Hobie Cat Forums

Make it simple, make it work.

http://youtu.be/07f-Ojs2bUs

K.I.S.S. Very nice Tom.

Wow, simple as heck. That's great. This also could be used for an idea of a transducer mount. Use the same concept and reduce the pipe down, a little longer, and mount your transducer.

outstanding creativity. would you most the spec or a close up of your idea?

When the weather clears a bit and I can get outside I'll take a better video. The one I posted was a bit dark as I shot it inside.

The key element is to have the centerline of the lower horizontal mount tube in position exactly along and just about 1/4 inch below the hull mid-seam. Below that and you'll plow through the water or float the unit out of the rod holder. Above it and the motor will climb out when you power it on.

Owing to the slight differences in the various Hobie models and even between the same model (plastic boats are rarely have verbatim dimensions), I had cooked up another one with two adjustments - one for width and one for depth, that would allow it to correctly fit any Hobie kayak. I had thought Hobie might have been interested in that one. I was informed that they do not entertain ideas or developments from those not employed by Hobie. Many companies have a similar policy and it's entirely understandable.

If you decide to cook one up on your own, just make sure the horizontal mount tube centerline is just barely below the mid-seam of the hull. That's the most important aspect of the geometry. This is what locks the unit in and allows you to operate without having to use any straps, bungees, screws, fasteners, etc.

One last thing - the horizontal mount tube must be open at the back end. If you cap it, you've created a float of sorts and the unit could lift out of the rod holder in heavy enough water.

simple but effective, I like it!

That's an awesome design! Want to see more about it. Waiting for your next vid.

Tom wrote:

"I had thought Hobie might have been interested in that one. I was informed that they do not entertain ideas or developments from those not employed by Hobie."

Patent that thing immediately! Some other manufacturer may pick it up; there are lots of Hobie owners out there! It's so clever and simple that somebody may come up with something functionally similar downstream... You should protect your idea!

ingenious. simple, cheap, sturdy, and it works. (sounds like me. well, except that last part.)

cheers.
drew

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Fish it,

Yes, you're absolutely correct. I should. But I think that kayak design is soon to undergo major changes which might render it obsolete before long anyway.

It won't make me any money, but if they do knock it off, maybe they'll name it after me.

And besides, even if someone else did take it up, or even patent it behind me, their patent wouldn't have any legal weight against me if I ever decided to take it to market on my own, which I can't foresee doing at this point in time.

Seal, have witnessed and mail a copy of the video and plans to yourself... the postmark, unopened package and witness will prove your date of origin and will give you legal standing. This is too good to just give away.

Thanks, rest assured that I already have documentation. I've had this thing for over a year now, operational.

Maybe I shouldn't have just tossed it out there, but I didn't see myself pursuing it any further, at least at the moment. Enjoy.

Very nice. Thanks for sharing. I'd like to see a closer look at the construction.

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Support your local HOBIE dealer

Simple and effective! Congrats...

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-Lewis
2012 Hobie Mirage Outback

"SC Outdoors Blog"

Very nice Tom. Would love to see some pics. I've been looking for a simple way to rig a trolling motor to my PA 14.