Devlin broadbill epoxy question

M

Mikal Ihry

New member
I am planning to build a broadbill later this winter and I have a few questions.

First, how much epoxy resin will I need to need for construction? I asume that 2 gallons should be enough.

Second, I plan on ordering epoxy from UScomposites.com. Will the thin 635 resin work or is there something else I need to look at.
 
I am thinking you will need more than 2 gallons. I am not sure about the Broadbill, but I have used about 8 gallons on my Cackler.

I ordered my epoxy from US Composits also. The 635 epoxy will work but there are things to consider. I used the slow hardner because I did not want to fiddle around with blush. the 635 epoxy needs warm weather to cure. I personally have a heated work shop and I crank the heat up to about 80 when I am done in there. The epoxy takes about 10 to 14 hours to get really hard. There are faster hardners out there. I am not in a hurry, so I did not care about the time factor.

There were some things I wish would harden up "right now" so I could get to the next step, or so that the epoxy would not run as it was setting. Than can be frustrating at times.

As a rule, I have found that when I glass some part of the boat, the first coat is a heavy one. The cloth soaks up the epoxy. Then I have to put two additional coats on to make the surface smooth. Those coats are not as heavy. All in all, you will use a lot of epoxy if you are like me.

One trick I use is to mix my epoxy in small batches. I use disposable plastic drinking cups. The kind you would buy for a party or the like. I also buy disposable brushes by the case. I use the cup and brush, then I throw it away. That way I never have to clean the brush and it is always nice and soft. For spreading the epoxy around, I use a squeegie as much as possible. for some things it is better than a brush, I think. Get lots of latex gloves. I change mine a lot as I am working through a batch.
 
Do you have the plans and the material list? If so, order what the material list calls for. That's what I did when I built mine. I've since sold the boat and gave the plans to the new owner so I can't check for you. But I went with Sam's recommendation and had some left over.

Good luck with your build and post pictures along the way. You'll find this site invaluable during your build.
 
I'm just finishing up a devlin mallard. Took me bout 5 gal., probably 4.5 gal on boat(I wasted some due to cookoff, overestamating amounts for that part etc.) I used Raka 6gal. kit(4gal resin 1 gal ea of fast & slow hardners) Raka ya can mix fast & slow hardners for cure times at temp. at time of use. Dave has good tips on cups& disposable brushes. Don't try to use fast hardner above 85deg. Ya get 1 min. mix time & 1 min. use time then it starts to smoke& gets too hot ta hold in your hand melting the plastic cup!
 
Mikal,

My Broadbill was my first build, and I started with 4 Gallons epoxy per the Sam's bill of material list, and ended up buying a 5th (most new builders use more epoxy than they need).


I think you will love the boat. Good luck with your build, and post lots of pics!

-Bill
 
I just finished a Black Brant III.....Buy a gallon extra, at least. Being a first time builder you will waste some....for sure. Waiting for more epoxy to show up in the mail so you can continue is a major PIA
 
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