I just bought a SC19. Cat is in good shape, but the hulls show some oxidation from being outside. No soft spots, just faded.
Can anyone give me some tips on refinshing/repainting them?
I'd be greatful for any help.
I have alot of information on this process. In the past 2 years I have done it to both a Hobie 14 and 16. I'd suggest filling in any chips or scratches with a fairing compound then spot prime the areas that you faired. The next step is to sand the hulls smooth down to about 220 grit. I used an Interlux one part product called Toplac that is very easy to apply and does not require priming unless the surface is in bad condition. I applied the paint with a foam roller them used a brush to brush out the streaks and bubbles. The can says you can apply 2 or 3 coats within 24 hours. I found that in order to get a good finish I waited 24 hours after the first coat, sanded the drips then applied the 2nd coat. It took me 1.5 quarts to apply 2 coats to a Hobie 16 hulls only (no decks). See htttp://www.yachtpaint.com for more information or feel free to either PM me or e-mail me.
If your hulls are not bad enough to need repainting, give a go at the 3M gelcoat restoration products. I've restored a badly oxidized Nacra 5.2 and a slightly oxidized Nacra 6.0 using this stuff in combination with a power buffer (strong grinder style). They both came out excellent! You will definitely need the buffer to do an effective job - do not confuse the buffer with a 'random orbit polisher'. The polisher doesn't have near enough ooomf. There are two or three different strengths of the 3m compound based on degree of oxidation.
From my experience....If you deide to repaint / gelcoat, I would do all the prep work my self and take it to a pro for color coat. I am fairly handy but I got what I paid for. It aint that bad but I am aware of the flaws. In light of all the time involved with disassembly and reassembly(hindsight) I would have taken it out for the color coat. Not to mention you need the correct environment and personal protective equipment(this stuff is dangerous) My $.02 Flame on?
I would suggest that you paint as a last resort…it is going to be a lot of work, expense, eqipment and expertise to do it right (Awlgrip)not to mention adding weight to the hull…Also when the time comes to resell, prospective buyers may be suspicious of painted hulls as in “what is the paint hiding”……
I have seen more boats ruined by well intentioned people who thought that a new coat of paint was going to be an improvement, then from any other cause. More than likely, the boat will be just fine if you buff out the gelcoat… SC is a superior product… I use to have a 17SC that I buffed out with very good results…
Bob