Hobie Cat Forums

Hi,

I am starting to think about a few modifications for a revo I just pruchased and would appreciate any help.

I was wondering if anybody has tried to use threaded plug ins used for pad eyes etc for any thing else. I was considering trying to use two of the stern plug ins behind the seat to install a bar ( much like the cross bar for a sidekick) or a slide track on which I could mount rod holders or a sun shade. If the threads match use some pipe or a pipe nipple to fashion a cross bar. My guess is that I would be inviting structual trouble--but wanted to see if anybody has tried this...

Also, I haven't had many opportunities to use the revo yet but the few times I have, I found the molded carry handles mid boat to be inferior to bolted on carry handles. Any advise on adding cary mid boat carry handles?

best and thanks

That plastic is pretty tough - wood or sheet metal screws fasten very solidly in it. However, you have to consider which direction any load on the fastener is coming from.

For directing a trolly or anchor line across a surface, a common blind wood screw or even the rubber swell plugs you mention will likely suffice. But any time I expect to have a load pulling outwards on the fastener, I greatly prefer a machine screw with locknut on the backside.

I've always rigged using s/s machine screws, fender washers and nylock nuts, found this way to be the strongest, especially for rod holders and handles. I would not use the plastic threads for anything more than their intended use.

As for midship handles, I've added one on cross member behind seat and in front of center hatch. This makes for easy lifting of the Revo as it balances the weight well.

_________________
Bob
Proud member Kayak Fishing Association of New York
Supporting member NEKF, Supporting member Team Jinx
KW's KFA Team 3

How did you attach the handle to the crossmember. I want to attach one with bolts and nuts but I can't seem to get to inside far enough to get nut started. Would you have a picture by chance?

Duncan

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Duncan

Best to lay kayak on it's side and reach in thru center hatch to attach nuts. It's a bit of a stretch, but doable.

_________________
Bob
Proud member Kayak Fishing Association of New York
Supporting member NEKF, Supporting member Team Jinx
KW's KFA Team 3

Have a look at this:

http://www.akff.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=38113

I've since fitted (to a different Revo) slightly better handles which have two screws per side, like these:



The seem very solid when securely screwed down and don't twist like the originals.

Cheers,

Mike.

That is exactly what I want to do and that is the handle I have. But for the life of me I can't get my hand where I feel I can get a nut on the bolt. I'll have to find someone with longer thinner arms I guess.

Duncan49

_________________
Duncan

Here's another link showing a couple of different applications, hardware etc. I've used the soft grips on most of the Hobie kayaks for almost 4 years and had no problem with the single machine screw style mounting with large flat washers, even on our tandems. Pg. 2 of the following link illustrates some "reaching" installation techniques for those of us who need all the arm length we can get!
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=8813

You can also use the standard lift handles for additional grips or other gear by through-bolting metal padeyes at the desired location:



As Tom suggested, the molded threads are not designed to support heavy or lifting loads. They can be converted for a variety of purposes though. Here's a link:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=8922

Yep, the screw-ins are pretty strong, but aren't really intended massive loads.

Having said that I've been able to lift the entire kayak (Revo) using two of the shock-cord ends and 8mm bungee - more of a test than anything else.

However, I usually go with stainless screws/nuts and nylon cutting-board for backing, which makes everything very secure.

For my Mirage drive leash, I use a shortish (about 1.8m) heavy-duty coiled paddle-leash attached to the hull via a screw-in pad-eye on the front left hand hatch bungee:





I found this a better solution than the Hobie offering - it's much shorter and doesn't get in the way, but it still allows full access to the drive (for any potential on-water maintenance) while seated.

Cheers,

Mike.