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WEST SYSTEM®

From a modest boat shop that began experimenting with epoxy in the late 1960s to a trusted manufacturer and supplier of epoxies worldwide

WEST SYSTEM®

A trusted manufacturer and supplier of epoxies worldwide

Brothers Meade, Joel and Jan Gougeon founded the company in 1969 in Bay City, Michigan, driven by a shared passion for building sailboats and iceboats. Their curiosity and craftsmanship led them to pioneer the use of epoxy for marine bonding and coating, creating what would become the iconic WEST SYSTEM® brand.

From a small workshop experimenting with epoxy in the late 1960s to a globally trusted manufacturer, the Gougeon legacy now supports high-end composite builders, boatyards, repairers, woodworking and DIY communities around the world.

What began as a family of makers looking for better materials has grown into a company known for quality, ingenuity and a commitment to helping people build stronger, lighter and longer lasting projects.

Developed for long-lasting repairs to high-performance composites

WEST SYSTEM’s two-part (resin and hardener) epoxy systems are developed for long-lasting repairs that get the job done. Allowing the user to tailor the epoxy to their exact needs without losing performance is what WEST SYSTEM has always been about.

Proven Performance icon

Proven Performance

Backed by decades of use in real-world boatbuilding and repair, from ocean-going yachts to small DIY projects

Versatile in Application icon

Versatile in Application

One core epoxy system adapted with different hardeners, fillers and additives for bonding, laminating, coating, fairing and filling

Marine-Grade by Formulation icon

Marine-Grade by Formulation

Formulated specifically to withstand water, load, vibration and weather in the harshest marine environments

Trusted by Boatbuilders Worldwide icon

Trusted by Boatbuilders Worldwide

Formulated for professional yards, surveyors and serious DIYers worldwide as the go-to epoxy for reliable, long-lasting repairs

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“WEST SYSTEM Epoxy does exactly what it says it will; yields immensely strong, durable bonds and makes the build stronger than it needs to be.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How does WEST SYSTEM help with wooden boat restoration and repair?

WEST SYSTEM is a structural marine adhesive formulated to bond strongly to wood, making it ideal for restoring and reinforcing classic and modern wooden boats. It’s used for frame and hull repairs, dry-rot treatment, re-planking, deck work and hardware installation, while also providing an excellent moisture barrier to reduce maintenance and extend service life.

Is WEST SYSTEM suitable for GRP and fibreglass boat repairs?

Yes. WEST SYSTEM 105 resin and hardeners are widely used for repairing GRP and composite hulls, decks and structures. They’re recommended for fixing cracks, holes, damaged skins and cores, gelcoat blister repair and prevention, as well as hardware bonding and final fairing and finishing.

Are there WEST SYSTEM kits for boat repair?

Yes. WEST SYSTEM offers dedicated boat repair kits that combine resin, hardener, glass fabrics, fillers and application tools. These kits are designed to guide users through common GRP repairs such as cracks, delamination, punctures and hardware refits, providing a complete solution in one box.

Can I use WEST SYSTEM Epoxy for DIY and home repairs, not just boats?

Yes. WEST SYSTEM is widely used for DIY and home repair as well as boatbuilding. It can bond, fill and seal wood, concrete, masonry, metal and many plastics, making it ideal for jobs like repairing rotten window frames, fixing loose handrails, restoring furniture, filling cracks in concrete and creating strong, gap-filling joints. By adding different fillers, you can thicken it for bonding and filleting or turn it into a smooth fairing compound.

What technical support is available for boatyards using WEST SYSTEM Epoxy?

WEST SYSTEM provides detailed user manuals, wooden-boat and fibreglass repair guides, problem-solver FAQs, how-to videos and direct technical advice.

Need an epoxy system that works as hard as you do?

Contact a member of our technical team