How to fix scratch in gelcoat?

We are working on a heavier duty scuff and bump pad kit to keep the most likely surfaces protected. This should be ready in the fall. It would cover up existing bumps and scratches.

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

I concur with the other Eclipse users regarding the Eclipses gelcoats propensity to scratches. Just in our first outing we have a half dozen scratches in the gel coat. I have dragged my Hobie 16 over rocky beaches for 15 years without a serious scratch. I will be paying more attention at this point in beaching and protecting the board but I support the other forum members concern that the Eclipse is a high performance and high ticket price item and I would have expected more durability. I also implore Hobie to design a scratch repair kit for Eclipse owners.

Totally agree!

I baby the $hit out of my Eclipse, and scratches pop up.

Not to mention the "scrape" mark's on the handlebar upright silver finish when the unexposed section is extended.





Touch up paint in one oz. size would be cool!

I use this at least weekly, and still love it!

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Wil Thoms
Newport Beach

Hobie 16 with Tequila Sunrise sails (in the past)
Hobie Revo 11 for peddle, paddle, fishing and sailing
Hobie Eclipse 10.5 Solar Yellow
SurfTech 12' Touring SUP

I've had my mirage eclipse for a year and love it. People are really intrigued by it but once they hear how much it costs and see how easily it damages, they lose interest. Step up, Hobie!

I just bought a new 12 ft Eclipse from a local Hobie dealer yesterday.

I don't see rail protection kits or paint repair kits listed in the Eclipse P & A catalog. My dealer knows nothing about them either. My brand new Eclipse came with a chip already made in by the dealer it right through the gelcoat to the white core on its top deck. The dealer still made me pay the full price for it!!! No scratch and dent sale discounts ever will be allowed at his Hobie store he says.

Other concerns of a new Eclipse owner:

There are two open empty screw holes bored through the underside (hull) of my new Eclipse where the two holes are that the wheels insert in to. It looks like some kind of protection plate is missing that should be attached here to reinforce the holes where the wheels are inserted. Should I fill these empty screw holes in with epoxy before putting this craft in water? Don't want water to get into the core of the board.

When I transport my Eclipse on my trailer rack bottom side up, where are the two best spots support- wise for the two padded racks bars to contact the deck of the boat.

Can the Eclipse stored safely in my unheated boat house in sub zero winter temps or should I store it in my heated garage? will the gelcoat crack at low New England winter temperatures?

My Dealer did not know the answers to the above questions.
Thanks for your help. Hope I can use my new Eclipse soon without damaging it.
PS
I just found the rail protection kit in the catalog.