, to make sailing truly spontaneous. “Covering and uncovering a boat can add as much as an hour to the sailing... More
...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 stitch-and-glue boat construction, fibreglass... More
...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 SALFORD lifeboat the superstructure of... More
...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 explain why WEST SYSTEM products... 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... More
...and 300g woven WEST SYSTEM 787 Aramid Fabric® to provide extra protection below the waterline. The boat build so far has taken just over 1100 hours. It’s a big boat... 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... More
...off. Paul Allsop is the owner of Woodwork Creations Sweden, specialising in wooden boats and custom-made furniture. See more photos of Paul’s amazing boat build by visiting his Facebook page.... More
...boat,” says Ivan. “The mill is essentially built as a catamaran.” The mill is essentially built as a catamaran, with one large and one small hull, and is entirely constructed... More
...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 until the 19th century, boats... 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... 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... More
...Dave and Scott rebuild classic boats, both wooden and fibreglass, including a 1957 Chris Craft 21ft Continental – one of only six ever produced. They use WEST SYSTEM® epoxy and... More
...Your body creates oils to protect and waterproof your skin, much like marine epoxy does for your boat. It’s normal when working with epoxy to want to run your hand... More
...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 leaving them to their own... More
...supports its load through its external skin. CAD is used to design the parts and corresponding moulding tools are manufactured. Steve and the team then lay woven roving fibreglass matting... More
...boat. WEST SYSTEM epoxy isn’t just the best epoxy to use for holding your boat together; in my opinion, it’s also by far the most pleasant for you to work... More
...time-laboured process, thought necessary to get that glossy aesthetic. But there is a way to achieve the perfect varnish, in less than half the time. A typical wooden boat needs... More
...period. However, if you can indeed get the foam dry enough, you might consider a repair detailed in our Fibreglass Boat Repair and Maintenance manual (free to download). Chapter five... More
...404 High Density Filler and keeping the WEST SYSTEM® Fibreglass Boat Repair & Maintenance Manual by your side. Follow Mark’s ‘How to’ guidelines to repair the mast truss on your... More
...size as the Tangaroa but a lot more sophisticated.” Epoxy: transforming wooden boat-building Interestingly, the main reason why James and Hanneke design and build kit boats at all is the... More
...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 accomplished sailors. Meade is still... More
...base. We also sell the pumps to go with the packs and we carry their repair kits, fibreglass tapes and matting. It’s a good product and I don’t think we’ve... 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... 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®... More
...between. But the strongest way to repair today is with a colloidal silica repair mat and epoxy to bond.” That said, Mark and his team still nailed and roved the... More
...expert in wooden boat repair. But Mark Raynes has repaired 3,300 ft of it on his antique lifeboat the MANCHESTER AND SALFORD. There isn’t another wooden boat repair technique that... More
...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, however, doesn’t begin and end... 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... 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... More
...much easier it is to use and achieve better results. To see Robert’s complete fibreglass boat hatch repair and read more about his caulk vs epoxy challenge, visit his blog.... 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.... 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... 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... 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... More
...soon to epoxycraft, the latest in boatbuilding technical support, GRP repair videos. Watch out for our in-depth videos on how to prepare and conduct your very own fibreglass boat repair.... More
...researched your method and you’ve shrewdly applied your coating. But after curing, you notice a waxy film over your hard work. When conducting any basic boat building, repair or maintenance,... 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... 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... 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... More
...boats uniquely desirable and sought after and why the company uses WEST SYSTEM® epoxy on all its exquisite new builds, including the iconic Fairlie 55. Before embarking on a long... More
...further details about the Boat Building Academy and the 38 week ‘Boat Building, Maintenance and Support’ course please see www.boatbuildingacademy.com or contact Rebecca Brown at office@boatbuildingacademy.com or on 01297 445545.... More
...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 a little about yourself. I... More
...hands are covered but to wear long sleeves or disposable arm covers when working with epoxy. If your boatshed is the right temperature, you should be more than comfortable in... 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... 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... More
...Phormio, a 34’ Odyssey sailing boat, including detailed photos and descriptions throughout. Discover how this custom cold-moulded wooden boat construction is completed with the help of WEST SYSTEM® 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... More
...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 a grid of bulkheads and... 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... More
...avoiding any unwelcome financial surprises along the way! Tucana. Photo by Paul Dyer. For further details about the Boat Building Academy, visit www.boatbuildingacademy.com Discover the epoxy that made ‘Tucana’ possible.... More
...closely with local boatyards to help them adopt modern, epoxy boat-building techniques,” says Hans. “In 1998, a project came along that would change my business, and epoxy boatbuilding, forever.” The... More
...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 two photo reports from this... 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... 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... 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... More
...more practical, this blogger thought it would make a fun project. Find out how to build a nesting dinghy for your boat using the simple techniques shared on this blog.... More
...the teams competing, “We built the boat ourselves – with just a little help from our teacher,” said one of them. To build their solar powered boat, the team have... 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... More
...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 when the layers of fibreglass... More
...new techniques and methods for repairing and protecting their boats. However, to get the best results, accuracy in the early stages is crucial. This is why we feel it’s time... More
...process themselves would often be left with leaking decks or even damage to the boat core. The main problems with installing hardware occur when fasteners are not bedded correctly or,... More
...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 and repaired. But the more... More
...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 always been interested in boats... More
...building wooden and fibreglass boats. “I lived on the Hamble River as a boy and I was always messing about in boats. I often visited a local boatyard and asked... 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... 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... 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.... More
...this type of work three to four times a day when I was a lot younger and working in a boat yard but the art came back to me as... More
...tools to make a repair. I consider myself frugal when working with epoxy. Through experience, I have learned just how much mixed resin/hardener/filler I need to undertake the work I... More
...boats with damage that could have been prevented. Maintenance costs are enough on their own, without adding any extensive repair work on top. Repair work that could have been avoided... 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
...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 using a stitch and glue... More
...ability to change and customise boats without needing to build a new mould. Secondly, there’s the resilience it ensures – and the fact that a boat created using epoxy will... More
...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 can learn how to... 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... More
...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... More
...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 means that even... More
...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 of boating you’re into and... More
...of a perfect fillet. All wooden boat builders need to create strong, durable bonds between the inside of the hull and structural components such as bulkheads and stiffeners. Critically, these... 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®... More
...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 the impossible project possible. Collective... 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... More
...that repairing small areas of dry rot is possibly the most common wooden boat repair. When that happens, epoxy is the perfect solution. Not only does it restore the structural... More
...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 workshop will be run by... More
...have exceptional dimensional stability. Because of its excellent inter-laminar strength, epoxy is also particularly well suited to cored laminates in bigger boats. For the experienced boat builder metering and mixing... More
...Whether you’re sheathing a brand new glass composite boat or repairing a historic wooden hull, the process for sheathing remains the same. Clearly if you’re repairing an old vessel that’s... More
...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 WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. In his... More
...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’, is full of useful... 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... More
...he’s been fitting out steel boats in the Netherlands, teaching boatbuilding in the UK, building a canoe for his son or following his main passion and repairing traditional boats, the... More
...Lockhart describes how he and his friend Lukasz Stawski were inspired to set up a boat building business – redefining classic boat designs with modern building techniques. Firstly, tell us... More
...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 can even help to camouflage... 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... More
...Fibre Boat Repair Kit can help you create the most effective fixes to your fibreglass boat. And do contact us if you’ve got further questions about fibreglass boat repairs that... More
...more about the processes involved in part two of this blog: Ready to repair your fibreglass boat? Preparing to repair The next stage before beginning your repair involves measuring the... 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... 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... 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... More
...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 if you were to thin... 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... More
...on, the young boatbuilders who had worked on those boats got older, designs became more and more boring, and this competition stopped happening. Yard owners were just producing cruising boats... More
...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 joined the full-time ‘Boat Building,... More
...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 finish and attention to detail,... 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... 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... 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... 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... More
...655-K G/flex Epoxy Repair Kit, which contains everything you need for small plastic boat repairs – including resin, hardener, filler, mixing sticks, syringes and more. Image credit. With thanks to... More
...wasn’t an option. “It was better to build a completely new boat,” he says. “The cast iron ballast keel from that original boat is the only part that I used.”... More
...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. Where once it was necessary... More
...introduction to using WEST SYSTEM® epoxy. It’s a one day workshop for boat owners wanting to gain expert knowledge and hands-on experience of using WEST SYSTEM epoxy to construct, repair... 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... More
...roll out; it penetrates more deeply into porous surfaces such as partially rotten wood; and it saturates faster into materials like fibreglass fabric. But – and it’s a big ‘but’... 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... 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... 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... More
...to have total confidence in the boat that I’m using. Why choose epoxy? I use a boatbuilding company called Bernico, which is based in Belgium. They built a Formula 2... More
...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 totally compatible with... More
...which made the project a little less stressful. What do you hope to do with the boat in the future? How has your future been changed by the boat? Cat:... More
...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 in his recent article for... 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.... 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... More
...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 Sunfish rudders have a... More
...so the boat performs almost like a surfboard. The hull draft is also only 80cm, whereas a mono-hull boat of the same size would create a draft of around 2.5m.”... More
...getting in – it’ll protect your aluminium boat for years to come. So if your aluminium boat is in need of repair, find your nearest WEST SYSTEM Epoxy stockist today.... 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... 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... More
...from filling to filleting, on materials from fibreglass to plywood. But how do you know which consistency is right for you? And what do you need to bear in mind... More
...practical skills in boat-building and repair. How did the project come about? The project came about by the urge to build a boat, followed by the unmissable opportunity to do... More
...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 on a wooden motor boat,... 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... 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... 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... More
...by Joel White. Although the boat is only 16ft overall length, it has the feel and handling of a big boat in a small package. It’s also extremely stable having... More
...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? Our... More
...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! Is this product missing... More
...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 with marine epoxy. See... More
...to get a fibreglass ‘rectangle’, try an industrial supplier or make your own by laminating three layers of a double bias 450g/m2 biaxial fibreglass sandwiched between single layers of 200g/m2... 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... 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... 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... More
...for a career change and decided to join the 38-week Boat Building Course at the Boat Building Academy in Lyme Regis. What Led to the Boat Building Project? The boat... More
...new chapter of his career! Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/lochaber-coastal-rowing-club-and-the-st-ayles-skiff-project/ https://epoxycraft.com/projects/women-in-boat-building-wibb/ https://epoxycraft.com/news/how-did-fergal-butlers-boat-survive-8-years-underwater/ https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/boat-building-top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/from-passion-to-career-the-haven-12-5-project/ Working on a project? Share it with us! Click here…... More
...Solution60, conceived by Ray Davis and world-leading yacht designer Bill Dixon.” How are Modern Techniques Changing Boat Building? Boat building has come a long way with modern composite production techniques.... More
...be undertaking such a task. Plan diligently but adapt as necessary. Gather a good team around you. Keith is now established as the independent boat builder, ‘Daydream boats’. He’s currently... More
...repair kit. G/flex works well for small repairs like this on other metals, plastics, glass, masonry and fibreglass as well as wet and difficult-to-bond woods. Got a question about basic... More
...gelcoat, you won’t know the difference. Fibreglass boat repair has never been easier! Sound like a solution to your fibreglass problems? Find your nearest stockist on our Wessex Resins website.... 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... More
...challenge. Classic Boat have featured this six-year project where Roy had to contend with large splits in the inner and outer structure of the stem, bilges full of tar and... 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... 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... 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... More
...on the water and enjoy the results of their hard work! Have you subscribed to our FREE monthly newsletter? Sign up here! Read other epoxy stories… https://epoxycraft.com/westsystem/building-lockdown-a-nautical-step-by-step-project-working-with-swallow-yachts/ https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/traditional-wooden-boat-construction/ https://epoxycraft.com/projects/boat-building/restoring-a-sailboat/ https://epoxycraft.com/top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/boat-building-top-tips-best-ways-to-use-epoxy/bridging-generations-with-boats-the-journey-of-polly-robinson/... More