I have used a ridiculous number of different brands of epoxy over the years for many reasons, but often cost. System 3 has been great as have many others. My one piece of advice for any builder is to use a digital scale to measure out your epoxy and hardner (use grams). This is the most precise way to measure and eliminate the need for calibrated pumps or containers. This has made my life so much easier weather I'm building sailboats, paddlecrat, or surfboards. The added benefit is the ability to reuse food containers one last time before the end up in the trash
System 3 was my go to epoxy. primarily Silvertip, for a good many years. Their tech support was always first class. Which reminds me. Back when I was building the Bionic Log https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v98Denck6uQ I needed to cast a few inserts in an XPS foam deck core which is problematical since the exotherm would usually melt the foam. The furniture finish kayak was finished with a System 3 epoxy that was crystal clear and quite a bit thinner than regular Silvertip. So I mixed up a small batch of the crystal clear stuff with only half of the required hardener and let it cure which resulted in a fairly thick but usable liquid which I then added the remainder of the hardener and requisite fillers and cast the inserts in the deck without any exotherm problems.
I was pleased with the solution but when I told System 3 what I'd done they were horrified and said "please don't do that again, it's not a recommended procedure".
I used system 3 on my Santa Cruz 27 30 years ago and it is in good shape today. There were blisters and I removed the gelcoat, coated with system 3, mixed system 3 with thickening substance and fared the hull. then several coats of system 3, then bottom paint. No blisters after that.
Long time Silvertip user. I like the 2:1 mixing ratio. I mix by weight with a digital scale. They have a nifty table you can down load which gives the correct weight ratios (actually 1:43 by weight) from 1 to 100 grams. Using this method I have never had a batch fail to set up perfectly!
Another great product of theirs is the EZ Fillet for stitch and glue construction!
I just finished attaching forms to a strongback for a new canoe and I could really use that epoxy. I already have the fiberglass, some beautiful old growth fir, and some walnut just need the epoxy.
I used System Three on my first boat build in 1992. It would have been so much nicer without the amine blush. 18' White Guide from Gilpatrick's Canoe book. Still looked good when I sold it 16 years later
Have some epoxy needs of my own. Retired today, have some time
I have used a ridiculous number of different brands of epoxy over the years for many reasons, but often cost. System 3 has been great as have many others. My one piece of advice for any builder is to use a digital scale to measure out your epoxy and hardner (use grams). This is the most precise way to measure and eliminate the need for calibrated pumps or containers. This has made my life so much easier weather I'm building sailboats, paddlecrat, or surfboards. The added benefit is the ability to reuse food containers one last time before the end up in the trash
System 3 was my go to epoxy. primarily Silvertip, for a good many years. Their tech support was always first class. Which reminds me. Back when I was building the Bionic Log https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v98Denck6uQ I needed to cast a few inserts in an XPS foam deck core which is problematical since the exotherm would usually melt the foam. The furniture finish kayak was finished with a System 3 epoxy that was crystal clear and quite a bit thinner than regular Silvertip. So I mixed up a small batch of the crystal clear stuff with only half of the required hardener and let it cure which resulted in a fairly thick but usable liquid which I then added the remainder of the hardener and requisite fillers and cast the inserts in the deck without any exotherm problems.
I was pleased with the solution but when I told System 3 what I'd done they were horrified and said "please don't do that again, it's not a recommended procedure".
Both my Wayfarer and my Chesapeake Light Craft Teardrop Trailer are waiting for epoxy work: sign me up!
+1 for the Wayfarer/Teardrop combo!
I agree with the article’s analysis; silver tip is excellent and easy to work with.
Have never used epoxy on any boat I've built. Is it time to start? You decide, Josh!
Just saw it's closed.
That is EXACTLY the amount I need to finish a SCAMP project!
I’m a die hard System Three user, please add my name to the list!
I have used West System. Never tried System Three although I would like to.
I used system 3 on my Santa Cruz 27 30 years ago and it is in good shape today. There were blisters and I removed the gelcoat, coated with system 3, mixed system 3 with thickening substance and fared the hull. then several coats of system 3, then bottom paint. No blisters after that.
Long time Silvertip user. I like the 2:1 mixing ratio. I mix by weight with a digital scale. They have a nifty table you can down load which gives the correct weight ratios (actually 1:43 by weight) from 1 to 100 grams. Using this method I have never had a batch fail to set up perfectly!
Another great product of theirs is the EZ Fillet for stitch and glue construction!
I've my used West System, Aeropoxy, and probably s couple other brands.
I would really like to give System Three a try on my current W17 Trimaran project.
Please put me in the drawing. I've got my fingers crossed.
Rann
Monroe, OR
I'm almost out of resin so this would be great!
Excellent product. I'm in. thanks
I just finished attaching forms to a strongback for a new canoe and I could really use that epoxy. I already have the fiberglass, some beautiful old growth fir, and some walnut just need the epoxy.
I used System Three on my first boat build in 1992. It would have been so much nicer without the amine blush. 18' White Guide from Gilpatrick's Canoe book. Still looked good when I sold it 16 years later