Hobie Forums
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/

Soft Spot & Mast repair - input appreciated
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=45120		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  dexter [ Mon Sep 24, 2012 3:09 pm ]
Post subject:  Soft Spot & Mast repair - input appreciated
Just picked up an older H16 on the super cheap. One hull is fine, the other has significant delamination/soft spots. I've read of the west system repair... thought of an easier and cheaper fix but want to put it out there first. I saw this foam insulation stuff - DAP Kwik Foam - it is a polyurethane spray foam . It expands when it leaves the can and is supposed to not soak up water. Thought about using that as it also cures somewhat hard. Likely not as good as the west system but a lot cheaper and quicker. Thoughts?

Also, there is a crack in one side of the comptip mast. thinking of just building up the fiberglass. Won't be pretty but focused on functionality as I just want something to sail and not race.

Thanks!
Author:  skicrave [ Tue Sep 25, 2012 3:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Soft Spot & Mast repair - input appreciated
Hey dexter-

I don't think using the foam is a good idea for two reasons:

1. You need the adhesive properties of epoxy to bond the fiberglass/foam/fiberglass back together where it has separated.

2. You're injecting that foam into a cavity with limited volume, so even the low expansion product is probably going to end up doing more damage that good.

If you want to try to find a creative solution, I would spend some time to really understand the structure, as well as the problem. Otherwise, just use a tried and trued method (Git-rot or West Systems) you can duplicate.

Same thing goes with the CompTip, depending on where the damage is, your repair may or may not withstand the forces that it will be subjected to. I'm all for DIY and backyard engineering, but safety is also important.
Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/