Outback Leak

Hey - Newbie needs some help. I've got an Outback SUV that's about 6 mths old. Up until today, the hull has been bone dry and have really not had any issues with the kayak. After about 4 hours on the water this morning, I had major water in the hull. After checking it out, turns out there's a small crack in the little notched-out area at the front of the opening for the pedal drive. This is the little cutout that supports the notch on the pedal drive just ahead of the pitot tube opening. From the size of the crack, I'm surprised there's much water getting thru, but there was a steady stream when I raised the boat.

I assume the boat is still under warranty. My dealer is about 30 miles away, so it's not a quick trip but not terrible. Do I want to try to patch this myself or haul it back? I'm concerned that if I try to patch with a filler, I create more problems by making it difficult to position the pedal drive unit. Any and all advice is very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Jerry

Have you followed this thread?

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=4241

As a dealer, I say give your dealer a shot at it. Even if it's me.

Brian C

Hi Jerry and welcome to the forum.

If your hull has developed a crack, contact your dealer where you bought the boat. It may be eligible for a replacement:



Beware of solicitors on the forum!

Thanks for the feedback and for the link. I had not seen that thread. I guess it's time to buzz the dealer. Is a replacement hull a legit request or is the patch a valid fix for a boat under warranty that already has a very leaky crack? Any thoughts?

I had the same crack in my 2005 OB about 3 months after I got it. Dealer replaced the hull...took about 1 1/2 weeks for Hobie to get the replacement hull to the dealer. While waiting for the replacement, I duct taped the crack, inside and out and used the old hull with no problem.

Go for a replacement hull. The new ones should have solid plastic from where your crack is to the bottom of the hull.

_________________
Paddles? We don't need no steenking paddles!

Definitely a replacement hull - it's a very difficult location to hot air weld.

Your dealer will file the paperwork required by Hobie. Then it's just a matter of how soon a truck is heading your way.

Brian C

Just wanted to say thanks for all the good advice. My dealer talked to Hobie today and there's a replacement on the way. Thanks Hobie!