Epoxy Composite Construction
Epoxy composite construction consists of bonding all of the materials and parts of the boat together with epoxy resin. The resulting structure has physical characteristics superior to the components by themselves. Composite construction includes a variety of building methods that use epoxy to protect the materials from moisture as well as hold the materials together. Epoxy resins, the key ingredient, are among the most versatile of thermoset plastics. They bond exceptionally well to a wide range of materials and are highly moisture resistant. Compared to polyester resins typically used in fiberglass boat construction, epoxies have greater strength, less shrinkage, better moisture resistance and better fatigue resistance.
Advantages of Epoxy Composite Construction
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Versatility: The builder using composite technology can build boats with a range of materials, designs, and construction methods that are perfectly suited to the boat's use and the customer's needs. Everything from strip canoes to work boats, high performance multihulls to offshore racing powerboats have been built using epoxy composite construction. Composites can be uncomplicated structures of wood and wood veneer or complex vacuum laminated hybrids incorporating glass fabrics, aramid, or carbon fibers.
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Lower Maintenance: All of the components in a composite boat are protected by an epoxy moisture barrier. Since the moisture content is stabilized, the maintenance problems associated with wooden boats - rot, joint cracks, structural members swelling or shrinking, and surface checking - are eliminated. Epoxy provides a stable base for paints and varnishes, reducing the frequency of refinishing. In glass laminated boats, epoxy's superiority to polyester resisn as a stable moisture resistant adhesive reduces the possiblility of delamination and gelcoat blistering caused by moisture penetration.