inflatable inside H18 Hull

I watched that video before and it gives a great view of what I am up against here. Again I have the sawsall but dont want to use it. Especially now that I have these post 87 rudder castings to go on it.

I've been thinking about your problem over night and this may sound crazy, so think about what I'm suggesting for a day or two ....

First: Have you ever made a "Jack-O-Lantern/Carved a Pumkin"? Its the same principle. To cut a opening in a hull I use a Jigsaw set at a 15degree bevel, Ok. I mark out a square opening ... drilling holes at the corners large enough for the jigsaw blade to fit into. If you use a recipricating sawall you can not controll this bevel that well.

Secondly, I have found it is just as easy to fix large opening cut into a hull as a small one ... and is easier to work through also.

So here is what I'm thinking ... carefully mark out the delaminated area and carefully cut the WHOLE area out in one piece!!! I would not cut into the "keel" as you want the hull to retain its shape. Now you will be able to fix the delamination from the "inside" of the removed section ... you may wish to make a "mold" before you cut the section out to be used to support/retain the shape of the removed section as you repair it. I have had success using "trash bags" and then 2-3 layers of fiberglass to make a mold.

When you have repaired the delaminated section using the technics mentioned in several of the posts above...

To re-install the removed/repaired section you will need to install a "lip" around the opening ... I've used marine grade plywood 1/8"-3/16" thick w/ a layer of fiberglass cloth and epoxy. The lip can not be too wide as you need to clamp it in place maybe cut the ply into 4"-6" strips. After coating the lip and allowing it to cure ... sand the mating surface ... mix up a thickened batch of epoxy and replace the repaired section back into position. Fill/sand/fair and then you are ready to re-skin the outside of the hull. I have found that the more time and effort you spend on the filling/sanding and fairing, ie:prep work, the easier the final re-skinning goes. Find/locate/purchase some 2-3 oz "multidirectional/E-cloth" as that works best and comes out smoothest. Fill/sand as required. Note that I start w/ 180grit Wet/Dry and end up finally w/ 2000grit Wet/Dry if I use "Gelcoat" ... it maybe easier to paint somekind of "graphic" over the repairs ...

I'm down to the last several small pieces of cloth that I purchased 20 years ago and do not know where to find it currently ... maybe Defender Industries or Jamestown ___???? Can somone help us here w/ some current availiblity???

Just to give you some positive encouragement ... I've seen Tony Arrands cut A-cats apart and reshape the bows ... or the deck ... or splice a severed hull back together ... I cut open the "Sandwich Island" P19 (Serial # X001), that Randy Smyth used in the Worrell 1000 to set the elapsed time record that stood for years to repair the internal bulkheads, the opening was 6"wide by 72" long approximently ... we told people we were installing a "bay window".

Take your time ... work slowly ... Measure two or three times before you cut.

I find this type of project relaxing as I can "get lost" in it, and forget all my other worldly problems for awhile.

I know this means ALOT of work ... but it should be technically a straight forward process... a BIG project ... but straight forward none the less.

Good Luck and keep us informed about your progress
Harry

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HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11

To install those post 87' rudders you will need to reposition the lowwer rudder gudgeon by "flipping" it over and drilling/taping two new upper holes for that gudgeon ... the existing top holes become the bottom holes.

That can be another "can of worms" ... you may need to install a port hole behind the rear crossbar so you can access/install a new aluminim backing block

Been there ....done that

Harry

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HarryMurphey
H-18 mag/ #9458
Fleet 54 Div 11

I have done this allready and it doesn't give reliable results. You have worse delam than I repaired. The problem is that the outer skin will continue to zipper apart from the foam and inner lining. The inner skin is a burlap like single layer of glass with little strength or rigidity. The foam in the delamed area will be seriously deteriorated and will not adhere back to the inner or outer skins. Not to mention the weight you will be adding to the boat. I used air pressure inside the hull to push the resin back out of the voids. It works well but doesn't hold up.

If you really wish to restore her the best method is to remove the outer skin and the foam core and rebuild the outer skin using the inner as a form for laying up. Or make a mold of the hull and lay up inside the mold. Neither are easy repairs but will last. I have often thought of creating a set of carbon hulls but cost is too much for my pocketbook. The carbon A's are soo sweet and light.
My 2 cents

, I would like to start by just saying that.....

First thanks for your replies, this is just what I was looking for. It sounds like a lot of work for sure and I am not by any means a professional glasser but have time and tools. It sounds like the pressure from the inside will not hold to the deteriorated foam and inner glass, or at least not for long. That was my best idea so far so I am scraping that. It doesnt make any sense to do something that isnt going to last.

I guess if I understand the other option is removing the Gel and foam but leaving the inner glass layer and setting foam and reglassing the entire hull. I guess this would be just as good as it would get as the foam would be new. My concern with this one is that the delam is almost the length of the hull and i would basically be taking the whole side off.

Making a mold would work great but I dont have the space or working knowledge to make it successful. Just being honest. I have $100 in glass is all now for the 2 gallons of penetrating epoxy. If I do either of these it will be $500?

How much for new hulls and anyone know of any in FL?

Again thanks for the info...

I cut them up and they hit the trash on tuesday. Bought an '84 with good hulls and am working on them now. Will have one complete boat when it is all done. Just an update. I will also post some pictures when I get a chance.

Congrats, both on making the best decision on your old hulls AND finding a decent set of newer ones.

I really wish the Factory would make 18 hulls available at a discount price, it would make reviving some of the older boats out there so much more a viable solution.

Actually, a package deal on New Hulls, With a new tramp and a set of sails would probably be quite appealing.

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If the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, maybe it is time to water your own lawn.

http://groups.msn.com/BryansHobiePage/shoebox.msnw?Page=Last

Here is the updated photo blog on the hulls. I am going to get some shots of the new hulls and the progress i am making with those.

Its always sad when you see a Hobie go into a trashcan, but overall i think you made the best choice. I cant wait to see pics of the new boat. Then you can get sailing!!!

I figured i would end this post with the parting shots of the boat...she will be missed.

http://groups.msn.com/BryansHobiePage/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=30

I am going to mount these coming out the roofl of the tiki bar....

http://groups.msn.com/BryansHobiePage/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=44