Cracked gelcoat on comptip ~ problem?

Hi, first post here. Looking for some opinions.

The gel coat is cracked all to h*ll on my comptip, presumably from the flex it indures while sailing. Is this a common problem or anything to really worry about? I think the fiberglass underneath is still strong. And just in case you've never see a white gelcoated comptip and you're thinking its paint, it really is gelcoat, a special edition in 1990, (I think from ProSail, the entire boat is white).

I don't know for sure, but since the white material is so thin, I suspect we simply sprayed the white over the standard CompTip. Structure would be fine underneath.

The white masts and aluminum were from a series called "Formula". Not related to Pro Sail.

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

Ok, thanks. I am the second owner, bought the 16 back in 97 from a nice guy who said his son raced it and mentioned something about ProSail, I wasn't really sure what he was talking about, and yes it does say "Formula 1" on the side albeit a bit faded. Anyway, There is one spot were the gel is completely chipped out and I can see the bare fiberglass underneath. I don't think this one was ever painted. Either that, or that's some thick paint over some raw fiberglass.

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1990 "Formula 1" H16 (# 009)

Yep, looks like the outer coat is solid white. UV has taken a toll on this one. My only concern is that this material is what makes up the grooves that hold the luff track in place. Other than that, it is cosmetic and a water barrier.

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

Ok, so I won't worry too much about this right now unless my luff track gets loose, but in the future no doubt, I'll have to replace the comptip. Is it bonded into the aluminum? Is it possible for a "do-it-yourselfer" such as myself to change it out?

One more question...How many of the Formula 16's were made? I have #009.

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1990 "Formula 1" H16 (# 009)

Not sure how many were made.

You can replace a tip... takes some effort, but can be done.

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