Another Hobie drive well Crack

[lbsurf2ca]

I have an older outback which has a cracked drive well area. All research has pointed to call your local dealer to check warranty.

Called OEX they were very helpful in getting the info over to hobie. Even though my Yak was 5 years out of warranty they did offer a new hull for prorated rate of $750. Unfortunately thats just way out of budget right now.

Anyone have any good ideas for repair? I tried some marine grade epoxy solution which worked for about 2 hours on the water then started leaking again.

[dorado50]

stress fractures, can't be fixed!

[JOSER85]

I guess going to School to work on airplanes is finally going to pay off
Now this method is actually used to temporarily fix acrylic windows on fixed wing aircraft's.

Now try this!
Take a small drill bit (8/32" or so) and drill the ends of the cracks. Make sure you use a strong light under your kayak so you can see were exactly the crack ends. It wont hurt if you go bigger on the hole. This will stop the crack from spreading more through your yak.
Now start drilling hole's about 1/2'' away from the crack on both sides. Use wire/fishing wire and start threading as if you were sewing. Don't go to light on the wire or it will start to cut through the plastic. Also when your threading it make sure it's slightly tight but not to tight.
This will help the crack from not opening under pressure. That's why the epoxy only worked from a few hours.
And that's pretty much it on that. Now you want to use your epoxy and cover the hole's and the sewing you did.
Make sure before you start this whole process to prep the surfs in which you will be working on.

I added this photo so you get a better under standing.

[Lets_Fish]

Originally Posted by JOSER85

Now try this!
Take a small drill bit (8/32" or so) and drill the ends of the cracks.

1/4" hole?

[Phatford]

The Stop drill at the end of the crack isn't super critical on the size, more important is that you drill Right through the end of the crack, you don't want to give the crack an easy place to start again. I am also an Aircraft Mechanic. You might be suprised how many helicopters are flying now with my Stop drill patches... ha ha

Does Hobie want the Kayak back? Maybe you can fix it... Sell it with full disclosure, and buy a new boat?

[JOSER85]

Originally Posted by Phatford

The Stop drill at the end of the crack isn't super critical on the size, more important is that you drill Right through the end of the crack, you don't want to give the crack an easy place to start again. I am also an Aircraft Mechanic. You might be suprised how many helicopters are flying now with my Stop drill patches... ha ha

Does Hobie want the Kayak back? Maybe you can fix it... Sell it with full disclosure, and buy a new boat?

Not only your Helicopters!

[bus kid]

Originally Posted by Phatford

The Stop drill at the end of the crack isn't super critical on the size, more important is that you drill Right through the end of the crack, you don't want to give the crack an easy place to start again. I am also an Aircraft Mechanic. You might be suprised how many helicopters are flying now with my Stop drill patches... ha ha

SO YOUR THAT GUY. I work as a quality inspector / FAA repair station Rep.I keep seeing Holes drilled on thrust reverser flaps.

[cabojohn]

The $750 prorated warranty is a bunch of shit since that is obviously a design flaw / manufacture defect. Hobie is aware of this.
If you are the original owner I would deal directly with Hobie and get a FREE replacement....I would not settle for anything less.

Like others said...your boat with the crack is now trash. I wouldn't even bother with a repair attempt. $.02

Please keep us updated.

[JOSER85]

Originally Posted by cabojohn

The $750 prorated warranty is a bunch of shit since that is obviously a design flaw / manufacture defect. Hobie is aware of this.
If you are the original owner I would deal directly with Hobie and get a FREE replacement....I would not settle for anything less.

Like others said...your boat with the crack is now trash. I wouldn't even bother with a repair attempt. $.02

Please keep us updated.

Couldn't have said this any better! I 100% agree!

[lbsurf2ca]

CaboJohn I felt the same way, I did go stright to hobie at first but then they sent me to a dealer.

Im thinking of going stright to hobie again. This guy said he would help me out if hobie doesnt replace it.

[dorado50]

No wonder I have a fear of flying!! ahrrr

[Iceman]

I can tell you for certain that it can be welded, I have a rental Outback that I have repaired. Will it last forever..........I keep an eye on it.

Cabo, not many companies out there that will transfer warranty to the second party

[Billy V]

Originally Posted by dorado50

No wonder I have a fear of flying!! ahrrr

lmao I'd rather drive on Firestone Tires.
---------------------------------
On a side note if Iceman Andy says he can fix it you should look no further. He certainly has more experience repairing kayaks than most people.


Bring him the kayak and let him make a repair before you butcher it up.

[h2ofishfo]

na duct neverfails ive made a wallet outta duct tape however it always leaks money