Hobie Cat Forums

Hello everyone. Took two months trying to get me to change the kayak here in Spain, has a year and you put pictures for you to see the crack. I'm pretty disappointed with the service of Hobie Kayaks. To sell it all went well, but when responding to the guarantee, all are problems. I hope you dont have any problem with your kayaks.

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http://raspacejo.blogspot.com/

I don´t understand why you don´t get any answers.
I have seen photos like this on this forum before. Normally Hobie replace hulls with damages under waterline.

How old is the kayak? Do you have the click and go system?

br thomas

Kayak is 2010 model, and still unanswered by the dealer. I am very upset with Hobie. They do not deserve my respect.
Regards from Spain.

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http://raspacejo.blogspot.com/

raspacejo. please email the Dealer in Spain, Wind Cat House. provide them with the serial number of your kayak, purchase date, pictures, and a short description of the problem (not that one is really needed seeing the pics), but they will gladly help you out with starting a warranty claim. otherwise PM me here.

hobie@windcathouse.com is their email

My AI developed the same crack, and Hobie replaced the hull.

Ok, I'm confused. You did... or did not get a replacement hull for this issue? Your statement above led me to believe you have been taken care of.

If not, contact Hobie Kayak Europe direct.

hobie-kayak.com

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Thanks, though they have given me a date for the change, yet I have not. I've since July for change. They say that this week I will change it. I hope so. I'm a little tired.
Thank you all.

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http://raspacejo.blogspot.com/

Edu, I didn't know you had such a problem with your AI. But I know what you mean: dealing with WINDCAT HOUSE in Barcelona is a NIGHTMARE. They do not response as they should when problems arrive. I´ve read and watched in many blogs and forums the very good post-service from HOBIE, but we are quiet dissapointed with the main dealer based in Barcelona.
Maybe you know or maybe don't, but Raspacejo is in Spain the main "ambassador". He is actually the person I contact first when deciding to buy my AI and many others have watched his videos when interested on purchasing a hobie AI.
Getting to this point from july (end of october) is really bad.
Edu, Good luck from now! I hope dealing direct with Hobie Europe, as Matt said, will get better results!

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http://www.youtube.com/user/educavendish?feature=mhee

Finally I have my AI at home. Model 2012. Have been slow but finally I have it.
Thank you all.
Greetings.

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http://raspacejo.blogspot.com/

Anyone know how to repair a crack like this? I have the same crack in the mirage drive well and would like to repair it. Mahalo!

Contact the local dealer for possible warranty consideration. We offer extended coverage on drive well issues.

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Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Hi Matt, thanks for the reply. I am actually the second owner of this kayak so im not sure coverage is an option. Windward Boats suggests I repair it using West Marine 655-K G/flex Thickened Epoxy. Does this sound like a good repair option? If this were a fiberglass, carbon, wood or foam core boat I whould have no problem fixing it myself however this is my first plastic kayak. I didnt realize I had a problem until I was two-miles out off Oahu. This is an amazing boat but I want to repair it properly and continue to use the mirage drive.

Mahalo,
Bobby

Bobby - We don't recommend repairing cracks below the waterline because it can become unsafe if it fails again. The drivewell is especially difficult since it is under a lot of stress and an adequately strong repair will be very difficult, if not impossible. I would suggest that you ask Windward Boats to file a warranty claim for you. We often will extend coverage beyond the two years and pro-rate replacement hulls even if they are several years past coverage.

Windward Boats has a very experienced staff though that may have had success with this type of repair, but in general, we prefer to help out with a new hull than to potentially put someone in a risky situation.

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Brendan Castile

Brendan, exactly what do you mean by "pro-rate" replacement hulls? (I've just joined the cracked drivewell club).

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That's no good Chris. File a claim and I'm your sure you'll be happy with the result!