Parallax wrote:

My old Nautilus 8 Dinghy was damaged by Ivan and has a sizeable hole
in the side. I have some polyester resin on hand and I am wondering
if I can use it instead of expensive epoxy for a repair. Other than
some sanding, how do I prepare the surface to make sure the resin
adheres. The dinghy is at least 25 yrs old so is very weathered.

After sanding, wash with a rag wetted with acetone to remove any
leftover wax. Coarse sand and slop it to 'er.

Epoxy is technically better, but poly will do fine.

Terry K