Return to Hobie.com
Hobie Forums
It is currently Tue Mar 19, 2024 3:27 am

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 3:29 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Thu Dec 03, 2009 11:47 am
Posts: 7
Ahoy,
I made a deal on a 1986 Hobie 17 and discovered a crack on the bottom of the port hull at the forward pad when I was picking up the boat. The owner didn't know about the problem and let me out of the deal. I may still buy the boat, if the hull can be repaired. It was a very bad day for both of us.

The crack is about 6" long and about 2" up from the bottom on the inside of the hull. Both sides of the crack are slighty curved towards the center of the crack. I'm sure it would allow water to enter the hull. The bottom of the hulls have few scratches and there doesn't appear to be any other damage. In fact, the hulls look to be in very good condition and the boat has had very little use. The crack was only discovered when I got under the tramp to tie the boat to the trailer.

Is this a common problem for the H17 to have hull crack(s) at the pads, if sitting on the trailer for long periods of time?

Has anyone tried to repair a problem like this? I'm sure an access hatch would need to be cut in the top of the hull to make the repair. Any idea of the cost?

My guess would be that the cracked area would need to be cut away and a new section would need to be added.

Other option for the owner would be to just part out the boat, but he just wants to get rid of it. The boat doesn't have a main sail and is also missing some of the rigging. The trailer is in poor condition.

All comments would be helpful. My email adress is [email protected], if anyone wants to email me directly.
Thanks,
Bob


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 5:19 pm 
Offline
Hobie Approved Guru

Joined: Mon Jul 14, 2003 7:11 pm
Posts: 5197
Location: Detroit, MI
"If it's fiberglass, it can be fixed."

Pictures would help the diagnosis, but you may not have to cut a port in the deck.

You should check out the "This Old Boat" series in the Hobie HOTLINE magazine - http://www.hobiecat.com/hobieclass. "Blind Hole Repair" is the one you want. There's one article where a huge section of an 18's bottom is replaced.

Trailering, a 17 should never rest on rollers, especially if there's any snow load in the winter. Whenever it's just sitting on the trailer, release the tension on the straps.


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:53 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Thu Sep 17, 2009 12:35 pm
Posts: 313
Location: Lake Champlain, Vermont
Yes, simple fix if you dig glassing. You can do it from the outside with the effected area cut out or thru a top hole later to be replaced by a deck port. (Check what's inside where you plan to cut the hole). Get a better deal on it and buy it. Read the Hotlines. Personally I like the fix from the inside better, I can add lots of re-enforcement.

_________________
H18, H17 & Various motor boats


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 3 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