Rudder question

Hi,

I just bought a '86 H17 that is going to need some work. I already have an H18. I have a few questions I could use a little help with so I'll start in with this one first.....

Are these rudders EPO's? I belive they are and would be worth fixing up.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/15211726@N ... 456428508/

I hope this link to the 2 pics works.

-Phil

yes they look to be epo's i'll give you 10 bucks for them. they are worth fixin up!

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Brad Stephens
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NFS

I see some talk in the forum(s) about refinishing using west systems epoxy with graphite in it, is that still the best way to go?. Do I just paint it on and sand down....how many times? How do I prep them first?

Hey phil_e,

This will help with your EPO refurbishment...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNwMgX48uwQ

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Jeremy,
Thanks for the video. Although I have a question - my rudders are the 'gucci' (damn good) looking ones.
One of them is slightly chipped at the very bottom. How do I repair this? Not that they really need a repair. I'm just obsessed and a bit worried if this chip may develop into something larger.

thanks!

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Yuri
Hobie 16
Laser Vago

A bit more specific - the rudders are Carbon / Kevlar Epoxy.

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Yuri
Hobie 16
Laser Vago

The best way that we've found to fix them is to use a clear polyester gelcoat (We use DuraTec). We have filled the repair with carbon on the larger dings so that the repair is almost level and then coated with the clear Gel. sand down to 1000 and buff with Perfectit 3.

Usually I say that anyone can do gel repair, but in this case it's a bit more challenging. There is no way to thicken the clear, so the substrate has to be spot on. There is very little margin for error. Then there's the whole matching the carbon pattern...This is an advanced repair.

Don't sand into the carbon and especially into the Kevlar if you can help it. It gets a little messy. Sometimes the kev will get fuzzy, then you're in trouble.

If I could rate repairs by difficulty, a standard gel repair would be a 2. This would be an 8.

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Watched your video What's in the "EPO Repair Kit"?

-Phil

Epoxy, graphite powder, filler, 3 rollers and brushes. I don't actually use the west systems anymore, I found some better stuff. The kit is $65.

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http://www.thebeachcats.com/OnTheWire/h ... /tip29.htm

May want to try this?

Doug