How hard do you press to find a soft spot?

So, I've been trying to read up on soft spots because I'm not sure I have any on my newly aquired '81 H16. I read in a post to press with your palm, and a half inch of deflection is bad. How hard are you supposed to press? If I press between the pylons with alot of A** into it, I got SOME deflection but I wasnt even sure, it was so slight. Also, do you use the same technique for the deck and for the sides of the hulls? Would there be any difference in the top or sides?

What about the knocking test? I would think the sounds would be inconsistent because of the taper and shaped in the hull and deck?

Learning so much from you folks! Thank You!

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'81 H16 yellow hulls

Press with about 5 - 10 lbs of force. You'll know if it's soft.

Knock with your knuckles is another way. Find a rigid area and then knock on the suspect area. You can hear / feel a difference.

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

Using a coin rather than your knuckles, is more accurate. Rapidly tap the coin starting at a known "good" area and go across the suspect area. If you hear the pitch change from high and crisp to low and dull then the area is delaminated. From your description, the hull sounds ok.

sm

Mine was quite evident, forward from the base, a simple press with the palm of my hand and I could hear the old foam crunch and it felt like I was pressing on an old cardboard box.

Fixed now, and getting ready for my first cat sail.
JOhn ><>

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1974 Hobie 16 (not to mention my age, but that's the year I graduated from High school)
1993 Hobie 17 For Sale
JMBoatStuff

Thank you all, I feel MUCH better about my boat. I havent checked the hull sides real thoroughly but I gave them a squeeze/hug all along and they seem ok. I bet my neighbors saw me looking like I was humping my boat!!

What can I tell ya? I love my boat!

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'81 H16 yellow hulls

We all express our love for our H16 in different ways.

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Marc...
1978 Hobie 16 Keoke, sail# 36 84

Like this?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL33jMcV4oM[/youtube]

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Sail Revolution
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Surf City, Thanks! That was very helpful. I definately have no worries after seeing that! I suppose that was an extreme case but it would be very helpful to me and the other newbs if that vid is on the FAQ? It seems alot of us newbs would buy a boat without REALLY knowing if it was good or bad without seeing a good example. Excellent visual aid.

Thanks again all.

Chris

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'81 H16 yellow hulls