Fill coat inside hull?

[dogbrain]

In my Canoecraft Book, Ted Moores does one fill coat to the inside. I think some of you don't bother with a fill coat, but can't find any specific reference to that. Any thoughts or suggestions? I'm still within the window of doing a fill coat without having to sand and wondering what peoples thoughts are on this topic. I did do a seal coat before laying the glass. Thanks, Mark

 

[Jim Dodd]

Every builder has the choice !
I've always added an extra fill coat. I like a smooth inside finish. Easier to clean, and it reflects UV rays better. That is my preference.

Nothing wrong with just the one coat, especially since you applied a seal coat !

Jim

 

[memaquay]

I haven't used a fill coat for the last 20 builds. I usually either paint the inside or lay down three coats of varnish.

 

[Alan Gage]

No interior fill coats for me. I always mean to do 3 coats of varnish inside but usually loose patience and quit after 2.

Alan

 

[stripperguy]

Never, never, never!!! Any additional resin on the inside doesn't make the hull appreciably stronger, but does make the boat heavier and the inside more slippery.
So, in interest of solid footing and lower weight...never, never, never!

 

[Jim Dodd]

Never, never, never!!! Any additional resin on the inside doesn't make the hull appreciably stronger, but does make the boat heavier and the inside more slippery.
So, in interest of solid footing and lower weight...never, never, never!

Three to one, I lose. I have to agree with the others, I just always end up making it smooth. Sorry it's just me. I like it smooth.

Jim

 

[dogbrain]

I'll go with the majority Jim, thanks everybody.

 

[Mihun09]

One fill coat on the inside.

 

[Jim Dodd]

OK I feel ganged up on, and feel compelled to defend myself ! HA !

Years ago while using System Three's excellent Clear Coat epoxy. The specs on it stated, and I'm sure still do, that it didn't have the same Water Proofing ability of their Standard epoxy.

I'm guessing it was partly due to the thin nature of it. So extra coats were in order.

Now a smooth finish on the inside may add a little extra weight, to me the durability is worth it. If I did NOT fill the weave, I would be wearing into the weave of the cloth with my feet. A smooth surface is easier cleaned, reflects more of the UV rays, and if I ever need to sand, I won't be starting right into the weave, as I would with just one coat of resin.

In escence, I'm adding weight, to gain durability.

There ! I rest my case.

Jim

 

[stripperguy]

A rebuttal:
My son just used my old 18 ft tandem this past weekend.
That boat has had hard use and minimal maintenance in general, no maintenance ever on the interior.
After countless numbers of sand and mud covered feet have scuffed the inside for over 20 years, I see no discernible wear.
BTW, that 18 ft tandem weighs 41 lbs, in part thanks to the lack of excess interior resin!

Here is that boat in use, but you can't see the inside very well, you'll just have to trust me about the lack of wear!

 

[Jim Dodd]

18' and 41#, with wood trim, it definitely rivals Kevlar.

The extra coat of resin I put in a 16' canoe, is in the neighborhood of 12oz.