ThaRealBigBen
Cadet
- Joined
- Apr 21, 2016
- Messages
- 8
I'm trying to figure out how much is overkill for using epoxy resin on subfloor and front deck replacement for a 1989 Bass Tracker Pro 17. I found a place in Florida that sells epoxy resin for much cheaper than some other places, so I've been talking to one of their "tech" guys asking all of my rookie questions about how to apply, etc. From talking to him, I seem to have discovered there is more to this job than I originally thought and that I now need even more epoxy/materials than I originally expected. Here's some of the facts and let me know if this all seems right:
- I basically need to cover a little less than 1 & 1/2 sheets of 4' x 8' plywood (1/2" thick exterior grade) once this is all said and done
- I want to get coverage on both sides of the plywood to be extra sure, but I understand I can get away with just a single coat on the bottom, so I'll do that
- As for the top of the plywood, I've now also been told by the tech guy that it would be highly recommended to add 1 1/2 oz chopped mat when applying the epoxy to the top and to do two layers. The purpose is to add rigidity especially for the 1/2" thick plywood which will reduce "flex from the 200 to 250-lb men these days" that will be stepping on the flooring/deck and which should also prevent chipping away of the epoxy, etc.
The chopped mat usage significantly adds to the epoxy usage I was expecting (due to need for "wetting" the mat), so I've now gone from about 1 gallon epoxy (original expectation) to 3 gallons by his estimates, which costs $184 for just the epoxy and hardener. Basically, I previously had no idea about using the chopped mat and that has now "upped the ante". Once I add in all the other materials needed for mixing/applying, the chopped mat, and shipping, the price ends up at nearly $300 which is more than I was anticipating.
Questions:
Do I really need the chopped mat?
I think the boat previously had 1/2" plywood, so I was trying not to stray from that or add much further weight, but maybe I was wrong? I think using the epoxy/chopped mat is going to add the extra weight anyway, right?
Maybe I can go with thicker plywood which might reduce the amount of added structure (epoxy/chopped mat) needed?
- I basically need to cover a little less than 1 & 1/2 sheets of 4' x 8' plywood (1/2" thick exterior grade) once this is all said and done
- I want to get coverage on both sides of the plywood to be extra sure, but I understand I can get away with just a single coat on the bottom, so I'll do that
- As for the top of the plywood, I've now also been told by the tech guy that it would be highly recommended to add 1 1/2 oz chopped mat when applying the epoxy to the top and to do two layers. The purpose is to add rigidity especially for the 1/2" thick plywood which will reduce "flex from the 200 to 250-lb men these days" that will be stepping on the flooring/deck and which should also prevent chipping away of the epoxy, etc.
The chopped mat usage significantly adds to the epoxy usage I was expecting (due to need for "wetting" the mat), so I've now gone from about 1 gallon epoxy (original expectation) to 3 gallons by his estimates, which costs $184 for just the epoxy and hardener. Basically, I previously had no idea about using the chopped mat and that has now "upped the ante". Once I add in all the other materials needed for mixing/applying, the chopped mat, and shipping, the price ends up at nearly $300 which is more than I was anticipating.
Questions:
Do I really need the chopped mat?
I think the boat previously had 1/2" plywood, so I was trying not to stray from that or add much further weight, but maybe I was wrong? I think using the epoxy/chopped mat is going to add the extra weight anyway, right?
Maybe I can go with thicker plywood which might reduce the amount of added structure (epoxy/chopped mat) needed?
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