WEST SYSTEM hub offers epoxy basics for DIY boat repairs

Gougeon Brothers’ WEST SYSTEM now offers an online resource hub that lays out practical epoxy basics for DIY boat repairs, from dispensing and mixing to applying fiberglass cloth and fairing, so you can complete bonding and coating work with guidance and phone support. The site’s Epoxy Basics section promises, "These epoxy basics are what you need to know for the successful use of WEST SYSTEM Epoxy," and lists topics including dispensing and mixing, modifying with epoxy fillers, surface preparation, bonding, clamping, hardware installation, and cold-temperature epoxy bonding.

The hub groups content into product selection guides, technical data sheets, practical how-to articles and project examples, and includes images and illustrations such as captions reading "applying resin using a roller." The pages repeatedly state, "These basic epoxy instructions and illustrations were written with you, the end-user, in mind." The site also references a "West System epoxy hardener table" for hardener selection, though the table itself is only indicated in the pages rather than reproduced in the hub fragments reviewed here.

On practical technique, the site and retailer notes point DIYers to a single place to start: "Start with 105 Epoxy Resin, the basic ingredient of all West System epoxy compounds." For accurate metering the site advises, "Use Mini-Pumps for convenient and accurate metering," and cautions, "When using these pumps, remember that the proper mixture is achieved when you mix one full pump of resin with one full pump of hardener." Safety and cure chemistry are explicit: "Epoxy is exothermic; it gets hot as it cures," and users are told, "Place pots of curing resin and hardeners outside on the ground to avoid the danger of excessive heat and vapors. Dispose of after the reaction is complete and the mass has cooled. Then follow your local state and federal regulations for proper disposal."

Technical support and availability are spelled out with phone contacts and hours. The site invites questions with the line, "If you can’t find the information you’re looking for here, or if you have a question that goes beyond epoxy basics, please don’t hesitate to contact our team of experts for assistance." Contact details read: "Call our Technical Staff toll-free, Weekdays 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST: 1-866-937-8797" and "Outside of the U.S.A., call 1-989-684-7286." The site also describes a "full-time Technical Staff" and repeats a short page prompt, "Questions? Call Us: WEST SYSTEM."

Retail and product-authenticity details anchor the hub to bricks-and-mortar supply. The website copy asserts availability "Readily Available Near You At Your Local Chandlery" and in another fragment "Readily Available Near You AtLocal Marine & Hardware Stores." West Marine’s retailer notes add that "West System products has been around for over four decades" and that "We carry almost their entire product line in our stores, and many of our associates have lots of experience using West System products." West Marine also clarifies the commercial relationship: "West System and West Marine have no connection besides the fact that we, West Marine and our Associates, use and market West System products."

The manufacturer identity and quality marks are explicit: the hub is produced by Gougeon Brothers, Inc., which the site lists as an "epoxy formulator and manufacturer" and notes the company is "an ISO 9001:2015 company." The site footer in captured fragments shows "© 2026 WEST SYSTEM." Users see a clear warranty warning on the site: "CAUTION! Always buy WEST SYSTEM products in original, sealed factory containers. We cannot warranty decanted products because they may be diluted, contaminated, or not actually WEST SYSTEM products."

The company frames its knowledge-sharing mission directly: "We built our business on friendly customer service, extensive research and development, and manufacturing experience," and "We have a tradition and culture of sharing our knowledge and experience through books, instructional manuals, videos, seminars, and workshops." The hub also exposes routine site UI elements such as cookie prompts labeled "Accept;) Decline;) Cookie Settings" and, in the captured raw text, the token string "6LchHDMbAAAAAGPRKfV4mVX9FPM_gdroO62T7nWA." For DIYers tackling bonding, fillets, coatings, or glassing, the hub bundles step-focused topics, a start point in 105 Epoxy Resin, the mini-pump 1:1 rule, support phone lines and an explicit safety and warranty checklist to make common repairs more predictable and safer.