Just scored a great deal on a 16!!

Painting a Hobie in the condition that yours is in, in my opinion, is a big mistake. Unless you do the prep like a pro, epoxy prime, repair the substrate to flawless condition, etc, It's going to eventually flake off. Then the first time you sail it it's going to get scratched and the 'yellow' gel coat is going to show through. They look great painted for about 6 months to a year, but then it goes downhill, and complicates repairs.

I won't even broker a boat that's been painted. It's one of the fastest ways to devalue a boat in my opinion.

But...people do it. So who am I to say?

I just painted a set of off-road rims flat black with AwlGrip and it's as tough as nails, just not tough enough for Hobies.

You've got a really nice boat though, and I"d think twice.

J

Ok you sold me. I go with gelcoat.

So how do I match old gelcoat to the new stuff? I've never done gelcoat. Any way to get the old gelcoat looking like new?

And how do I get the crappy old decals and pinstripe off and still restore the gelcoat?

Thanks again for the great advice guys. I almost made a huge mistake.

Maury

P.S. Sounds like you got an even better deal than I got Rojoyinc. My sails are in great condition. They are the blue and red sails. Bule at the bottom and top and red in the middle. I like them very much.