Hi:

I am currently in the process of building a cedar strip kayak and I am a first time builder. In my research of different epoxies, I have seen a wide range of epoxy to hardner mix ratios and would like to know what the pros and cons of using a product such as West which I believe is a 5:1 ratio epoxy as opposed to a 2:1 epoxy like RAKA. There are also other individual distributors that sell various epoxy ratios from 1:1 all the way up to 5:1.

This is what I assume to be true about epoxy based upon internet research:

1) The 2:1 ratio epoxy may be watered down (solvents added) to increase penetration.
2) The 2:1 epoxy tends to have less blush problems.
3) The 5:1 epoxy has more strength, but may be more brittle.
4) The Cost of 2:1 epoxy is somewhat cheaper because of the hardner additives.

I was recommended by an epoxy distributor in Florida to use the 2:1 epoxy ratio because the higher ratio epoxies are too brittle. This company has a range of epoxy mix ratios starting from 1:1 all the way up to 5:1.

If I could get some help with the following questions, I would greatly appreciate it. I might note that I would probably put up with some amine blush if it meant a more structurally sound kayak.

1) Are my assumptions listed above correct? If not, what is not accurate and why?
2) Does the higher strength (5:1) epoxy (if true) translate into a more rigid finished boat?
3) Is brittleness a problem, specifically with the 5:1 epoxy?
4) Has anyone used epoxy from Fiberglass Coatings Inc? If so, let me know what epoxy ratio you used and what type of success or failure you had with their product.
5) Overall, in general, which epoxy ratio is easier to apply?
6) Any other insight?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!

Thanks,

Rich