What tool for the job - Dealers, repair guys???

I'm about to start working on some keel repair on my H16. The previous owner had put marine-tex or some other type of puddy epoxy on the keels. What is the best tool to get that off with. I'd like to pick up the right tool today on my way home from work. A rotary sander, grinder, I just don't know. The only thing I have is a mouse sander but I figured that isn't the best choice given how much it vibrates. Thanks for the help.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

You need an 8 inch variable speed sander /polisher. Mine is a Makita around 200bucks, but if you have a Harbor Freight they are $29.99 A surfboard shaper by my shop bought one about a year ago and it is still working although not nearly as smooth as the Makita. Let me know if your are doing the Va Beach race.

Thanks dude, yeah there is a harbor freight down the road. I definately plan on doing the VA beach race, are you still in? I'm thinking about coming down to your area this weekend, you going to be around for some sailing? I'm itching to get back on the water, I haven't been all year. Anyway, I'll give you a call sometime here soon. I'm going to try and get that marine-tex off of those keels tonight.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Hey James,
I find that the most important tool for doing bottoms is some sort of semi-flexible long board sander. You can usually pick them up for around $30 individually. We use this tool to 'fair' the bottoms.




Hope that helps.

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Sail Revolution
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Thanks Jeremy,
I just picked up a variable speed sander/grinder, it was more like 40 bucks, but a heck of a lot better than 200. But, I'm sure it will come in handy in the future as well. I neeed something to take some reeeeaaally thick marine-tex off the bottom of the hulls. Genmar Star has told me he will help me re-do the keels as I have no fiberglass experience. I will definatley look into the long-board sander when it comes time to fair them out. This should be a fun project. I am sooo stoked to have some new hulls. They seem so light. Flipping the new 86 hulls over is way easier than my 83's, I'm interested to see what they are on the scales. Anyway, thanks for the quick replies.

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James
86' Redline Hobie 16
Sail # 76909

Yea im in for Va Beach. I already registered. This weekend would be good. Come on down.

You will need a good supply of "elbow grease"

Wax on ... Wax off, Danial-san


Harry

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HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11