Welding H16 frame

I have herd of epoxying the frames of older boats together for improved stiffness. What about Tig welding them together?

Thanks,
Evan

Only if you plan on never disassembling the boat.

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Can you dissemble an epoxied boat?

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1979 Hobie 16

Sure. Heat up the joints with MAPP gas and separate with a mallet.

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Weld?

We had a guy in So Cal weld his 16. He did several short welds around the crossbars.

Good idea? He broke his crossbar. It weakened the crossbar extrusion and concentrated the stress at the welds. Bad combination.

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

So what we are really saying is that the frame has to be able to shift slightly, If that wasn't true then welding is no different than expoxying in that it should create a completely rigid structure, I do think the epoxy allows the frame some flexing in the joints otherwise it should break as well.

Welding leaves a heat affected zone around it, so if you don't do post-weld heat treatment it will actually make the metal around the weld weaker. I think that's what Matt is saying.

What is the best way to stiffen an older boat? Mine is a 79 and has quite a bit of play. I do not want to spend very much money it is just my weekend sailor not a racer.
Thanks,
Evan

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1979 Hobie 16

Here is what the previous owner of my boat had done.

eyebolts instead of the regular hexhead then going diagonaly port rear to starboard front with a cable smaller then the stays and a turnbuckle and a second one from starboard rear to port front, this would also allow for squaring up the boat as well. I never though much of it, but what the heck, seemed to work.

Sam

Ew,
Tighten the tramp. Use low stretch line. That's the cheapest!

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Sail Revolution
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On top of tightening the line add shims made of aluminum to the posts coming out of the hulls. I have found the best way to make the shims is to sit down and have a frosty beverage with a few friends while thinking about the job.

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Nick

Current Boat
In the market
Previous boats owned
'74 Pearson 30
'84 H16
'82 H18 Magnum
St. Louis, MO

The only problem with frosty beverages is that I am only 17. I think that soda cans would work just as well.

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1979 Hobie 16

Don't use Coke cans. That stuff will rot out anything.

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Yeah, like you don't Who here wasn't 17 once?

Do older cats generally have a frame stiffness problem? I have a 73 that I have personally not sailed aggresively and would like to know if I should consider checking for this problem.
Being 18 i already know that soda cans will do no good...
charlie

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'73 Hobie 16- orange and yellow