Epoxy Putty Stick

[Warren Milberg]

While I'm reluctant to re-enter

.. the fray that seems to have developed over this issue, I would say that the two products I mentioned (and bought) both seem to have the same properties and seem to have been sold for about the same purposes, that is, permanent below the waterline repairs. While I agree that being able to compare the formulations of both products would be the ideal, neither productlisted their formulas on the packaging, as I recall. But as I stated in the original post, I tried some of the Home Depot product at home and, without subjecting it to scientific testing, I doubt most boaters would be able to tell the difference between the two products once they cured.FWIW, I plan to send this generic kind of issue on to "Practical Sailor" and see if they have any interest in comparing and contrasting what you can buy at the local hardware story and what you buy as "marine grade" in the boat stores.

 

[Andy]

Liability?

You buy the expoxy at West Marine, use it for the aforementioned repairs below (or close to the waterline). If it fails, you file a lawsuit with a chance of cause.If you buy the Home Depot expoxy and it fails, the lawyer might just tell you "tough soup, it wasn't made for boats". My guess is that in a lot of cases we are paying for liability insurance on marine products; and as we've seen and heard-there's a lot of idiots out there causing liability for us all. On top of that, insurance fraud adds to all this.Sorry about the rant, I guess this should move over to the "other" forum,Lets quick whining and go sailing!

 

[letterman]

my take on it

I've been reading this site for years, as well as 6 magazines like PBO, Sail. Cruising world, etc. Not to mention surfing the web and taking books from the library (some from the 1800's!!!!). ALL had something to do with sailing, or boating. I've found people that make their own blocks for a fraction of the cost of a Ronstan using store bought sheaves. I've read so much stuff I should have wrote it all down and published a book on it. The main thing I learned is to have common sense. Then you need an inquisitive engineering mind. And you cab find stuff like home made Lazy Jacks for under $50 instead of buying a kit for $250 from any supplier. Now some of you will say "Oh My Gosh...the (insert word...like liability, etc.) Thats where common sense comes in. I don't have to buy my ham at Honey Baked to know they put honey and brown sugar on it and sell it as a "convenience". On the other hand, I don't have a cow in the back to get cheap milk. I read some of the threads posted here, but more and more I am skipping them becaus they are repeated or so out there I have to laugh! An interesting one is Brian's stick that follows the sun. A guy named Mel Bartels had a website on home made telescopes that followed the stars using stepper motors. The sun being a star (and damn easy to spot), I wonder if Brian's contraption is using stepper motors to follow the sun. I don't fault Brian at all! In fact, I support his invention and hope he does well with it. But I doubt I will be buying one soon after talking to dozens of cruisers headed to the Caribbean who had two or three large solar panels that sufficed for most everyones needs.Back to the point. Anyone know of a used, beat up windlass for free or cheap? Now that is something I would love to try and build or remake. I did find something that attaches to your mast winch as is for chains, but then what do you do with the chain? Just my thoughts.

 

[Ross]

Andy, most products carry a disclaimer

regarding end user application of the product. Something like, " since the manufacturer has no control over the application and use of this product, the warrenty is limited to replacement value of the product." That is a business contract. If you use the product you have deemed it suitable for that application. Any problems that arise from that application and use are your fault and not the product.