Just bought my first own H16

Hey all, not completely a newbie to the world of Hobie cats. I have worked for a summer camp for many years here in Upstate NY that has had Hobies for many years and this is where i became ingrained with the cat fever. What we have at the camp isnt great but they work and we have all made them sail and well for a long time. We get "new" stuff from time to time through donations and such since it is a not for profit camp run by the state Sheriffs association. We even have our own regattas when the wind permits and include the kids to test our sailors skills.
Anyhow, i just bought my very own Hobie 16...well most of one anyhow. I am looking forward to sailing my own boat and having a good rig thats taken care of properly. And hoping to get to know some of y'all on the forum here as well. I will get some pictures uploaded and let ya follow the progress of my boat as I get things rollin. Just brought her home from CT. the other day. Here is a burning question I have right now though to start....the hulls have horrible stains on the bottoms from either the sea water it used to be in or the pond it apparently sat in as a swim platform for a bit before it was sold. Is there anything that might clean that up, or should I just plan on painting them? Everything else really is in good shape on the boat. Hulls are solid, tramp is actually in decent shape minus some dirt. Frame is all good and solid with no real dings or anything. And the trailer is actually in decent shape too. The traveler and car are in good shape and all move freely and smooth. And the jib travelers/cars are decent as well, just found 1 rivet needing fixed.

Well, look forward to any and all input, help, advice, criticism, etc. Thanks all in advance!

Here's some pictures of the new addition....







Like I said, she needs a good bath and some TLC, but I hope to have 'er in the water and flyin soon!

Welcome to the madness. I would not paint the hulls. I think some good elbow grease could make those hulls shine. Do a search on this forum for cleaning the hulls and you will probably find a wealth of info and product names to use that will take those stains right off like Barkeepers Friend....I think. Something with Oxalic acid.....again, I think. Others can also be more help than me that have been through the process. Good luck and keep us up to date.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

I recently bought a 28 year old Hobie 14 with heavily oxidized hulls. I buffed it out with an electric buffer and some compound and made it shine like new. I bet the same thing would work on your boat. Check out this video by Jeremy Leonard of Surf City Catamarans: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74sEyot5 ... r_embedded He uses a product called 3M Perfectit III Heavy Cut. Nearly everyone on this forum advises against painting gel coat. I think it would cause problems down the road.

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Mark Van Doren
H16 Seabreeze #112205 (Richard Petty Signature Edition)
H14T Fantasia #47787
San Juan 28

Thanx for the advice guys! I appreciate it. Keep it comin!

So I had a few spare minutes last weekend to try some suggestions. Though I couldnt find the 3m perfectit stuff, I did find the barkeepers friend and did some cleaning on one side of the starboard hull. Came pretty clean! excited to get the rest of it cleaned up now! I also peeled the nasty, old rail rugs off....the were pretty much all moss anyhow. Gave the tramp a quick wipeoff with just plain ole water too, and it too is starting to show some clean and life. Here are a couple update pictures. Enjoy! And feel free to drop ideas/ criticisms etc here as well. Thanx! Also, what type of wax do ya'll recommend?

Looking much better! Get that baby on the water!

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

Haha thanx! I'm hopin too soon!

A few years ago I bought 1 foot of indoor outdoor carpet at home depot for the rails. It get installed with 3m contact adhesive.

The neoprene kit from hobie is more expensive and more fragile but I like it because it doesn't hold water. If you lean against the boat when the carpet is wet it will leave a nice wet spot on your clothes.

Bring that boat up to the regatta at Hamlin beach Aug 7-8.

cheers
Bill