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Heat is usually the best way to thin epoxy and that would be an easy application for it.
Alan
I can do that. Thanks!
Heat is usually the best way to thin epoxy and that would be an easy application for it.
Alan
I could be wrong but I believe the earlier models had an extra layer of cloth, before they started using the foam core to save some weight. Not sure which is more durable...This is why I'm confused. This boat has no foam core ribs. And there are light scratches, but they don't look like gelcoat scratches in my other canoes (as in white lines) - more like the scratches in my glass skin canoes. Does clear gelcoat scratch differently than colored?
I used a toothpick to apply the g-flex in the space between the straw and the hole, just letting run off the tip. A little tape under the gunnel held the straw in place and kept the g-flex from running out the bottom.No blushing that I've noticed. The plugs are intact. I like your idea with the straws and finishing washers. Is it possible or advisable to thin G-flex so it will flow into that little space better?
In the past I have placed a piece of drinking straw to maintain the hole locations and poured G-flex around the straw and fill the holes to the top of the gunnel, then using cupped finishing washers to re-install the seat bolts. The washers cover the repair and prevent reoccurrence.
So BTW, I weighed the canoe again on a calibrated scale, and it came in just under 30 lbs. I noticed that the 2004 Bell catalog mentions a "Lightning Tech" skin that gives a 13% weight reduction over gelcoat. Is it possible that my 2003 boat got that treatment shortly prior to the next year's catalog? That would explain it.
It looks like Whitegold and Blackgold were the only two layup options for the Wildfire in 2004. I'm guessing the "Lightning Tech" was just a skin coat but I've never heard of it.
I'm pretty sure Whitegold used a foam core and I'm sure KevCrystal did. By process of elimination I'd be pretty sure you have the Black Gold. The low weight is the only puzzle.
Alan, are you confusing Steve's Wildfire with Halpc's? Hal's is likely a black-gold under the almond gel coat.
As I understood Steve, his boat has a foam core but no foam ribs. Also, his can't be black-gold because with a vinylester skin coat, which is what 'Lightning Tech' is described as in the 2004 catalog, his canoe would be all black on the outside from the exposed carbon layer, just as the black-golds with clear gel coat are all black. The weight coincides with a KevCrystal with skin coat. I'd guess it was a customized boat for a customer who wanted an ultimate lightweight Wildfire. And . . . I'M JEALOUS!
Alan, are you confusing Steve's Wildfire with Halpc's?
It's really cool being able to pick it up without any gymnastics.![]()
Glenn, I think you were one who put that thought into my head years ago. And that's why I've been trying to reduce my weight in boats before it becomes necessary. Thanks for that.And that factor will become even more welcome as the years continue to roll on.