epoxy for sealing core - recommendations?

[tominny]

I am planning to rebed all deck hardware on my Tartan 34C and in the process want to seal off the balsa core to prevent any future water intrusion. Epoxy seems to be the right product for this. Does anyone have specific recommendations for a brand?

Thanks!

[tominny]

I'm based in NYC and would like to do this before the spring haul-out. What is the lowest temperature at which this can be done? Are there any special low-temp products that would be appropriate for this job?

[Minnewaska]

West System makes everything you both need, including an accelerator for cold weather.

[teddier1]

I had some water in my rudder and the West System and the instructions were very easy to follow. It was my first time working with the material and I highly recommend it.
Good luck.

[mitiempo]

I use West, but it depends how cold. 40 degrees is about the lowest and 50 is better.

Used to be one called ColdCure - they were purchased by System 3, but I haven't used it for 20 years and forget the temp range. It may still be available.

Here's a good link that show how to re-bed deck fittings step by step.
Re-Bedding Deck Hardware Photo Gallery by Compass Marine at pbase.com

[tominny]

Thanks for the great advice!

[nickmerc]

Take a look as MAS epoxies as well. I know they have a variety of hardeners for various temp ranges.

[eherlihy]

I have had good results potting holes with West's Six-10.

It is a little more expensive per volume unit, but more than makes up for that in terms of convenience, and because it is extremely viscous (it STAYS where you put it!).

If I were real anal about it, I would mix up some MAS Low Viscosity epoxy with MAS Fast catalyst. Using a syringe, I would inject the Low VIS/Fast epoxy into each hole, so as to wet out all the crevices. Then, again with the syringe, suck it out, and let it set. Then, I would follow up with Six-10.

In practice, however, I have simply used Six-10.

[tommays]

I used 10 gallons of MAS refitting Seafever and as a BIG MAS fan just used some FAST on a 50 degree day and it was NOT all that fast and i am NOT sure how long it would have taken without the heat lamp

[arf145]

I've been using MAS to pot the bolt holes on my deck, mostly using their medium hardener. I inject into the holes with a syringe, then suck it back out, mix in silica to strengthen and thicken the mixture and then re-inject.