Hull cleaner

I am sure this has probably been covered already,but could not find it.I have a 2006 16 that basically goes from trailor to beach wheels to water.Still even though being very carefull the bottoms have a few light scratches and some scuffing from the rollers on the trailor.What is the best solution.

Sorry to be blunt, but if you are worried about a few minor scratches maybe you should keep it on the trailer and not sail. Seriously though, I think a few minor scratches should not be a problem at all. You should see the bottom of my H16. Looks like its been on grinder. It has obviously been through a lot and still going strong. From your description of "a few light scratches and some scuffing", I would say do nothing as you will never be able to keep the inevitable from happening.

a smooth bottom is fast, so even though it may scratch i still understand why you want to take care of it. FSR will take off any stain or marks. I rubbing compound will take out the scratches and a coat or two of wax will help keep the scratches and scuffs off. If it gets real bad, a wet sand with fine grit sandpaper works great, but don't get to happy with it and sand off too much gelcoat.

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Josh Benge
14 skip
16 skip
20 crew

Thanks guys.E T hobie guy my wife says the same thing.I guess I am just a little too fanaticle with keeping my first real new boat looking good.

Also read from a top hobie racer (Colby) that scratches on the hulls are boat speed killers.

Get a good buffer and some 3m Perfectit III Heavy Cut. It will get the job done!!

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Don't blame you. If I had an 06 I would want it kept sharp as well.

Your boat doesn't have to be new in order for you to want to take care of it. Little things unattended end up being big things. Plus, I feel safer on a healthy boat, no matter how small the flaw. It's like your car. Doesn't it seem to ride better when it's clean? Some people can't believe that my boat is 22 yrs old. That will carry some weight if/when I decide to sell it to buy that Tiger I've been thinking about.

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Happy Sailing,

David

Cleaning does help........doesn't it? My vehicles always run better after a good washing. I also wash and clean the 16 all the while my wife is shaking her head thinking I am crazy for attending to a cat in that manner. I like my stuff looking good as well. My port hull has a lot of beach wear but is not to the point of critical repair. I do have plans to eventually lay up some glass on it and get it back to shape. But I still think a few scratches and minor scuffing is just not something to be really concerned about on the bottom of hull. Having a small amount of wear on the bottom is almost unavoidable. I have a beautiful wooden kayak I built myself. Every time I take it out, it comes home with a few minor scratches which, if I didn't like, I would just leave it hanging on the wall and never take it out for a paddle. I built it to use and not be a mantle piece. I certainly do not like the scratches but I know they are inevitable. A coat of good marine varnish every couple years really makes it look new. Don't get me wrong, I believe if mmadge wants a cat with no scratches, go for it but really minor stuff is not a big concern. Don't beat me up too bad for this, just my 0.02 worth.

Whoa ETHobieGuy. Didn't mean to sound like I was trying to beat up on you. Note, I said seems to run better. We all know what the realities are. There's cosmetic and there's functional. If I had a choice, I would definitely choose functional but a little cosmetic sure would be nice. I sail in the Pacific (salt water). That stuff will eat a boat up.

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Happy Sailing,

David

I believe salt water will eat up people too. Just look at some of the folks you see hanging around the beach. Icarried my nice bikes to the coast in Texas one time only to have them begin rusting before I got back home. Never had them on the beach.....just the seawall at Galveston. Won't make that mistake again. I, too, like cosmetic as well as functional.

Prototype Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74sEyot5A_o

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Jeremy - Nice work on the H16 repair videos!!

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2003 Tiger - Don Atchley

"This Old Hobie"

Starring:
Jeremy Leonard

Nice job!

Thanks Guys!!
It's all fun and games. Should I do more?

ABSOLUTELY DO MORE!

I think you're on to something.

Suggested topics:
1. Beach Launching
2. Decal Removal

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2003 Tiger - Don Atchley