H18 bent wing repair :: Catamaran Sailboats at TheBeachcats.com

H18 bent wing repair

darrylreiter

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Mar 25, 2011

Last visit: Jun 28, 2016

Posts: 7
Posted: Mar 20, 2016 - 08:32 AM

Hi, I'm looking for advice on how to repair an aluminum wing. The stud sheared off my wing anchor plate last season causing the forward wing mount to fail resulting in the wing dropping the aft section to the hull while I was out. (Hassle aside, it was kind of exciting to fly off the stern of the boat and steer while doing a body drag- but that's another story). The metal has buckled and the weld where the brace attaches is cracked. Any aluminum experts out there? I know welding aluminum weakens it.

See pics below. Thanks!
car_guy

Rank: Mate

Registered: Sep 25, 2010

Last visit: Oct 12, 2023

Posts: 180
Posted: Mar 20, 2016 - 10:16 AM

I cant see your pics but I assume the weld under the seat for the smaller diameter straight bar "leg" broke. Without hesitation I would bring to a welding shop and have them repair. I would also have them add a brace between the "legs" like Hobie did on the later model magnum wings. Bring the boat to the shop so the leg can be tacked in place and then removed and finish welded.

Pic of added brace
DamonLinkous

Rank: Administrator

Registered: Jul 19, 2001

Last visit: Nov 15, 2024

Posts: 3446
Posted: Mar 20, 2016 - 06:32 PM

I checked your image links and it looks like you used the url of a page or navigation image instead of the actual address of the image.

I've had a wing support weld break and had it welded back on by an expert. Good as new except you don't have the anodizing any more.

Main thing is to find a real expert on welding thin walled aluminum pipes together. I found a guy locally that specialized in fixing/welding motorboat propeller blades, so my jog was easy for him.

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Damon Linkous
1992 Hobie 18
Memphis, TN

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darrylreiter

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Mar 25, 2011

Last visit: Jun 28, 2016

Posts: 7
Posted: Jun 28, 2016 - 09:29 AM

Thanks for the pointers, guys. I found an aluminum welder - job fixed for $120. As it turns out the curved section can be ordered from Hobie for $400 USD (I'm in Canada so more like $520 plus shipping). I have to say, that I think I'll be a bit nervous during my first few big wind days "on wing."

Edited by darrylreiter on Jun 28, 2016 - 09:35 AM.
darrylreiter

Rank: Lubber

Registered: Mar 25, 2011

Last visit: Jun 28, 2016

Posts: 7
Posted: Jun 28, 2016 - 09:30 AM

Thanks for the pointers, guys. I found an aluminum welder - job fixed for $120. As it turns out the curved section can be ordered from Hobie for $400 USD (I'm in Canada so more like $520 plus shipping). I have to say, that I think I'll be a bit nervous during my first few big wind days "on wing."