Need a little help - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

THE DARKHORSE · 01-29-2011, 07:44 PM

Disclaimer: I'm not the type to rinse my gear after every use.

And from that perspective---the switch is always the first thing to go. I'll just have to plead the fifth on how many I've gone through

. I'm sure I'll get fired for this, but honestly, I wouldn't suggest replacing the same switch.

West Marine carries the same stock switch (for $10) and a switch that's superior (for $20). Well, it's superior in the task of keeping water out and preventing corrosion. The superior switch has a rubber cap that screws in over the switch itself (it's grey in color and looks like a nipple

). You should find it within a couple feet of the stock switch.

If you really, really, really get sick of replacing the switch---cut out the switch entirely. Go straight from pump to battery.

Nic D · 01-29-2011, 07:53 PM

Thanks Josh, ya I definitely don't want to use the same stock switch. is this the switch you were referring to?

http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...classNum=11288

Iceman · 01-30-2011, 07:14 AM

I have replaced a couple stock Hobie tank switches with our sealed toggle and boot that seem to be holding up well.

WahooUSMA · 01-30-2011, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iceman

I have replaced a couple stock Hobie tank switches with our sealed toggle and boot that seem to be holding up well.

Andy replaced mine, haven't had a problem since.....

dsafety · 01-30-2011, 07:57 AM

There are a couple weak links in the stock switch. Mine failed after less than a year, (replaced by Hobie under warranty). When I removed the old switch I discovered that the supposedly sealed wire nut connection inside the tank was severely corroded. I replaced that before replacing the switch and got the thing to work intermittently.

The bigger problem is that while the part of the switch that lives inside the tank is well sealed, the push-pull shaft that is attached to the nob is not. Over time salt water probably gets in to the switch itself and eventually causes a failure. I lubed the shaft on the new switch with dielectric grease in hopes that the grease would provide some sort of a water seal. An occasional squirt of WD 40 would also probably be helpful.

The guys at Hobie told me that a redesign is in the works but would not give any details. If they were asking my advice on what to do, I would recommend scrapping the push pull switch, which is easy to accidentally turn off. A sealed twist or plunger switch would be a better way to go. I would also lobby for moving the switch location to some place that is less likely to be bumped and switched off while reaching back for a rod.

Bob

01-29-2011, 07:44 PM	#1
THE DARKHORSE Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Seven minutes from the launch! Posts: 987	Hi, Nick! Disclaimer: I'm not the type to rinse my gear after every use. And from that perspective---the switch is always the first thing to go. I'll just have to plead the fifth on how many I've gone through . I'm sure I'll get fired for this, but honestly, I wouldn't suggest replacing the same switch. West Marine carries the same stock switch (for $10) and a switch that's superior (for $20). Well, it's superior in the task of keeping water out and preventing corrosion. The superior switch has a rubber cap that screws in over the switch itself (it's grey in color and looks like a nipple ). You should find it within a couple feet of the stock switch. If you really, really, really get sick of replacing the switch---cut out the switch entirely. Go straight from pump to battery. __________________

01-30-2011, 07:14 AM	#3
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	I have replaced a couple stock Hobie tank switches with our sealed toggle and boot that seem to be holding up well. __________________

01-29-2011, 07:53 PM	#2
Nic D Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Clairemont Posts: 813	Thanks Josh, ya I definitely don't want to use the same stock switch. is this the switch you were referring to? http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs...classNum=11288

01-30-2011, 07:57 AM	#5
dsafety Olivenhain Bob Join Date: May 2008 Location: Olivenhain, CA Posts: 1,122	There are a couple weak links in the stock switch. Mine failed after less than a year, (replaced by Hobie under warranty). When I removed the old switch I discovered that the supposedly sealed wire nut connection inside the tank was severely corroded. I replaced that before replacing the switch and got the thing to work intermittently. The bigger problem is that while the part of the switch that lives inside the tank is well sealed, the push-pull shaft that is attached to the nob is not. Over time salt water probably gets in to the switch itself and eventually causes a failure. I lubed the shaft on the new switch with dielectric grease in hopes that the grease would provide some sort of a water seal. An occasional squirt of WD 40 would also probably be helpful. The guys at Hobie told me that a redesign is in the works but would not give any details. If they were asking my advice on what to do, I would recommend scrapping the push pull switch, which is easy to accidentally turn off. A sealed twist or plunger switch would be a better way to go. I would also lobby for moving the switch location to some place that is less likely to be bumped and switched off while reaching back for a rod. Bob