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PostPosted: Wed Nov 30, 2022 5:24 pm 
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Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2022 3:24 pm
Posts: 2
G'day Everyone.
Can't seem to find if this has been posted before, so I'll ask here.
I have two 1970's era Hobie 16's and have to fix some delamination on both of them, especially forward decks (too many years out in the Queensland Sun).
The old girls are only being used for family fun, their racing days are over.
Thing is, I know HOW to fix the delamination, the question is, what type of resin??
West system epoxy?
Polyester resin?
Vinyl ester resin?
Can't seem to find a consensus on what type is best!
Any professionals out there who have done this successfully?
Thanks in advance.

Foxy


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PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2022 3:13 am 
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Joined: Mon May 24, 2004 10:33 am
Posts: 686
Location: Clinton, Mississippi
I have done/seen this repair done several times. I believe that the consensus is to use epoxy since it's stronger (and less expensive?) than poly or vinylester. The West System products are nice and pricey, but there are lots of alternatives (in US at least). I've heard Git-Rot and G-flex recommended. Personally, I use the cheapest laminating epoxy I can find...like from these guys.... [url]https://fgci.com/shop/?filters=product_cat[68][/url]

It's not like you are building a wood strip canoe, furniture, kitchen countertop...you just need the strength.

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16


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PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2022 10:27 am 
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Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 10:25 am
Posts: 4176
Location: Jersey Shore
I agree, use a low viscosity laminating epoxy resin. If the resin just runs into the hull, then you may have some voids in the inner fiberglass layer which are allowing the resin to pass through. In that case, you can try adding thickener, but I would start with just straight resin.

You can’t go wrong with West Systems. I personally use epoxy from USComposites.com. They are a lower cost option that has always worked well for me.

sm


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PostPosted: Tue Dec 06, 2022 11:15 am 
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Joined: Tue Jul 24, 2018 12:20 pm
Posts: 166
Location: Galveston, Texas
Definitely epoxy resin - it "glues" better than polyester or vinyl ester. Don't know why, it just does. And, for this project, the cheapest "laminating" resin you can find (won't really be "cheap"). You want laminating resin for its thin viscosity so it'll flow into the holes you drill. Slow set to give you time, etc.

Good luck!

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ChuckC
H21SE- 408


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PostPosted: Mon Dec 19, 2022 7:49 pm 
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Joined: Tue Feb 22, 2022 3:24 pm
Posts: 2
Thanks guys.
Epoxy (especially Wests) is the most expensive type here.
Was going to use Vinyl ester, but might give the epoxy from Boatcraft Pacific a try first.
Cheers,

And a Merry Christmas to all!


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PostPosted: Thu Dec 22, 2022 12:20 pm 
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Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
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Location: Oceanside, California
Be sure it is laminating resin and not finishing resin. Laminating resins are somewhat flexible when cured. That is better than hard and brittle.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)


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PostPosted: Sun Dec 25, 2022 11:49 am 
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Joined: Sun Dec 23, 2007 1:20 pm
Posts: 493
Location: Clearwater, FL
Matt,

If a finishing resin is "hard and brittle", then is it more resistant to abrasion from sand? For example, is it better for a "bottom job touchup" where the existing fiberglass cloth is still intact?

I do a bottom job on my 84H16 about twice a year and for the last two years I have been using the vinyl ester resin with the polyester gelcoat with good results.

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Tim
84 H16
82 H16
87 H14T
Tortola Sails: 115222
Blue Prism Sails: 88863
Clearwater, FL
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PostPosted: Mon Dec 26, 2022 1:57 pm 
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Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
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Location: Oceanside, California
Gel Coat is hard and brittle, so good for a stiff wear area (keels). The deck delamination areas are somewhat flexible, so less brittle material is preferred.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)


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