Hobie Cat Forums

This last year I tried out different options for solid back support on my AI. Thought I would share 3 that worked well for me.

1. Just using 2 Jim Buoy type 4 PFD's that you can get at Academy for $30 each. Placed at right angles and tying a knot in the seat straps to keep the seat from giving way felt great.



2. Roll Bar Modification to lift a Jim Buoy type 4 PFD vertical for your back. Even better





3. The Modular Quarterdeck (inspired by ChrisJ). This was the ultimate for me.

Excellent stuff - this is exactly what I was looking for!

Fitting a skipper seat was one alternative I was considering, but these options look much more tempting.

Thanks for sharing.

Cheers,

Mike.

If you use the modular quarterdeck option, you will still have the ability to fold the amas in because it puts no pressure on the akas.

Here's another comfortable seat option I recently adopted. I was skeptical but since it only cost less than $20.00 and is used with the standard hobie seat I figured it was worth a try. In my case I changed the design somewhat by using the inflatable hobie seat bottom. I attach my cushions different too.

This week I went on a 17 mile trip and ended up pedaling most of the way when the wind wouldn't cooperate. It was quite comfortable & the back felt great. Plus it got me raised up some and more out of the water. Much more support than I anticipated.

This video and design is not mine - it's by the genius Halibu77

_________________
Jim

Nice job Capt - thanks for the info

Just got to say the quarter deck mod looks brilliant so simple but looks so effective have you used it in big winds yet ?if so does can you keep the windward side at heal when hanging out on the edge?

I am going to copy on my Ai as soon as my man Flu clears up!

I took it offshore about 10 days ago in winds of about 10-15 mph. Even at the higher winds I was able to level out the boat without a problem. I was with another friend that had a striped down AI. Unfortunately, he was slightly faster than my boat. I think the quarterdeck may be creating some wind resistance that offsets the extra speed created by leveling the boat. Still, I enjoyed the different ride the modular quarterdeck offers.

The waves started getting rough as the day progressed and I found that I was more comfortable back to the cockpit in those situations. You just feel more in control the lower your center of gravity. But then again, that's the advantage of the modular design.

I made a $12 detachable, extendable tiller extension using an off the shelf brush handle from Home Depot and an 1/4 inch nut, washer and bolt. It allows me to steer the boat while hiked out. I'll take a video of it and post it soon.

You wet bum club sailers may be in for a treat. How bout 3.5inches of extra tushy comfort, while keeping your bits high and dry?

Surf to summit makes this Drifter model for those who are seeking a high chair.

The strapping system may be an issue for a Hobie, but it would be fun to demo one anyway. Wow.



http://www.surftosummit.com/the-drifter ... th=283_209

Now THAT makes sense! All our efforts to replace the standard seat with skipper's seats etc now seem rather complex and unwieldy. I think I might ditch mine for one of those...

Just another option for fans of PVC.


[youtube]http://youtu.be/D-t1PhncvJk[/youtube]

Lets try that again.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-t1PhncvJk[/youtube]

One last time...

http://youtu.be/D-t1PhncvJk