I have a 2002 Wave and would like to know how the backrests attach? How long to remove them? Do they restrict hiking out at all?

Thanks
t-bone

They slide right on the crossbars, then pin them. Takes ~2 minutes to add/remove. It does restrict hiking.

Scuzzlebutt,

Not a bolt or screw of any kind? I assume then it is some kind of quick release pin and the backrests have a receiving hole that the pin slides into. Do you have the backrests and once attached, are they firm or do they have play to them?

Thanks for the info.

I dont have them personally, I saw them on a demo in a mall in Biloxi, MS.

Yes, it is quick release pins.

Seemed pretty solid to me.

The concept with the Wave backrest installation is this:

- The crossbar end caps are removed.
- The backrest tubes insert into the crossbars to a plastic stop.
- A hole is drilled through the hull deck through the crossbar sleeve, crossbar and into the backrest tube.
- The backrest is removed and the holes in the backrest tube are enlarged slightly.
- Re-insert the backrest.
- Depending on needs, either a flat head screw or quick release pin is inserted into the hole (diameter of the hole is different). The screw is flush with the deck and requires a driver to install and remove.

This is a tight fit as the fastener passes through the hull and crossbar but a loose fit in the backrest tube to allow some flexibility there without shearing the pin / screw.

So the pins / screws are simply there to hold the backrest into the crossbar. As you lean on the backrest the tube in the crossbar presses up against the crossbar. Plenty secure.

The option between flat head screw and quick pin may differ dependent on salinity of water sailed. I used flat head screws sailing in "brackish" water, salinity varies between S.F. Bay normal salt water and fresher in Summer. The flat head screws reacted to salt water, resulting in 3/4 deteriorating and breaking off when trying to remove to replace the nets. The only way to get them out was to rotate the backrests to the point of shearing the rivets on the rubber seals. Had to replace them with quick release pins.

This is just my experience. Yours may vary.