New owner and H18 repair questions

Hello, I think my other post got deleted when I tried to edit the photos links

I bought an older H18 for cheap, I've done some fiberglass proto-typing and repairs on cars and surf boards, but I have a couple questions about this boat, mainly the hull layup and recommendations for getting access.

It came from Maryland, hulls are surprisingly solid, soft spots on the rear most decks, the rest is faded but great, with the exception of what's pictures below from a fallen tree branch during Florence (may be older?). The hull had a few inches of water inside, seemed like Rain water. The outside hull has some cracking of the gelcoat, top deck is obviously crunched and delaminated, as well as the interior as you can see in the pictures.















My idea so far is to cut the damaged portion of the deck (12" long and half the deck width), grind and recover the cracked seam/deck joint (which runs to my hand visible from the one topside photo about 30"), then re-lay the delaminated interior and probably exterior of the damage to the lower hull, then patch the deck back down (possibly trying to salvage the outer skin of the deck so it somewhat matches). I have no illusions about racing, having the boat 100 years, or selling it or attempting to cross the atlantic. I'd like to spend a summer where I am currently stuck for work sailing cheaply off the beach, maybe take it home to teach my kids in NC, and that's about it.

I'd like advice on how anyone recommends repairing it.

1. There is an access cover that allows me to reach the damage inside, but I thought if the deck was as damaged as it is might as well cut it and exploit the more direct access?

2. Lay up schedule and recommendation for weave and weight of mat (not familiar with these at all)

Thanks, I do appreciate any advice. This is the first summer I've had time for a hobby since 9/11

Best option is to replace the hull if there are any in your area??? Maybe post here your location.

If I were doing this I would start with repairing the inside first I would pull the hull off the boat, rotate it upside down, then with a 5 inch hole saw I would cut an access hole similar to the below picture (maybe 24 inches in front of the crossbar and halfway down the side). I would clamp the upper deck in as close to the original shape as possible. I would then clean and prep the inside of the hull for fiberglassing. Considering the location I would use 4 or 5 layers. Second I would work with the top deck injecting epoxy if the layers have delaminated. Third I would grind out the exterior cracks and layer in more fiberglass. Reinstall the access cutout and finish with gel coat as necessary.

Hobie 20 that needed 2 access holes to get access to both sides of the bulkhead at the front crossbar. (there are no bulkheads in a H18)


Inside look at a hobie.

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Corkguy H18, Tiger, Wildcat

What weight of biaxial and how many layers did they use on the inside and outside?

The damage is only on the outter portion of the starboard hull, about half way down the outer side Hull and half way across the deck. Inner side of the hull and the keel line are fine, along with the connections at the front cross bar. All the damage is within 8" of the outer parting line/seam. Although the inner layer of glass is displaces and cracked, it didn't even actually buckle, so from what I can feel the core isn't even smashed it just had the skin peeled off on the inside.

I've looked for other hills or parts, but I see 20+ 16' and 14' boats for every 1 18' in this area, and usually the 18s are complete and in better shape, I think I'm going to just repair it.

The cracks under the hull flange are probably going to be the most difficult spot to repair because the area is so small but the glass is the thickest there. You may need to just grind out the glue seam on the inside of the hull and add some plys inside the hull to connect the deck back to the hull. Attached is a link to a repair I did a few years ago that involved cutting access holes in the deck, reinforcing the inside of the hulls, and covering the holes back up. It may be of some use for your project.

https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=49780&hilit=Reinforcement&start=15

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