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Is this gelcoat/fiberglass recoverable?

2K views 8 replies 3 participants last post by  deniseO30 
#1 ·
First of all, as a new member I should say this forum is a wonderful resource.

I am looking into used Hobie cats, and found this one at a discount but with some considerable dirt and discoloration. I'm curious if fiberglass/gelcoat like this can be recovered, and how much work/money would the task involve.

Thanks!

can't post an image so I'll have to just do the link:

funjable.com/gelct.jpg
 
#2 ·
looks a little far gone. once it is pitted it is not going to polish up. whats at a discount, I have seen several Hobie 16 that are going for free. the Hobie's are everywhere and if you look you will find one that is worth saving. good complete Hobie will sell for around $1000. even the latter ones like the Hobie 18 are only $1500 to $3000. it's not just the hull that needs to be good condition, the Trampoline and the sails need to be in good shape or it is not a good deal even at free. if you have to buy a few parts to fix it up you will exceed the worth of the boat. the Hobie 18, Prindle 16 or 18 are much better sailing boats then the old Hobie 16.
 
#4 ·
Thanks overbored,

Ah wish I was in CA

When I say at a discount I mean $200, supposedly the rest is on good enough shape. Have yet to see the boat but assuming the hulls, sails and hardware are in decent shape, around me this seems like a pretty sweet deal.

So I understand pitting won't polish up, but is there any way to refinish it? Also, assuming none is below the waterline, might it clean up a bit to look more presentable, and I could just live with it?
 
#6 ·
At $200 and if it is all there and usable. clean it up with soft scrub and go sailing. if it turns out to be the boat for you, then it might be worth a coat of paint. the deck gets the most sun and wear but also look at the bottom of the keel they can get worn thin to the point of leaking from dragging through the sand. check out Cat sailor for a lot of info and boats for sale Catsailor.com Classified Ads
 
#7 · (Edited)
Looks more like mold and mildew. that the only pic? If it's nearly free I'd take it! if the bottoms are gone thin. epoxy cloth and fill the weave. maybe reinforce the inside bottom too. Fill, fair, and finish.....
 
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