Sidekick Mounting on a Outback

I picked up a new Outback after Christmas. I've been running all around Alamitos Bay (Belmont Shores, SoCal) with it and want to try the sailing feature. I've very little sailing experience and have bought the Sidekick AMA kit for added security while learning to sail. I'm going to mount the kit tomorrow but I'm wondering how far behind the seat I should mount the bar. Anyone have suggestions? I'm also wondering if the kit will prevent me from using the paddle when mounted. Appreciate any help and I'm enjoying going through the older topics to learn about Hobies and kayaking.

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I noticed the search engine after putting up my post and found a ton of info on mounting the Sidekick kit. So I'll just count this as my first post under my belt and thank all the previous posters on the issue.

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I have one question: did the directions say anything about placement? Just wondering because I do not have the item to see if Hobie covered that in their written insturctions.

Check out my Outback sailing vids at the bottom of my media page for placement of the Sidekick bar. It works really well in a strong breeze and isn't needed in light wind.

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Mitch

2010 Tandem Island
2010 Revolution
Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore

My sailing blog
Our sailing videos

Hi Mitch,

I saw your excellent videos, including the ama sidekick fixed to a Bravo. Looked like it all worked well!

I have a Bravo and have just purchased the ama kit, but am having trouble trying to decide where best to locate the mount. The obvious place is on the rail behind the seat. However that would interfere with the float height adjustment.

Most grateful for any advice as I'm a bit stumped.

PS - Did you give any thought to mounting the ama kit 'forward' on the Bravo? I see it's been suggested that would allow bolt-and-nut fixing instead of the well nuts that seem to pop out under stress.

With thanks,

Frank

Sorry, you have me confused with someone else - we never owned a Bravo. We had a Sport, Outback, Revo and Tandem. For the Outback and Sport, we mounted the ama bar behind the seat. We decided against mounting the ama kit on the Revo.

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Mitch

2010 Tandem Island
2010 Revolution
Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore

My sailing blog
Our sailing videos