Hobie Cat Forums

Hello all. We have a pair of AI's and the older '08 is starting to corrode along the bottom edge and also along the screw holes fore the paddle front bracket. We bought this one used and I think the previous owner did not rinse the salt away Anyone got some advice for us as to what type of paint to use and where to purchase it after sanding these parts smooth? I think aluminum usually does not like to let paint adhere to. I would like to use the newer gloss paint that was used on our later production 2010 that has more gloss in the paint. thanks.

Every couple of years I sand off any loose (bubbling) paint and repaint with good quality can spray paint. Gloss will reflect the sun more than matte finish. It's the reaction between the aluminum, brass and stainless steel that causes the bubbling, not much to do with lack of good clean up, but it always a good idea to rinse well.

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http://KayakingBob.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2007, 2009 & 2010 Hobie AIs and a 2010 TI

Ok, thanks for the reply. I will probably end up buying some ordinary black spray paint after sanding down the rough places, but I must say it seems there should be something better out there to make them last longer than a couple of years when used in a marine enviorment. what's on them appears to be very thin with minimal bond. I'm sure it would all sand off quickly leaving a nice paint free surface for a (primer of some sort?). I googled primer paints for aluminum and the best thing I could come up with (which may or may not be a good idea to use in this application) was zinc cromate. It seemed to be favored when I searched the subject and you can get it in spray cans
. I wonder if Matt Miller has any thoughts on this.

Tomcat, there are many helpful threads on this subject. Just use the search engine. Try Aka, paint, corrosion, etc

You may wish to use spray Epoxy Appliance Paint. First use a safe solvent to remove any oils that may be on the surfaces. I have tried other types of touch-up paint and they either bubbled up or came off easily.

I don't have much... We started anodizing the parts some time ago. I believe the biggest problems are with powder coated versions.

Jacques pointed out this product: http://www.ruppmarine.com/aluma-guard-- ... ay-64.html

May have been recommended in one of the other threads on the subject.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

I took mine to my Linex guy. He charged $15 per aka and now they are bulletproof. This was done a year ago and countless outings and they still look perfect. A little spendy ($60) but worth it.