SwampGirl In progress - FINISHED AND WET

[Mullet_Key]

AP, epoxy and paint are two different animals, two separate chemistries. System 3 does make two-part epoxy primers and paint. A bit over the top for a canoe. After you've got your final epoxy coat on and cured. Sand, fair, sand,... and once fully cured (about 2 weeks) you can paint with an outdoor latex or oil based enamel. Marine Grade is OK, but pricey. I did a kayak with a high quality latex enamal and it's holding up very well. Post some photos! MK

[jem]

Sorry I didn't see this post.

Like Mullet said, I wouldn't mix in epoxy with paint.

[AustinPynes]

Thanks for the input.

Decided against the paint route. Even with my newbie errors I think I would rather have her bright.

Am in the middle of applying graphite to the bottom. no problems after three thin coats. Will probably need a couple more as I have applied it very thin.

Hope to apply last graphite coat later tonight/tomorrow and then let it stabilize a day before flipping it over to finish inside.

Most of my inside/gunwales sanding is done, just need to apply a couple more thin epoxy coats on inside where sanding got a little deep and then give her a week before sanding/varnishing.

I wonder if I can shorten the wait before varnish since we our enjoying 100 degree days here in Austin?

Will include pics tomorrow when I can take some of the bottom and top.

This is the exciting part!...except for the continuous sanding. Like I said in a previous post. Sanding reminds me of editing. You just have to decide when good enough is good enough or you will never stop.

I just keep telling myself...."it is your first boat so don't sweat it."

After reading the posts on here I definitely will be starting my next one soon. Heck I have learned so much with this one I have to put that knowledge to use......I can see it already, better fillets using tips here, smoother surfaces using a squeegee more, less epoxy wasted, and less sanding mistakes. Man, I think I have to build another one or I would be wasting the education I just received by building this one....that is my excuse anyway.

Would like the next one to be used for rougher water...maybe the flats down here in Texas or other salt water fishing. So I have decisions to make already.

[hairymick]

Heya Austin,

I like your thought processes mate - and your excuses for your next boat even more , - Mind if I borrow them?

You are going to love your swampgirl.

Re the next boat, Have a look at South wind 15 X 30 or a decked version of the TV. Both would be up to the task and probably would suit your needs.

[AustinPynes]

Mick, Borrow away. After all I have borrowed tons from your piccies and builds on here.

Southwind, Covered TV or what about a Freedom? The Freedom looks like she could even take a custom skirt if needed.

Something to handle bigger waves on the lakes here from power boats and the occasional visit to the coast where it will mainly be flats but might wind up pushing through some rougher waters exploring the Gulf of Mexico's Texas coast line.

I can't believe I have not even had my Swamp Girl in the water and I am already thinking about the next. I think besides fly fishing, boat building is my new crack.

[tx river rat]

austin
We are about a 100 miles apart. If you ever want to try some of those boats holler at me and we will go paddle a few of them
Freedom
Hot air perow Simular to the touring t
Laker 13
Laker 15 5 a
T-V
Maybe we gan get Steve and James to show up and make a day of it.
Ron

[AustinPynes]

Sounds like fun..
here are some pics.

[AustinPynes]

[Kayak Jack]

Pretty, Austin. I'll bet you're proud of that boat.

[Jimmy W]

That sure is a pretty boat.