Hobie Modifications

[1Flatfish]

Here's a couple ideas that Hobie owners might find useful:

1. Pedal springs.

Having used weights in the back of the pedals for a long time, I was still annoyed by the pedals spinning on occasion. The weights held the pedals upright most of the time, but I would still kick them from time to time and they would spin and my foot would end up on the back of the pedal. Still a good idea and worthy of use. Hopefully, this idea will work too. The springs are to hold the pedals in a permanent upright position, but still allow them to rotate back and forth as you pedal.

This is what you need: The screws and washers are all stainless. The springs are not, so they will probably rust eventually and have to be replaced.



The brackets are made of 3/4" wide aluminum molding. They are about 5" long with a 90 degree bend. The big holes are drilled with a 7/32 bit. The small holes are drilled with a 7/64 bit. The small springs are 3/4" long.



This is a view of the pedals from the front. The small screws hold the springs to the brackets at the top.



This is the back view. The brackets are attached to the pedal posts with the larger screws and washers. The holes in the pedal posts were made with an 11/64 bit. The small holes in the pedals were made with 5/64 bit. This is where the springs attach to the pedals.



I have not tested this system yet. It should work. Famous last words! This is just an idea to get people thinking. I know there are probably better ways of doing this. I was thinking Hobie should just make bicycle type pedals that are two-sided so it would matter which side you foot ended up on.

2. Hobie Live Well intake screen. Simple. Not so much a screen but thin diameter wire threaded back and forth across the opening through small holes. This works great. Try to find stainless wire or other non-corroding wire. I actually used solid silver wire bought from a bead craft store. Yeah, it's pure silver, but not very expensive. Just a couple bucks for a small amount of wire, and it won't rust away.



Just some ideas that may be helpful.

Wayne