Wow! I never expected my problem to have this kind of responce. I want to say thanks to those who took the time to give some incouragement. I have enjoyed just watching how you all interact with each other. This is my first time with this blog and I know when I actually blow the dust off my kit and get started, I will have the help I need . Thanks again and I'm in the Jacksonville Florida area for anyone that wants to help....haha
Hey "krsplash",
"Antique" might not be a bad name for your vessel. Not that I'm sayin' it's gonna take you that long ...
krsplash,
I recently completed an oxford shell that a friend gave me after keeping it in storage for 10+ years. It took two months to complete the project with help from this site. Jackln offered advice by phone. These builders forum people are great. I enjoyed this first time project so much that I have ordered a Wood Duck Kit. I can assure you that "YOU CAN DOO IT". You may want to get fresh epoxy because 15 year old stuff may not be reliable.
The resin is said to have an "infinite" shelf life, so that shouldn't be an issue. The hardener has probably turned brown, but should still work. The MAS rep told me to mix up a small test batch, and if it cures to final hardness you can go ahead and use it. If it has been stored in cold temperatures some crystals may have formed. Those can be redissolved by a one-time gentle warming.
When you mix the clear resin with the brown hardener (2:1 for MAS), it dilutes the brown color quite a bit so it isn't terribly noticable. But if you want a truly clear coating you might want to pick up some fresh hardener. Since I painted the sides and bottom I just got a small amount for fiberglassing the deck.
As a person who first built an epoxy stitch and glue boat fifteen years ago, I can tell you that the quality of epoxy we buy today is far better than it was back then. It is less likely to blush or form eyes, and lasts longer in storage. The epoxy I saved in 1995 only lasted about a year before turning nearly opaque. -Wes