Potential hull problem.

I recently purchased a late 80's hobie 16 and before buying it checked the hull for soft spots, found none. After sailing the other day I drained the hull of water and small pieces of clear plastic emptied out with the water. Does anybody know what these are and could it be serious? Thanks for your advanced help.

Don't worry, your hulls are not falling apart. It is the plastic bag that is used to cover the Styrofoam flotation blocks that are inside the hull. The bag deteriorates after 20-30 years of being inside the hull and starts to disintegrate. Pull as much of the bag out of the hull as you can so it doesn't hold water or clog the drain plug opening. You may even want to install an access port in the deck between the pylons so you can be sure you get all of the bag out and also help dry out the hulls and foam blocks.

sm

Nothing to sweat there! My 83 has been spitting out plastic for about 20 years! Still sails fine.

Dave