Return to Hobie.com
Hobie Forums
It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 1:46 pm

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Thu May 24, 2018 10:16 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Thu May 24, 2018 10:04 am
Posts: 1
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


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Fri May 25, 2018 2:32 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 10:25 am
Posts: 4176
Location: Jersey Shore
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


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Aug 17, 2021 5:13 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Captain

Joined: Sat Aug 01, 2020 2:13 pm
Posts: 107
Location: Conway, New Hampshire
srm, how do hulls 'absorb' water?

_________________
Image Image
'89 H14 'Jaws'
'85 H16


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Tue Aug 17, 2021 9:16 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Captain

Joined: Wed May 12, 2021 3:51 pm
Posts: 84
Location: Poplar Grove, IL
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?

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


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Aug 18, 2021 5:41 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 10:25 am
Posts: 4176
Location: Jersey Shore
Robie Hobie wrote:
srm, how do hulls 'absorb' water?


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


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Thu Aug 19, 2021 3:16 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Captain

Joined: Sat Aug 01, 2020 2:13 pm
Posts: 107
Location: Conway, New Hampshire
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.

_________________
Image Image
'89 H14 'Jaws'
'85 H16


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Jump to:  
© Hobie Cat Company. All rights reserved.
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group