Hobie 16 Hull Delamination Repair Resin Type

G'day Everyone.
Can't seem to find if this has been posted before, so I'll ask here.
I have two 1970's era Hobie 16's and have to fix some delamination on both of them, especially forward decks (too many years out in the Queensland Sun).
The old girls are only being used for family fun, their racing days are over.
Thing is, I know HOW to fix the delamination, the question is, what type of resin??
West system epoxy?
Polyester resin?
Vinyl ester resin?
Can't seem to find a consensus on what type is best!
Any professionals out there who have done this successfully?
Thanks in advance.

Foxy

I have done/seen this repair done several times. I believe that the consensus is to use epoxy since it's stronger (and less expensive?) than poly or vinylester. The West System products are nice and pricey, but there are lots of alternatives (in US at least). I've heard Git-Rot and G-flex recommended. Personally, I use the cheapest laminating epoxy I can find...like from these guys.... [url]https://fgci.com/shop/?filters=product_cat[68][/url]

It's not like you are building a wood strip canoe, furniture, kitchen countertop...you just need the strength.

_________________
Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16

I agree, use a low viscosity laminating epoxy resin. If the resin just runs into the hull, then you may have some voids in the inner fiberglass layer which are allowing the resin to pass through. In that case, you can try adding thickener, but I would start with just straight resin.

You can’t go wrong with West Systems. I personally use epoxy from USComposites.com. They are a lower cost option that has always worked well for me.

sm

Definitely epoxy resin - it "glues" better than polyester or vinyl ester. Don't know why, it just does. And, for this project, the cheapest "laminating" resin you can find (won't really be "cheap"). You want laminating resin for its thin viscosity so it'll flow into the holes you drill. Slow set to give you time, etc.

Good luck!

_________________
ChuckC
H21SE- 408

Thanks guys.
Epoxy (especially Wests) is the most expensive type here.
Was going to use Vinyl ester, but might give the epoxy from Boatcraft Pacific a try first.
Cheers,

And a Merry Christmas to all!

Be sure it is laminating resin and not finishing resin. Laminating resins are somewhat flexible when cured. That is better than hard and brittle.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Matt,

If a finishing resin is "hard and brittle", then is it more resistant to abrasion from sand? For example, is it better for a "bottom job touchup" where the existing fiberglass cloth is still intact?

I do a bottom job on my 84H16 about twice a year and for the last two years I have been using the vinyl ester resin with the polyester gelcoat with good results.

_________________
Tim
84 H16
82 H16
87 H14T
Tortola Sails: 115222
Blue Prism Sails: 88863
Clearwater, FL

Gel Coat is hard and brittle, so good for a stiff wear area (keels). The deck delamination areas are somewhat flexible, so less brittle material is preferred.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)