I see this quoted frequently. Does this refer to a delamination of the glass composite, or some other fiberglass issue? I am assuming that there is little to no wood backing or forming in these modern (post 70's) hulls, hence it would likely be a resin / cloth disassociation issue?

Thank you for the input.

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82 Hobie 18 Alter Signature Model. (The Cisco Squid) Complete refit down to the rivets in 2012.
81 H-16
Rescue California
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Soft spot = delamination. The only wood I am aware of it the transoms of some boats.

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Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
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Construction consists of resin and cloth throw up on a form with a foam core, moisture/wear causes resin&cloth to separate from foam core leaving the outer skin with no foundation/support, hence "soft spots".

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TurboHobo
H14T
H16
P18
G-Cat 5.0
P16
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The foam core is not required to delaminate. Layers of glass also separate from each other.

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Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
--

Thank you.

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82 Hobie 18 Alter Signature Model. (The Cisco Squid) Complete refit down to the rivets in 2012.
81 H-16
Rescue California
--

Yes but a foam core is required for soft spots. Delammed glass by itself just crackles and oil cans excesively then eventually cracks and breaks. That doesnt happen as often is soft spots in foam laminate.

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Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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I looked at a solid glass 5.2 this spring that everything aft of the rear beam had delaminated. It was just as soft as any junk hobie I have messed with. I would call a soft spot a soft spot, foam core or not.

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Greenville SC

Offering sails and other go fast parts for A-class catamarans
--

That is pretty unusual, usually you will see crazing, cracking and leaking before it gets that soft. Unless someone painted over it. Soft spots are insidious in the foam laminate hulls because if the core and backing are delammed, you won't see anything on the hull itself. Until of course you put your hand through it...

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Dave Bonin
1981 Nacra 5.2 "Lucile"
1986 Nacra 5.7 "Belle"
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Best example of how to identify it I know of.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL33jMcV4oM

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Dustin Finlinson • Magna, UT
Member: Utah Sailing Association
1982 Prindle 18
1986 Hobie 17
1982 Prindle 16
1980 Prindle 16(mostly)
1976 Prindle 16(mostly)
Check out "Prindle Sailors" on Facebook.
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Quarath

Best example of how to identify it I know of.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dL33jMcV4oM

Thank you

That explains it perfectly. I guess these were not vacuum formed over the foam cores or the cores were hydrophobic. I get it now and understand how to find it.

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82 Hobie 18 Alter Signature Model. (The Cisco Squid) Complete refit down to the rivets in 2012.
81 H-16
Rescue California
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