17Again wrote:
I just picked up a Hobie 17 sport and I have leaking wing sockets. I have made this repair before on other 17's but they were always on the rear sockets (install deck ports and fiberglass the sockets from the inside of the hulls). I will be installing deck ports aft of the front crossbar. Does anyone know how far back from the front crossbar I should mark the center of these ports? I'm not sure if there are any bulkheads in this area and I want to keep it as strong as possible. When I made repairs to the rear sockets I have always used 4" deck ports. Is it OK to use 5" deck ports in the front?
Just a reminder to those with 17's that live in cold climates. When you winterize your boats make sure you keep water out of the wing sockets or fill them with antifreeze. Sticking the wings in the sockets does not keep the water out. If water gets in these sockets and they freeze the ice that forms expands and breaks the fiberglass. This is my 3rd Hobie 17 and all of them have had broken leaking wing sockets.
My 17 is sitting in my backyard.
...in snow.
...with no antifreeze in the sockets.
...the wings are in the sockets.
oops.
_________________
Dave
Truth is treason in the empire of lies.
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