Neoprene Rail Mismatch

Refitting a 'new to me' 1981 H18 and the existing neoprene on rails is a deteriorated rotting mess.
Bought a new kit from local Hobie dealer to replace it (part # 16708), but the die cut pieces in the new kit are considerably smaller than what is already on the boat. Holes don't line up, bottom edge doesn't extend to top deck edge (flange?) and not as wide to extend as far up on upper deck.

My guess is a) Hobie changed the neoprene kit to suit newer H18s and my existing stuff is an older model or b) the kit applied by previous owner was a non OEM one.

If I just strip off the old stuff and apply the new, I'll be left with discolored strips of hull above and below the new pieces. Hull under the old stuff is stained and gelcoat is powdery (likely from old adhesive, sun, time, etc). Perhaps there is a place to buy just the neoprene material itself and I can cut my own pieces in a larger size to cover the old?

Any guidance from older H18 owners?

~BradS

I had the same problem the last time I replaced the the rail rubber. My actual problem was that there too many cut-outs, cut-out where one did not need to be. My boat was very discolored after rubber was removed and wanted replacement rubber to cover. I finally ended up getting a second kit and made one perfect kit out of two. Jim.

_________________
ADDICTION
1989 HOBIE 18 SE/sx wings
HOBIE ALTER SIGNATURE MODEL

I purchased a kit for my '84 and am waiting for the off season to replace the old one. Glad I read this as I had no idea this was an issue. Any idea what year(s) the kit works for? Wondering if I need to get a second kit.

_________________
1984 Hobie 18

Gentlemen,

Do you know that they use neoprene for covering the booms(?) on a windsurfer ..... it comes in rolls .... 4" wide (I think) from Murray's .... and you can order it by the lengths you wish ...... it comes in several different colors also .....

And yes, the neoprne kits were made by "after market" venders .... along w/ Hobie Cat Co .... so it is quite possible that you have a non-skid kit on your boat that is non-OEM ... or not exactly like the origonal factory kit as they have change slightly over the years.

So ....

First I would make templates for each section ... radius the corners .... angle vertical lines (slightly) for the look of "speed" .... order the neoprene from Murrays' ..... cut-out the sections using the templates .... mark outlines on the boat were neoprene to be applied ... apply contact cement w/ disposable brush .... then apply new neoprene sections .....

Personally ..... I like medium blue .....

Oh .... you can also cover your "Hotstick" also .... matches the boat .... makes it easy to grip ..... protects the hotstick from "UV radiation" .... prevents "splintering" when hotsick is bent to the breaking point .... also allows you to beat the crew (when neccassary) and not leave marks .....

.... just kidding with that last one ..... besides who would risk damaging a hotstick(???) ... they're expensive...

_________________
HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11

Great tips. I assume when you wrap the hotstick it is wrapped like grip tape on a driver or tennis racket? Spiral wrap. I've got to look into this.....my hot stick is feeling slighlty prickly.

_________________
1984 Hobie 18

Actually .... No ...

I've considered the spiral wrap method ... but have used the long staight seam method on my Hotsticks .... both would work .... maybe the next time I'll try the "spiral" method. To install I coat the neoprene and Hotstick w/ contact cement ... layout the neoprene straight on the workbench ... and roll the Hotstick on the neoprene .... wrap w/ 4-6" wide "shrinkwrap" tightly to force any air-bubbles out until contact cement sets .....

Please note that I had to trim the width of the neoprene by 1/8-1/4" (using a straight edge) for it to wrap around the Hotstick when using the "Straight Seam " method w/o overlapping. So do a "dry-fit" first

It's also easier if the "cork ball" float is installed first ... then the neoprene .... and I do/cover the whole length of the Hotstick (mostly for looks), but you actually only need to do the last several feet.

_________________
HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11

I received a new neoprene rail kit from Hobie last April and it fit correctly. Whatever neoprene route you decide make sure to use a sponge soaked in soap and water to get the oily residue off the surface before you sail. My crew and I learned that the hard way.

Thanks Harry... I will do this but may try the spiral on about 24" or so.

Good word skipshot, what year is you boat??

_________________
1984 Hobie 18

Oh Harry, That is what you save old broken hotstick's for........... silly man !

Works well on smart mouthed teenagers too !

However, NOT recommended for wives and you own children

_________________
If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.