Hobie Cat Forums

last night, whilst going out sailing on his new adventure island, a Newquay man was lucky to escape death when his kayak on trolley, in its enthusiasm, tried to run him over in its endevour to get to the waters edge. the tarred road leading down to the harbour is quite steep, and steepens towards the bend at the bottom. interviewed later, the man said the trolley was great, but a braking system would improve his chances of going sailing safely.

the above statement isnt true, but could be. if anyone can suggest some means of break system for a ai on trolley, of any kind or cofiguration, please share your ideas with me.

bar going down kayak first, so it pulls me rather than pushes me, any suggestions from owners would be appreciated.

cheers
tw

Hey,

You might try rigging something similar to the braking system used on those "wheeled walkers" that assist many elderly people. You know, the type where you squeeze the lever (similar to a brake handle on a bicycle) to release the brake, and then release the lever to set the brake. That way, it's fail safe if you accidently lose control and the kayak slips from your hands... the moment you let go, the brakes lock, and the kayak stops.

Reubs

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RC
Houston, TX.
2010 Golden Papaya TI, "Trifurcatus"

I can only imagine what it must be like going up the ramp! Personally I let the boat take the lead, right into the water.

If you feel you need a brake, why not make a "Click N Go" skid? Snaps right in, pops out quickly, should store in the front hatch. It would look (very roughly) like this:






You can get a spare drumshaft, use the shipping rod (seen here) or whatever you have laying around. Just be careful to fashion it in such a way that you don't overstress the drivewell or C&G locks.

Roadrunner, you've got a great idea with pictures for just about any AI problem or question!

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

Good solution RR
Now - how about some mechanical assistance to get up that ramp

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Mickey
2011 AI Golden Papaya
2011 TI Golden Papaya

uh oh....I think I just found a new sport.
Put a wheel on that drivewell board and I'm in business for some downhill kayaking!!
WOOHOO!!!

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Don't lead me to temptation, I already know the way.
Syn

thanks guys. roadrunner, thats a pretty feasable idea. it would, with a rubberised base, serve as a frictional brake ala support arm. i have yet to take delivery of the ai, but know from pulling my prowler 13, and physically braking it, that the ai will be twice the handful, longer and potentially more dangerous, and strenuous. heres hoping i make it down first time, and manage the up-pul without killing myself. will keep you posted, thanks for the photos, good solution.

Roadrunner, that’s shear genius in its simplicity! My suggestion of rigging a brake system is ridiculous by comparison. I’m new here, but already glad to have found this forum.

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RC
Houston, TX.
2010 Golden Papaya TI, "Trifurcatus"

Great idea Roadrunner!

Trippingwet,
I wheel my Adventure and occasionally my AI up and down two very steep and long driveways. I haven't felt a need for brakes but when it's wet I wear rockfishing booties with metal studs for grip.
Following on from one of Roadrunners 'adding extra handles' posts, I added an extra handle to the bow. It makes a big difference being able to use both arms for pulling or braking. It works very well if you have to drag through deep sand
They are available to buy as a spare or you could just relocate the stern handle to the bow.

I think you could rig a wheel to a spare Mirage Drive and peddle back up the ramp! ;-}

iHop

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It's a good Life, Let's sail!

iHop

Dune TI - 6/4/2011
Camas, WA