cleaning inside hull of old hobie 16

I have inherited a 35 year old hobie 16, in good shape outside.

It weighs a ton, but nothing emerges from drains. I was told that prior owner kept it in water all summers.

Is it possible that there is mold/growth inside it?

If so, what is best method and chemical to clean the inside of the hull?

Thanks,
Jim

Unless the drains are just clogged (can you hear water sloshing around inside the hulls?) the weight is because the hulls have absorbed moisture from being kept in the water. It is about the worst thing you can do to a Hobie. You might be able to dry them out somewhat by cutting a couple access ports in the deck and circulating air through the hulls. There is also a large foam block inside each hull that has likely soaked up a ton of water. My guess is that if the hulls have been left in the water as you describe, they have probably also gotten soft.

sm

srm, how do hulls 'absorb' water?

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'89 H14 'Jaws'
'85 H16

I'll take a crack at this. I have an old foam sailboard type boat. The foam is old and beat, and has broken down somewhat. After sailing it, it weighs a lot more than when I carried it to the shore from my truck. I assume the water gets into the foam where it has broken down. After sailing, it drains for a while. I leave it in the sun and it is light again. Of course with a H16, the hull is sealed up more.

Also, on my H16, I had a delamination spot. When I opened up the hull at that spot, the foam was wet, So if you have soft hulls the water can get trapped between the glass and foam.

Can you actually weight the boat? Or one of the hulls?

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Bryan
Poplar Grove, IL
1977 Hobie 16 (died a spectacular death https://youtu.be/Y7O22bp2MVA)
1978 Hobie 16

Fiberglass and resin are hygroscopic (will readily absorb water). If you leave the fiberglass exposed to moisture either in a high-humidity environment (water left in the hulls) or immersed in water (leave the boat on a mooring) for an extended period, the hulls will eventually absorb water. This not only causes the hulls to gain water weight, but it also causes them to lose strength - the strength of saturated composites is significantly lower than when dry.

Bottom line, keep your hulls as dry as possible if you want them to last.

sm

Thanks srm.
I looked into the topic after posting. It is also possible for water to 'wick' into the hulls laminate structure from exposed fibers on the bottom.

Fortunately for me, it was only the rear portion of the hull as it was left near the waters edge. No identifiable 'blistering' or soft spots. The bungs have been left out, and new rubber 'o'-rings were put on them for good measure.

_________________

'89 H14 'Jaws'
'85 H16