Epoxy vs UV

[Matt P]

I got swept sideways on a rock yesterday morning, and now there is a deep-enough-to-see-resin-and-glass gouge on the bottom of my boat that I ought to fill before it gets wet again (tomorrow, hopefully)

I have the option of filling it with some pigmented epoxy (because I've got some), but don't know how problematic the UV-kills-epoxy issue might be and if something as simple as some decent anti-UV polish might give full protection

(pigmented epoxy is just as UV intolerant as clear epoxy)

The bottom of the boat is only exposed to the sun when it's on the car and the (three piece) boat taken apart and stored under covers or indoors when it's not being used, but if it's highly sensitive to UV (and not just cosmetically)...

(gelcoat is an option too, but will take longer because I haven't got any at the moment)

[Jim]

The normal solution when using epoxy for wooden boats and such is to use a polyurethane varnish on top to protect from UV, so I reckon UV blocking polish should be fine. Maybe something like boeshield or 303?

[Chris Bolton]

I need to get out more, I didn't know UV kills epoxy any more than it kills any other resin. It can't be that bad, as I've seen lots of unpigmented epoxy downriver race boats that have been used for years without any UV precautions and they seem fine. I guess pigment will help as it should block the UV reaching below the surface. But as Jim says, 303 protectant should give good protection (although I'm only aware of Boeshield as a corrosion protector for metal)

Chris

[Jim]

(although I'm only aware of Boeshield as a corrosion protector for metal)

Chris

Could be I've got mixed up there :)

OT: Chris, still considering the challenge of running the canyon in canoe (and running out of time to practise for it), can you remember how much you rolled paddling the redline - was it just lava and playing? I don't expect to be as good as you and I'm thinking more of an Ocoee or even a bigger non-saddle boat. Am I completely mad?