JEM Watercraft

CAN LIQUID NAILS BE USED IN LIEU OF EPOXY GLUE FOR BUTT JOINTS ON WOODEN KAYAKS AT LONGER PANELS LIKE THE SIDES? i PLAN TO INSTALL COMPLETE FIBERGLASS TO EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF THE BOAT.

THANKS-
PAT

you can but the bond is not as strong and if you're buying epoxy already why also purchase another adhesive?

Thanks for the quick reply. I have a ton of liquid nails from other projects and I believe it is tough as nails. I also have a beter working knowledge of it than of the resin mixture. I see your point...ig I am planning on glassing the entire boat what is a few extra joints.

Thanks-
Pat

Builders in the past have tried all sorts of stuff but they always come back to the epoxy as the glue for there boats. No fun having a seam come loose when paddling the boat. Liquid nails is meant for construction use , not sure about the use of it for making boats. Guess it would work with the boat totally encapsulated in glass. My question would be , How does it react with epoxy??????

As far as the butt joints and playing it safe , it is epoxy and covering the seam with 3 to 4 inches of glass on both sides to reinforce it , ( a 3 to 8 inch piece of glass over it) . The last thing I want to fail are the joints that hold the boat together.... That would not make for a happy paddler. Then they are again covered with glass when I glass the boat inside and outside. Might call it wearing suspenders and a belt at the same time , double protection.
So far not one of the boats I have made have failed me and one went down a white water river for a 5 day trip .... 1/8th inch wood totally glassed and with epoxy as the glue to hold it together.

As a Sgt of mine use to say , " What ever floats your boat " , for me it is epoxy. You are making your boat and like I say , It will be made your way since it is yours , not mine.

Chuck.