Need advice on refinishing EPO rudders

pknapp66

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Registered: May 09, 2009

Last visit: Aug 14, 2024

Posts: 686
Posted: Mar 04, 2012 - 11:42 AM

I have a set of Epo's that have the glass showing on one side most likely from being stored on the tramp
in the sun. I would appreciate any advice on the proper method to refinish these.

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Pete Knapp
Schodack landing,NY
Goodall Viper,AHPC Viper,Nacra I20
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sailinagin

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Posted: Mar 04, 2012 - 04:53 PM

I used an automotive grade, hi gloss black rattle can spray paint. I did multiple light coats and lightliy sanded each coat with 1000+ paper. After two seasons and stored outside they still look great. Only wear area is where it rubs in the hinge point.

I had glass showing like your picture but not quite as much area. With the multiple thin (5-6) coats they smoothed out nicely. I hung them up as I painted them as well to keep dust from settling on them. The idea came from a power boat fiberglass repair buddy of mine.

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David
Memphis, TN
'84 Hobie 18
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dtbrown89

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Posted: Mar 04, 2012 - 05:38 PM

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

I've got 4 epo's to repair and the previous set we did exactly like this and it turns out great. BTW mine look exactly like yours
pknapp66

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Posted: Mar 04, 2012 - 08:45 PM

Did you need to use the filler on the exposed glass or is the epoxy alone enough to cover it?

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Pete Knapp
Schodack landing,NY
Goodall Viper,AHPC Viper,Nacra I20
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BigWhoop

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Registered: Jun 27, 2006

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Posts: 71
Posted: Mar 04, 2012 - 11:17 PM

This edition of the Hotline has some instructions in bringing them back to better than new.
http://www.w1dm.com/projects/HOTLINE/11-04-06%20HOTLINE.pdf
dtbrown89

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Posted: Mar 05, 2012 - 04:41 PM

We just use the filler for any nicks on the TE or LE. Otherwise just mix up some epoxy and graphite powder and you should be good to go. Sand down like you would finish the hulls and it will look brand new
pknapp66

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Registered: May 09, 2009

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Posted: Mar 05, 2012 - 05:13 PM

Sounds easy enough. Already have the epoxy. Where does one find graphite powder?

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Pete Knapp
Schodack landing,NY
Goodall Viper,AHPC Viper,Nacra I20
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BigWhoop

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Posted: Mar 05, 2012 - 05:32 PM

Wherever they sell WEST system epoxy. Comes in a can for about $20. You get a lot in the can. A little bit really makes the epoxy black.
dtbrown89

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Posted: Mar 05, 2012 - 05:45 PM

yeah it tells you on the can its like 10% to the amount of epoxy or something like that
fa1321

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Posted: Mar 06, 2012 - 07:31 AM

I tried the west systems route on mine the first coat was great then I did a second coat and it bubbled up bad. Im in Houston so I think it just kicked to fast or something if you can do it in a climate controlled area the west system route looks great otherwise I would just spray paint them.
rattlenhum

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Posted: Mar 06, 2012 - 11:43 AM

My 2 cents:

I used a little colloidal silica, otherwise the epoxy tended to "run" before it set. However, I wasn't using West and I didn't use a foam roller.....that could be the difference. (Jeremy's awesome videos weren't around back then.) Be careful not to add too much width to the head.....EPO heads are already large, and you want to be sure it will still fit in the castings. The graphite doesn't cut all the UV rays, so they can eventually dull/get chalky if left in the sun. I use a topcoat of appliance epoxy paint (cheap and easy to touch up) and cheap rudder covers....has kept them looking great for a very long time.

Take care of those things....they're good as gold!

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Jerome Vaughan
Hobie 16
Clinton, Mississippi
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