I purchased a Hobie 16 with hull damage covered up by a sticker, no less. I was told there were 3 panels placed inside the port hull just in front of the trampoline. Being dumb, I thought ok it's fixed, no big deal, right? After almost flipping it twice and recovering, I noticed a crack on top coming from under the sticker. The boat is in storage and I plan to bring it back this weekend for a look see. My first thought is, I need a new hull. I would think that this area is critical and needs to be strong. I will take pictures and re-post later but I was thinking I should cut out an inspection portal near the crack to see what is inside. I started looking for used hulls for sale but saw nothing. Any advice on repaired hulls versus buying a decent used one with no defects? Thanks!
A solid dry hull for an H16 is not all that hard to come by. You might have to buy a parts boat. If you find one, I imagine your inspection will be much better informed. Do a pressure test, squeeze , tap, and look for damage hidden under paint, putty, and decals.
A solid hull with the original gel-coat, even in faded condition, will take some of the mystery out of it.
The kind of hull repair you are describing is difficult and messy. You'll never get it back to original and it will always be suspect. If it were me, I'd like to have a replacement hull. I could then dig into the repair as more of a training exercise.
Post some pics and tell us where you're located. I bet someone on this site will have a lead on a hull. Good luck, GH
<a href=" http://www.ebay.com/itm/hobie-16-hull-only-trade-sail-or-sunfish/171501178710?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D26969%26meid%3D33b33a2c15e64c52a6260d19f591758c%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1
1189%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D171501178710"> http://www.ebay.com/itm/hobie-16-hull-only-trade-sail-or-sunfish/171501178710?_trksid=p2045573.c100033.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111001%26algo%3DREC.SEED%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D26969%26meid%3D33b33a2c15e64c52a6260d19f591758c%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1
1189%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D171501178710
http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewforum.php?f=7
Edited by gahamby on Nov 11, 2014 - 11:26 AM.
John, where r u located? Use www.searchtempest.com to check surrounding areas for parts boat, don't waste time with repair, too costly, too messy.
Thanks renovator. . I live in Sothern California. I'm not too experienced with this type of repair for sure.
searchtempest is awesome. If you can't find a used hull in Southern California, I would be most surprised.
A quick look around my area got me this hit:-
http://louisville.craigslist.org/boa/4747725682.html
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John, where in SoCal? I am in the Ventura area and have done a far amount of fiberglass repair work. I would be willing to take a look to see what you may need to do.
ohmsj