A Photo & Discussion Forum for Wharram Design Enthusiasts

Epoxy resins and hardeners for building in Florida

Hi everybody,

I have just received my Hitia 17 building plans (#456) and I'm really excited to start building, but this is my first build, as total newbie in this world I first need to do a lot of research.

The plans recommends using West System but after reading a lot of really good reviews I'm thinking on using Raka resins.

Does anybody else here uses it?

Do you recommend the slow Raka 350 Non-Blushing Hardener?

Any other recommendation is also welcomed. Thanks for your comments.

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Permalink Reply by Brandon Gamble on July 4, 2023 at 10:47am

My entire boat was constructed in Raka (2002) and has held up well. I used Raka on many repairs on my (Previous) Tiki 21 and on my current Tangaroa MKIV+ and I really enjoyed working with it. I have switched to West systems for repairs simply because of off the shelf availability.

Slow is definitely the way to go. Non-Blush only matters in Surface applications and it still lightly blushes so the prep to paint is the same.

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Permalink Reply by Manjuari on July 4, 2023 at 11:58am

Thanks for your reply Brandon. I'm definitely using Raka for the build, I have decided to use the Non-Blushing hardener because I was told it is a little bit slower, as this is my first experience with epoxy I want to go the easiest way first and in the next batch I might ask for the regular hardener if I feel confident or want to try how does it compares.

Any recommendation on solvent for cleaning?

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Permalink Reply by Ian R on July 4, 2023 at 3:16pm

I use white vinegar or ammonia for cleaning. I haven't used acetone for over 15 years and will never use it again. It is a vector through the skin for other chemicals eg those in epoxy.

My boat is now on the Wharram website Tiki 31 heading up the photos, and next to Phil Le Maitre's Tiki Sunrise 2 on which I used to sail.

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Permalink Reply by Manjuari on July 4, 2023 at 8:58pm

Thanks, I have got half a gallon of white vinegar, will do some epoxy tests tomorrow and will test the vinegar for cleaning too.

Ian R said:

I use white vinegar or ammonia for cleaning. I haven't used acetone for over 15 years and will never use it again. It is a vector through the skin for other chemicals eg those in epoxy.

My boat is now on the Wharram website Tiki 31 heading up the photos, and next to Phil Le Maitre's Tiki Sunrise 2 on which I used to sail.