Crack in hull from rear screw on front pull handle on AI

Matt

I have a small crack on top of the bow from the rear screw on the front pull handle. It's on the port side, the starboard side appears to be Ok. The crack is about 1/2" long and ~1/32" wide, looks like it's originating from under the eye strap screw hole. It doesn't appear to be all the through the hull, I've run water over it and no leaks inside. I can see the two bolts covered in plastic that hold the screws for the front screws. Should I be concerned? Wondering if I should melt yellow repair plastic into the crack or leave as is. Hull number is CCMD7397H809.

I'd appreciate your input.

Bob

The handle screws are threaded into a single piece molded into the hull, so not likely to pull out easily. I would do something about the crack so it doesn't expand. Something stressed this handle? You don't hang the boat from it hopefully?

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Matt

It's hung upside down in garage on Harkin straps, nothing comes in contact when stored. I use Wheeleez cradle with floatation tires (2 sets) when I pull AI down and up the beach. It is a tuff pull at times, that's why I have two sets. It's like pulling a wagon.

I would try a little weld.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

fyi - I reported this exact same problem to my dealer yesterday with my 2009 revo. I have no doubt it will be handled properly(Love Hobie kayaks). Again never any stress on the handles from me.

I bet it looks just like this:

That is exactly what my crack looks like! Same screw and side.

Bob

Hmmm... I'd wonder if it's a glitch in the roto-moulding process? I'm no engineer, but I bet it's difficult to get the same thicknesses exactly where needed every single time, for the designed strength.

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Cheers, Max ● TI: the "Yella Terra" ● Website: www.MadYakker.com ● YouTube: madyakkermax

Matt, do you have a max load specification for this handle?
I often wonder how strong the AI is in this area when I'm pulling it up and down the sand on my wheeleez cart. Sometimes the pull is pretty hard through dips in the sand etc.
Thanks,
JJ

There is no "load" rating.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

if this were mine, and both Hobie and the dealer were not going to warranty the issue ...

... I would look to terminate the crack by drilling a hole at the end(s) with a countersink bit before using the weld material - this radius's the ends of the crack and usually provides a relieve for any kind of stress crack. The diameter of the hole should be several times the width of the crack

_________________
Alan W.

Papaya AI2 to replace my well worn V1
TheTwins - His/Hers 2007 Papaya Hobie Adventure Island's (v1.00.01)
.. and a Hobie Outback SUV