Fiberglass supplies

[DS Hunter]

Hello fellas, I've been reading your board for a long time and finally decieded to join in on some on the conversation. I don't know if anyone would know anything about this but I am wondering if someone knows where to get fiberglass boat supplies to make pirogues (molds, epoxys, and what have you). Feel free to toss in your 2 cents.

[Delta Duck]

I got enough fiberglass kit from the Auto parts store to fix 1000 gallon tank!

[go24]

I'd check w/ some of those bathtub repair guys, they may have some input.

[oldriverhunter]

You should be able to find enough resin at a wal-mart or at lowes. I worked on boats and we got our kits from a place in Arkansas called Benrock and another called Southern marine. You can even get the fiberglass and resin from you local parts or body supplies place. Napa stores offer alot of marine parts under the sierra line. Which is what alot of boat dealers use instead of factory replacements. Man i hope this helps but get some prices from all before you buy. The molds are going to be a different story. Most manufactures make their own molds and when the molds get old they will destroy them to keep people from using them. You will more than likely make them on you own, unless you know some one in the industry. Post some pictures of your progress.

[DS Hunter]

I certainly will keep you up dated on my progress, thanks for the input.

[brake man]

DS Hunter,

I am in the process of designing a duck boat and have been doing some serious research on the various resins, epoxies, and materials. The one theme that resonates throughout the material that I have read (and there has been a lot so far) is that you need to stick with epoxies, resins, etc. that are specifically mixed for marine use. I would contact Gougeon Brothers, Inc. at (989) 684-1287 about WEST SYSTEM epoxies--a yacht builder (65'+ length boats) recommended them to me and told me they are top of the line. I got on their website @ westsystem.com and requested all kinds of free information through which I am still reading. Baltek is another company that manufactures various laminates that you may find useful. I understand both companies will provide technical help with questions.

Hope this helps,
brake man

brake man

[DS Hunter]

Brake Man,
Sounds like you are doing the same thing I am doing but you are a little farther along than I am, thank you for the info I am calling them in the morning to see if I can get that info packet as well, let me know how your progress is coming.

[jdphish]

Try http://www.boatbuilding.com it has many links for construction materials. Also, try http://www.raka.com and http://www.fgci.com both supply quality fiberglass and epoxy materials. I have ordered from fgci and they have good service, both are less expensive than West Systems. I have made a few small boats. PM if you don't want to bore everyone with this stuff.