What fiberglass to use ?

[Blueline93]

Currently redoing a 246 and I’m about to pull the trigger on getting some material. I’m going to be doing epoxy on most of the stuff and trying to figure out what’s the best glass. I did a rebuild last year and used polyester and 1708 for all of it. But I’m curious if that’s good practice with epoxy. Also i want to add a few layers to the hull and sides to beef it up a little bit as well as re tab all the stringers basically wanna build a tank that floats lol so my question is what’s the best fiberglass to use for this application

[RickK]

I used 1708 with poly and epoxy on my 170 rebuild. Epoxy doesn't melt the binding thread on some cloth but when rolled in real well and it hardens, it's rock solid. 1708 has a 1.5oz CSM layer, which is good for Poly and also building thickness.  I also used 1700db and 1808.

[Blueline93]

Is 1708 just pretty much the best all around to use for this stuff ?

[RickK]

You have to figure out how much rebuild you're going to do and if it's quite a bit buy a roll of 1708 from a local supplier (not sure where you are located). I say local because it can cost a lot to ship the heavy roll. Also, where will you get your resin? US composites has a good web site and has decent prices but shipping kills you (I paid a lot of money for shipping and I'm just on the other coast of FL).

[Blueline93]

I’m right in the Tampa area so I have FGCI pretty close to me as far as quantity of material I figure a roll will be my best bet just wasn’t sure if 1708 was what I needed or 1700 since I’m going epoxy this time around.

[RickK]

You really don't need the 1.5oz of CMS so if you can get a better deal on the 1700db than the 1708, go for it. Neither like to bend around edges and sharp radius.