Bathtub Ring on Hulls

Hi . . . A local dealer has an '81 H16 for sale. The white hulls have a dark gray stain all the way around them because they sat in the water (or muck) for a long time. Anyone know how hard it will be for me to get rid of this, and how to do it? It didn't just rub off with a little spit. Also, the old stripes are peeling off. Will something like "Goof Off" remove them without hurting the gel coat?

I am a monohull sailor of many years and have always wanted a catamaran. I was seriously considering a Wave for its low weight and ease of set-up, but in my heart I think I really want a 16. Is the 16 a lot more complicated than the Wave, or is the Wave so simple I'd get bored with it? How much trouble is it to set up the 16 from a trailer with two people? I'd hate for it to take more than a half hour. How easy is it for two adults to move one around on the beach? Can you take four people on it under some conditions? Whaddaya think: Should I stick with a Wave or transfer my Michigan mid-Winter fantasies to the Hobie 16?

Thanks for your input!

The discoloration could probably be removed with a mild rubbing compound. You might also try a product called FSR which I can attest will remove rust and blood from fiberglass. You may even be able to get the dealer to do it as a condition of the sale. As for the pinstripes a just heat them with a hair dryer and use a razor blade to get a corner up and they will peel right off. As to the comparison to the wave I have never sailed a wave, but I can tell you the 16 is a little bit more complicated to rig. I think alot of it will depend on what you want to do. The 16 is faster, has a larger active fleet, and there are tons of them used so parts can be had for cheap. I guess you could say in some respects the 16 is more capable. On the other hand, if you want a boat that has a quicker set up time and is virtually indistructable, the wave may be a better a choice, but again, I have no experience with the wave. Which ever way you go, I am sure you will have a blast.

I'd go with your heart on this one. Easy set up with 2. The 16 is a classic on the beach, besides the wave is plastic. The cosmetic gray stain is more of a tell tale sign to be concerned with the integrity of hulls. Cats that have been moored are more likely to have delam issues. I would check these out carefully and press hard all over hulls to check for softness, especially north of the forward pylons. 16's are a buyers market compared to other cats. Be picky and you should be, with trailer, less than a grand. Soft hulls are a resell killer.

PRD60:

Try some Bon Ami. It is VERY cheap. $1 a can here at local grocery store. My Hobie 17 had been outside for 4 years on attended. It got all the green crap with a good bristle brush, even rust. For rust I made a pastel and let set for 15 minutes.

Doug

As for easy setup, I have never setup or sailed a wave, but by my self, taking my time, I can setup and launch my 16 in less than one beer/half an hour.

It takes longer to tear it down and put it back on the trailer than to set it up about 45 minutes.

As for moving it around, using PVC pipe as sliders, (search for the thread on this) my 16 year old daughter can move the 16 around a fairly flat beach by her slelf. No, she could not step the mast get it on or off the trailer. 2 reasonable stong people can carry it if need be.

Thanks for responding. For anyone who would like to, a couple of photos of these stains can be seen here:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/p_dengate/p ... 09569804/0

Barkeepers Friend. You wife keeps it under the sink in the kitchen. Warm water, medium brush and off it comes.