Glider refinish for Ventus cT? Florida, or Poland maybe?

[Michael N.]

I am thinking about getting my Ventus CT glider refinished.

I live in Southwest Florida the gel coat is original.

I have seen previously threads about a group of people getting together and sending their planes to Poland for refinishing? Just wondering about that. Or any other suggestions.

Thanks,

Mike

[Glenn Betzoldt]

You can get a good job done in Southern Ontario, Canada

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[Charles Mampe]

Yes, they are an option, but, I have heard a mixed bag of replies. Most have been good, but not all.

[Michael N.]

What company? Contact information?

Thanks!

Mike N.

[Charles Mampe]

I believe this is them.....

http://xu-aviation.com/

[Leon Zeug]

Had my ‘20 refinished In PU by Danny S. at William’s CA. Almost three days driving one way and my biggest hassle was driving through the Sierras. Result - excellent refinish/ first rate work. He provided pictures as needed of all sanding down to glass, and painting progress. 

Leon Zeug

[RC Gibbons]

David Mockler (Texas Soaring Specialties) refinished my Ventus cT in 2014. Down to the glass with PU refinish). Still looks great 11 years later. David has refinished a number of gliders at TSA. 

His shop is located in Azle, just west of Ft. Worth. TX.

Contact at david(dot)mockler(at)att.net

Bob

[RC Gibbons]

Forgot to add, David's schedule is limited, he indicated his next opening for refinish would be next winter.

[Michael N.]

Thanks, I'll send him a message. Appreciate it.

[Stuart Hoiness]

Danny refinished my Ventus 2B and did a great job.  He was great to work with through the whole process.

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[Steven Wertheimer]

+1 recommendation for Danny. He refinished a glider for me a few years ago and does fantastic work.

[RC Gibbons]

Just so there is no confusion, we're talking about 2 separate people. David Mockler is in Ft. Worth, his brother Danny is in Moriarty, NM.

[George Underhill]

The Danny that refinished Leon's -20 and our club's -21 is at Schaefer Aviation.  He does excellent work.

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[Lawrence Spinetta]

what are the costs?  (in general)

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[Richard Kennedy]

https://www.schaeferaviation.com/

Danny is no longer at Williams Soaring.

He is currently refinishing my Discus..

Richard Kennedy
+1.470.532.6098 (text or WhatsApp)

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[petrfolw]

A few years ago, when I bought my 1-35, I had it repainted in Arkansas by Gene Cornwell. I definitely recommend him as well. It's halfway there for everyone. Petr 

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

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[Michael N.]

So  to confirm, Danny as discussed in this thread, is at Schaefer Aviation as noted above correct?

I'll give him a call as well.

Then there is David, in Texas, whom I have contacted by e-mail. As noted above.

I am still wondering about possibilities and costs of sending the glider to Poland as well. Anyone interested or have knowledge of that?

I know you need a group of at least four guys to make the shipping costs practical. I may have a lead on a container configured for gliders, used by another glider pilot I met on a Condor soaring group a few days ago.

Anyway I'm not in a hurry and may wait until the end of this season.

Mike N.

[Gregg Leslie]

I just had my 20 done at XU, you can email me if you want..I can give you the run down..

Gregg Leslie

802-598-4993

On Jan 27, 2026, at 9:50 AM, Michael N. <mike...@gmail.com> wrote:

So  to confirm, Danny as discussed in this thread, is at Schaefer Aviation as noted above correct?

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[Bruno Ramseyer]

Colin Mead has experience of sending Container with Gliders to Poland

If you PM e-mail me I can send you his Telephone No.

Muttley

[Bill Tisdale]

There is a group at GBSC that sent 4 gliders over for refinish. Pete March just posted on RAS Prime about the container availability after their gliders return.

At least one was found to have some fiberglass UV damage under gelcoat cracking that allowed UV to penetrate to the fiberglass. That is being repaired along with some other items that were found.

They are hoping to get them back by early spring.

Bill

[Greg Arnold]

Do you happen to know the rough cost of a Poland refinish, when you include all the expenses, including shipping?

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[Michael N.]

I just received a quote for 20k euros on Friday. To refinish my 15 meter Ventus.

According to the quote I received that includes VAT and tarrifs. So that was a net quote.

I think shipping would be the next thing to consider.

Mike N.

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[Greg Arnold]

I doubt if you would have any VAT if you immediately remove the glider from the country.  That should reduce the price significantly, especially since the Polish VAT appears to be 23%.

Seems like shipping to Poland and back would be expensive, even with several gliders in a single container.

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[Ian Molesworth]

You wouldn't have to pay EU Vat bit you would have to pay US taxes and customs duties. You may very well have to pay a tariff on at least the value of the refurbishment job. I would strongly suggest going with someone experienced in shipping and handling customs to avoid a nasty shock. 

A container is going to cost you about $5k each way. So if you load 5 ships into a 40' then that adds 2k to the cost for everyone. 

This is a full time business for two or 3 Eastern European establishments. There are lots of examples of regelled and newly painted ships to be seen in the EU and the UK. They cone up as good as new and the work lasts well. Some better than original. I have yet to hear of anyone having to have a 2nd job done but that may take another 10 or 15 years. The LAK factory in Lithuania is also doing refinishes. 

Communications with the people doing the work is not always easy and timelines are ..... fluid.

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[Peter March]

we have 4 gliders in Poland right now. PM me for details if you are interested.