Cleaning a CompTip Mast

I have a CompTip mast and the CompTip portion is looking faded and scuffed. Does anyone know if there is a recommended way to clean it up and restore the original sheen?

Thanks,

Wayne

The CompTip outer material is basically, Gel Coat. You should be able to use a rubbing compound or polishing compound to return some amount of black shine. Depends on how deeply oxidized it has become. Worst case the gel has worn thin and is showing fiber. That would require a paint. Epoxy or Vinyl paint.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Hi Matt, There's an Epoxy paint at Lowes that's for appliances (like refrigerators). Would that be acceptable for painting the comptip? I recently purchased a used Getaway and the comptip has fiber showing like you mentioned. Would a more appropriate repair be to re-coat it with some fiberglass resin? Do you guys recommend a particular product? Also, the comptip worked its way a few inches out of the aluminum mast section when I trailered it home after purchase. is there an established repair procedure for this?

Thanks.

I was told Vinyl paint is flexible and would work.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Really any type of rattle can spray paint will work. You just need to seal and protect the fibers from UV light. I've used basic Krylon from Home Depot and it lasts a few years before needing to be re-applied. Be sure to clean the mast first. Then give a light sanding with 100-150 grit sand paper. Wipe down the tip with acetone to ensure a nice clean surface. Mask off any areas that you don't want painted (like the stainless steel hardware) and then shoot it with paint. Let it dry in the sun for a few hours and you're good to go.

sm