News

This blog post is the commonly asked questions and assumptions that we have discussed in store over many years. This blog post is a good footing for a first time builder or paddler that is uncertain of certain information, and this post reflects on how our store BoatCraft has the goal of guiding and representing reliable facts on building, mold making, using fiberglass, using epoxy or gel coat, using Youtube tutorials and quality of materials. BoatCraft always carries the highest level of honesty, reliable materials and products, and genuine interest in the success, respecting budget and quality of a product or repair. 

This is a step by step guide on applying gel coat. This gives advice and chemical names for the gel coat application. This guide lists how to hand apply and spray apply gel coats. There is also warnings and important information on how to prepare the surfaces, personal protective equipment, potential pitfalls and proper guidelines for chemical mixtures. 

This blog post is an update and celebration of Neil completing his Solace 16 EX kayak kit, as well as his publication of the build in Wood Boat Magazine (issue 301). Neil discusses his experience and his questions in his Fast Learning Blog, and records conversations with the Timber Boatworks shop about his build. Neil has completed the kayak kit, and has chosen to begin building a second kit, the Anuri 16. Our blog post today is a complimentary post to discussions and ideas from Neil's Fast Learning Blog, his experiences and challenges of the first time builder, and provide more information for all first time builders. 

This is the summary of a discussion with a composite car expert builder who tested 3K carbon fibre twill and carbon fibre over core materials to find the best material for his carbon fibre car production. This expert was kind enough to share his expertise and data from the tests, as well as technical information on how to make ideal parts. This methodology and data will provide all builders with insight on choosing the best core material and lay up for composite parts. We are able to use this knowledge for all composite constructions, including fiberglassing with epoxy and the risk and benefits of layer counts.

This post is need to know information and a cost analysis between using epoxy resin and polyester fiberglass resin. The cost per square foot with saturating fiberglass cloth with polyester resin and chopped strand mat is $7.50, and is $3.91 with epoxy and woven fiberglass cloth. The common assumption is using polyester resin and chopped strand mat is the cheapest way to do a fiberglass repair or project, but as the blog post explains and lays out that it is twice as expensive as using epoxy and woven fiberglass e-glass. This post is hoping to advise builders to save money and use the proper materials and fiberglass for long lifespan structural repairs using epoxy.

Understanding and choosing the correct build material for marine build and repair is crucial to the lifespan and durability of a repair. Choosing a correct plywood for marine, outdoor and weather changing applications will directly affect the lifespan, durability and risk of failure. Home grade plywoods are not tested in the outdoor, wet, cold environments and cannot always be reinforced with fiberglass to tolerate this application. This Blog has credible sources cited for the standards and grades of plywood, how to correctly laminate a fiberglass boat transom and pricing for the different grades of plywood and fiberglass.

This blog post discusses the proper aniline dye and stain for under epoxy and fiberglass to eliminate the chance of delamination of the plywood and fiberglass. Deck stains should not be used under fiberglass so we offer guidance and information when adding a stain under fiberglass. This post explains the difference between home grade deck stains and oils versus fiberglass compatible products.

This blog has directions and suggestions for polyurethane, zspar and enamel. The recommendations follow the information provided on the technical data sheets of each manufacturer. This is a guide for those who are applying marine paint instead of gel coat.

This blog post offers guidance and information when using tooling gel coat over a plug to create a polyester mold. This also has information about avoiding common issues when building a mold, including applying gel coat and one part and two part molds. This post also discusses veneering over a surface versus building a female mold that is gel coated and composited are applied into the mold. This also discusses proper mold release agents like Partall Wax and PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) to have parts released from the mold surface without damaging the mold.

This blog post is a history and process of fixing a Y-stern fiberglass canoe from its damaged state. This canoe was extensively repaired, including adding foam ribs for reinforcement, fiberglassing the exterior and interior, fairing and filling the surface, strong backing and straightening the hull, and priming the hull exterior and interior. This post serves as a guide, in coordination with the Timber BoatWorks Youtube videos on this repair under the title "Y-stern Fiberglass Canoe Repair."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQDlvxlNgWw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-dPvlAFw9s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-dPvlAFw9s