Very simple way to prevent damage to Hobie hulls...

[mingle]

Hi,

Not sure if this has been done before, but anyhow...

I noticed that when yaks are left on the trolley for any length of time, a dent can form where the hull rests on the trolley cross-member. If you're one of those people who store their yak on the trolley (as I am) this might help. I've noticed this problem on Hobies, but I guess it'll work fine for any other yaks that have similar issues...

It's very simple - just two 10cm (or whatever length that's suitable to keep your yak clear of the trolley cross-member) lengths of pool-noodle, slipped over the trolley uprights. With the Hobie carts the fit is nice and snug, but it's also easy to remove if you need it gone in a hurry.

Noodles on cart...

The cart is then inserted into the scupper holes and voila! the pool-noodle sections now support the yak and keep the hull clear of the cross-member! Since the noodles are quite soft and conforming they pose no danger to the hull and they also distribute weight better. The yak is also supported directly under the reinforced scupper holes, which is ever better..

I think Hobie sell some little gadgets that clamp onto the cart uprights to do teh same job, but they're not as quick and simple to use as these...

Cheers,

Mike.

[Brownie]

I have used the pool noodle for a while but it does crush down with time and the holes trnd to loosen with time

Another option that I have heard used but not tried myself is a couple of Tennis balls with the appropriate holes cut in them

[AdrianP]

I've done the same for the Outback. Much cheaper solution than buying the Hobie alternative that clamps onto the uprights. The Hobie clamps do have the advantage that they don't compress so you don't need to add more noodle.

Useful tip in any case for others.

Thanks,

Adrian

[yankatthebay]

a set of those hobie clamps is only $10. not expensive at all. My trolley came with them already on it, I bought an extra set for the trolley I had custom made. Well worth $10

[AdrianP]

For some reason I had $24.95 in my mind. At $10 I'll pick up a set next time I'm at a dealer.

Thanks for the clarification.

Adrian

[YakCult]

Great idea Mike - even when it does compress a little - all you need is to keep the weight off the horizontal bar of the trolley - and it does that!

[mingle]

Plus, a 1.5m pool noodle costs about $3 and can make around 7 sets of the spacers...

[Tbone]

I have a fair dent in mine so this sounds like an excellent idea

[Tbone]

Having already got a fair dent does anyone know if it will stay or return to normal?

[mingle]

@TBone,

My Sport had a bit of a dent (from the previous owner leaving it on the cart), but I found that leaving it off the cart (on the side, whatever) helped lessen the dent. Also, a bit of heat - in my case a 43 degree day - helped it to 'pop' out a bit more.

I guess you could also apply some external heat and some internal pressure to assist, but I''d be careful. Since polyethylene is a thermoplastic, it can be 'remoulded' to a certain extent, but too much heat and you can do serious damage! Once the dent is out, rapid cooling of the plastic (pour some ice-water on it) will help it to 'set' in the new position...

If in doubt, talk to a Hobie dealer, I guess they deal with this issue a lot...

Cheers,

Mike.

[Ranger]

Having already got a fair dent does anyone know if it will stay or return to normal?

It will return to normal.

Rotomoulded plastic has a "memory" just like the bumperbar on your car. A bit of heat to soften it and it wants to pop back into shape.

Leave it laying out in the sun or apply a little gentle heat with a heat lamp (that's how they fix dents in bumperbars).

[Nasman]

Glad I read this before the damage was done.

Cheers, Nas.

[Bart70]

Glad I read this before the damage was done.

Cheers, Nas.

Don't get too caught up in the hype

A dent in the bottom of a plastic hull is hardly what I would class as ''damage''. Won't hurt it, cause it to sink, implode, explode or disintegrate it.

After a while these things are just called ''character''.

Bart70