I purchased a 1987 Hobie 17 late last summer. Overall the boat is in good shape but the hulls need to good refinishing. There are several spots with gouges/scratches as well as gel coat crackes (deck and gudgeons attach to the transom). I was considering using the West System to fill the gouges and scratches and perhaps NewGlass on the hulls.
I would appreciate any feedback.
Thanks,
Joe
You need to talk to this guy:
![[Linked Image]](http://jk2clan414.ath.cx/albums/tadproject/aai.sized.jpg)
MauganH17 is his username 
If you're thinking of painting them...check out this article:
"New Shine for an Old Hull"
(This article was originally published on SailNet in October, 1999, authored by Don Casey.)
http:/
Tom H.
If you like the color consider sanding thru the grits, and polishing the hulls with machines. There is a thick coat of gelcoat to work with. 120-600 grits should do it. There are many polishing compounds and treatments for plastics which give quite a luster.
If you do that fill the scratches with polyester of a matching color.
Paint adds weight and can scratch off.
West epoxy is good for structural repairs on the inside, but is ugly, has no uv protection, and must be painted over.
BOOYAH
![[Linked Image]](http://www.thewolfweb.com/photos/00117947.jpg)
Now y'all wont have to hear me bitch about it anymore 
Hi, just refinishing my hulls and metalwork...looks OK. Nige, H17, Sea Duck 3, #6424
Hi, open the attachment above for a pic of the H17 in her full splendor. Nige
Nigel, Is that a windlass on your trailer? (the boat looks very fine)
When in the refinishing process would one add the decals?
only after you've put on the final coat of blue... I mean... paint