Hobie Cat Forums

On the opposite end of the topic from the thread concerning hard to remove akas, I am interested in insuring that they don't come off. I remember reading where someone had rigged safety lines from one side to the other so they could not come out but can't find it again.

I was thinking about some sort of connector inline so I could easily remove the lines also.

West Marine is the only place around here I could think of to get Spectra line, but it appears they only have Dyneema line.

Is this Dyneema line suitable and what size should I use? Any thoughts on an appropriate inline connector? Maybe something plastic that won't make a racket slapping around or chip paint from the crossbars.

Thanks for any ideas.

Herb


Edit: Googling "Hobie Rudder Line" provides several sources for Hobie OEM Spectra rudder line.

I guess I have to ask the question... have there been any cases of the akas coming out while on the water? By this I mean, are you looking to solve a problem which hasn't ever happened?

Yes, it is written somewhere that they have came out causing capsize and a ruined ama.

Here you go Herb. viewtopic.php?f=71&t=33422&p=134350#p134350
May be something in here or in related searches.

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Don't take life too seriously................it ain't permanent.

Yeah, I'm wondering about this one also. Where to connect some kind of line to ensure the amas don't get crazy if they come out either from the crossbar or the aka?

I've had a aka release while under sail and were it not for fortunate circumstances I'd been in big trouble as that ama swung out at a 45 degree angle from the boat. If I'd had a line, say from the bow to the padeye on the ama's bow , then I'm thinking it at least would've held it in the line of sail and not tried to go under the boat.
Spectra line - for strength and thinness, or nylon for a little give but a bit conspicuous? I'm liking Spectra, with brass snap clips.
Thoughts?

Thanks,
-jb24601

Here's my leash for the rear aka, Sprayskirt holds the front aka in.

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http://KayakingBob.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2007, 2009 & 2010 Hobie AIs and a 2010 TI

Thanks Bob.

I orignally missed that shot in the link you posted above. Looks like a good insurance policy for less than and ounce and a buck

I've had one pop off while on the water on my TI. about 90 min into the trip, was just floating around in some really windy/choppy conditions and it popped off.
scared me at first as i wasn't sure what happened, but just simply folded it back and clicked it back in..

I too need to make one of those leashes, and I have some coated leader wire and crimp sleeves I think will do the job in a pinch till i can get some spectra line.


I sure like the older pin style like i had on my AI much better.

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2011 Hobie Pro Angler - Papaya
2012 Hobie Tandem Island - Papaya

Me too!!!!!!! These new akas are a classic example of technology creep - replacing a simple, reliable design with a complex, bug-ridden one. I had trouble fitting my old pin style akas until one day Stringy sprayed the pins with some WD40 and I never had another moment's bother. The pin style akas were fairly easy to fit, dead easy to remove and never, ever came out spontaneously. All they required was occasional lubrication. They were prone to rattle as the receiver holes in the crossbars wore.
The new akas are marginally easier to fit, so difficult for some people to remove that they have to carry a special tool and prone to come out spontaneously at the most dangerous possible time. People are starting to report the rivets deteriorating, so I guess they will be prone to rattle too.
I shelled out $200 to upgrade, because my old akas and crossbars were so corroded, but I am seriously considering refitting my old gear and putting up with the corrosion - it's only cosmetic anyway.

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I too prefer the old style aka. Simple and does the job.

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http://KayakingBob.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2007, 2009 & 2010 Hobie AIs and a 2010 TI

I have the new AI hull and rudder with the old pinned Akas. Love it.

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"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."
- Ayn Rand

I'm usually in the "simpler/better" crowd, but I love the new aka joint. Maybe, when one pops out I'll change my mind. Until then, the new one is the one.

Keith

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I sail: S FL, Key Largo, Everglades to Cape Romano, Ft Desoto, Cedar Key

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

Kayak Bob, Thanks for sharing the pictures of your aka leash system. I too have your spray skirts installed on my TI. This is probably the reason why my forward akas have never accidentally detached while sailing.

I may wish to replicate your aka leash system for my rear akas. Do you believe there is any outward force on the rear akas? Has anyone seen a rear aka accidentally detach?

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Marc K
2010 Hobie Tandem Island
Boynton Beach, FL

I had one detach and i'm waiting for it to happen again..something i always worry about now when sailing...kinda sucks.

But I have since made some leashes out of spectra line like above, got it from my dealer for free. With the leash, the aka cant slide out all the way

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2011 Hobie Pro Angler - Papaya
2012 Hobie Tandem Island - Papaya

The reason I have the leash on the rear aka is they disconnected twice on me while sailing. I did both fixes Hobie came up with, but still use the leash, just in case.
My leashed are tight enough that they probably prevent any disconnect. Looser leashes would probably let you know it was happening, without allowing them to leave.

I don't think there is a lot of outward force, but that's the only direction it can go when disconnected.

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http://KayakingBob.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2007, 2009 & 2010 Hobie AIs and a 2010 TI