GOOD MORNING,

I'M A POWER-BOATER ON A SABBATICAL. I WANT TO BRING MY OLD G-CAT 5.0 BACK TO LIFE. IT'S BEEN IN THE BACK YARD FOR SEVERAL YEARS, AND THE HULLS APPEAR TO HAVE SOFTENED ON THE SIDES, AND ON THE DECK. I WOULD LIKE TO SOMEHOW REINFORCE THE HULLS. I'M NOT SURE IF TO SAND THE GEL-COAT OFF AND REINFORCE FROM THE OUTSIDE, OR CUT THE HULLS OPEN AND DO IT FROM THE INSIDE. ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

THANKS,

VIC.

G'day Vic you'll get heaps of answers dont sand the gelcoat off. I dont know the layout of a Gcat but definately from the inside, I cut the decks of my stingray and put divinacell foam under them then used wessystem to put them back on and bulkheads in the hulls to make a rigid boat. Its a huge job very satisfying but not cheap any photo's of your boat? is it really bad?
regards

JEFF,

THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUICK REPLY. HOW DID YOU CUT THE DECKS OFF OF THE BOAT? WAS THE CUT MADE ON THE TOP DECK ITSELF, OR DID YOU CUT ALONG THE SIDES OF THE HULL?

MY HULLS HAVE BECOME VERY SOFT ON THE SIDES, AND THE TOP DECK IS ALSO BECOMING FLIMSY. I WOULD LIKE TO GET ON THE INSIDE AND LAY A FEW LAYERS OF FRESH GLASS. I'M NOT SURE IF TO CUT "WINDOWS" ON THE TOP DECK FOR ACCESS, OR TO CUT ALONG THE HULL/DECK JOINT FOR FULL ACCESS.

THANKS AGAIN,

VIC.

Vic,

For all the trouble that would require, you would be better off to invest your money in a new used boat. Plenty of great boats can be had for around $1000.

agree with Jake. the potential result and costs are far not worth the trouble.

I'll add my .02 as well. By the time you reinforce these, they'll weigh too much for good performance. Not saying it couldn't be done (though with these it sounds like that might be the case!), but for the time involved just put in some overtime at work and look for another set of hulls or a whole used boat in better condition. $1000-$1500 later, you'll be on the water rather than slaving over dead hulls.

Kevin
Trac 14
Prindle 18

I think I know someone in Texas that can help you with those hulls......

Simply laying new glass over the soft areas does not address the issue...the core has gone soft, not the outer layers (which den\pend on the core for stiffness). Typical way to repair a soft core area is to drill small holes through the outer layer of glass into the core but not through the ineer layer. Make a pattern of holes all across the soft area. Take a small syringer filled with epoxy thickened with light to medium density filler (get it near peanut butter thickness), then inject into the holes as completely as possible. After setting, sand off any lumps on the surface, paint or gelcoat the ares for appearance sake and you;re done.

This is only practical if the soft areas are limited in size. It does add weight, but not much on reasonable sized areas.

The guys are right. Another boat it is..... <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
It's not worth the labor, especialy for that much of the hull(s)......

GENTLEMEN,

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSES. I THINK YOU'VE HELPED ME SEE THE INEVITABLE. I MAY JUST USE THE HULLS AS PRACTICE TO HONE MY GLASSING SKILLS, AND WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

ON ANOTHER NOTE, WHAT WOULD BE A GOOD SITE FOR USED CATAMARAN LISTINGS? I'VE GONE TO CATSAILOR, AND BOATRADER, BUT DIDN'T FIND MUCH.

THANKS AGAIN,

VIC.

Bro,

Caps lock off is more betterer.

There are many other places to find used cats butt I think catsailor is the best.

Go here and search as many Craigslist cities as you like.

http://crazedlist.org/

Search for catamaran and then Hobie.

You can find some great deals.

G'day Vic sorry I didn't reply sooner I've been away working. The guys have put you right its finanially unviable to repair the hulls but if you love to tinker go for it. Just remember it will cost you $500-1000 to get the boat to float again which really is a waste if it stops you getting a boat that sails well and you can be proud off. If you go ahead we'll answer any question you throw at the forum regards

Sorry I posted the Stingray one by accident I was going to use that name originally when I joined Catsailor.
regards

The Beach Cats is another good place to look.

www.thebeachcats.com