FIRST EPOXY TEST

The epoxy mix very well and does not have VOC - it spreads also better than expected. Here are some of the pictures with the first coat - a total of 6 oz were used - a second coat was applied an hour later (3oz) w/o any issues

Building the Closet

On BHD3 there is the option to build a small closet. So after drawing the biggest hole I can and still meet the designer's constraints, I just took an old door handle circular saw and cut the corners (well most of them). The problem with cutting them thru is that you will damage the outer side of the plywood - unless you are extra careful and are a natural at this. (not me)

Lightening a bulkhead - making a big hole

An option of the plans is to lighten BHD#3 at the bottom. I chose a 8" radius and used the old trusty ROTOZIP that I have for 10 years - it is an unforgiving tool requiring an artist touch which I do not have but is good enough for an are that will never see the light of day

The cheapest eopxy that works

Part of building this boat was to lower the cost and still have a durable product. In the past I have used MAS, WEST, EAST and RAKA eopxy - they all work fine.

After reading in one of the boat building blogs about AeroMarine Products Epoxy, and after seeing that a 3 gallon batch would cost me $140 plus shipping and handling - well it was a no brainer. The mix is two/one to resin and the pumps are easy to use yielding 1 oz per stroke so a total of 3 oz per batch which is great for small stuff

At home depot I purchased a 3" roller handle and a short hair (almost no hair) 7" roller - you cut it and is good for two separate schedules

To smooth the epoxy after is rolled, and for small spots, the foam brush works well

To prime the pumps and to avoid any rundown of resin or hardener, I use two separate container of margarine - once I get enough in them, just pour them back to the original container as long as they are clean