Return to Hobie.com
Hobie Forums
It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 10:46 am

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 
Author Message
PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 1:52 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2005 1:44 pm
Posts: 23
Location: Midlothian, Virginia
My '86 epo rudders are showing the fiberglass webbing - probably from too much sun exposure. How do I resurface them?


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Aug 03, 2005 2:07 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Thu Mar 25, 2004 5:39 pm
Posts: 433
Location: West Texas
I'd get some low-density filler (or talcum powder) and mix up some epoxy so that it forms a frosting-like consistancy; then spread it over the rudder, making sure to fill in all the exposed weave. Later you can sand it smooth. :)

_________________
Warm regards,

Jim

Image


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 6:23 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Captain

Joined: Thu Mar 31, 2005 12:30 pm
Posts: 43
Location: JRZ Shore or Lake Erie
I used the West System epoxy with the fast hardener and the graphite filler (same formula as for the bottom jobs). The graphite turns the mixture black and makes the EPO rudder look new again. If you really need to fill some areas, you can add the colloidal silica, but I have not needed this with the rudders. The rudders weight slightly more after this job, but I have noticed no difference in performance. Compared to the plastic rudders on my 14, they work great with no humming.

I have been thinking about adding a layer of gelcoat to the epoxied epo's, but that shall wait until the winter.

Good luck...

_________________
Jeffrey

1983 - H14
1985 - H16


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 10:36 am 
Offline
Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Mon May 24, 2004 10:33 am
Posts: 686
Location: Clinton, Mississippi
Both of the above suggestions sound good, but you need to topcoat or the UV rays will eventually make your rudders chalky and dull. From what I hear, gelcoat may not bind properly on epoxy. Garden variety epoxy appliance paint in a spray can has worked well for me.

I recommend that you use only enough epoxy to smooth over the glass fibers and dings. Too much and you may get runs, sags, and/or clearance problems, and sanding fully cured epoxy is tough! I did my EPOs with laminating epoxy, a little colloidal silica to minimize runs/sags, and graphite filler; then sanded smooth, topcoated with appliance paint, and added a coat or two of polish for good measure. They look great after 6+ months in the sun.

Take care of 'em 'cause EPOs ROCK!

Jerome Vaughan
Clinton, Mississippi


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Thu Aug 04, 2005 12:17 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Wed Aug 03, 2005 1:44 pm
Posts: 23
Location: Midlothian, Virginia
Thanks for the suggestions! I think I'll try the epoxy appliance paint as I don't have any real bad dings or chunks. I'll let you know how they turn out.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: REfinishing EPO Rudders
PostPosted: Sat Nov 05, 2005 4:39 pm 
Offline
Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Thu Oct 27, 2005 11:27 am
Posts: 538
Location: League City, TX
http://www.thebeachcats.com/OnTheWire/h ... /tip29.htm

I found this while check the old On The Wire archives. I plan to do this to mine. Hope this helps.

Doug


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 6 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 2 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Jump to:  
© Hobie Cat Company. All rights reserved.
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group