The Bear Mountain Boat Shop

Brian, Thanks for the information and link. I’ll read through your experiences thoroughly. I’m using fiberglass and epoxy from US Composites. It’s their 635 thin epoxy system with medium hardener. I asked how it compares to West Systems, and they said it’s thinner. I assume wet out won’t be any trou...

Okay, here’s my scenario: I am planning to fiberglass the outside of the canoe this weekend. Daytime temperatures are around 72, overnight temperatures down to 55. I have an unheated but partially insulated garage that seems to stay above 63-ish. This epoxy has a set time of 3-4 hours, and a dry tim...

Jim, thanks so much for your reply! I’m sure the BWCA is absolutely stunning right now. It’s on my bucket list to take a trip there one day! I appreciate the guidance as well. I did use some wood flour from sanding as a mix in, so it will probably show up a little without some additional sanding. I’...

I agree that it’s not the most precise thing in the world. If all of the molds fit on the strongback, it will work. However, I built mine to the length of my 15’ canoe, and I found myself wishing it was a few inches shorter on each end so the stems could overhang. It was a little tricky getting the ...

Hi All, I'm working on my first canoe, a 15' Bob's Special. I have been working at a torrid pace - once I started, it became an obsession. I'm sure all of you can relate! My question is about the cured epoxy that was used to glue on the stems and fill small cracks. I have sanded the entire boat now,...