NOHUHU,
To drain the bow need to roll the kayak or use the hand pump. I have a kayak sponge to sop up any leaks. I don't get any water in the nose.
I just resealed the rudder lines. The starboard black cap came off inside the hull and I had about a cup of water. An aft bulkhead would be nice and am working on the where.
Currently, have Hobie's flotation blocks shoved around the scupper tubes as reinforcement and think this is an ideal location for some more foam.
Camera boom is an excellent idea but I don't remove the hiking rod. When in the cockpit, just have the stick in-line with the steering handle and the tube going aft under my arm.
Yes, I like to hike way out. The stick and main sail line, wrapped around my hand, are the only things keeping out of the drink.
Leases are important when solo and a matter of discussion in pairs. There was a debate about them about a year or more ago. I like the heavy duty double swivel longboard lease around the left upper arm. It has kept the adventure from sailing away enough times that I have no doubts.
On the AI, like the wrist cuff on the bar. It works for everything but sitting in the cockpit and standing in-front of the sail. I was worried about it but really trust it, now, and only to a point, I don't sail without wearing a PFD.
The joint is designed to come apart. The first eye bolt, through the steering handle, is loose and spins freely. It is only held with a sliver of a nylon nut.
I shaved the nut down so it fits in the little recess on the bottom of the handle.
The idea is the nut will pull off the S.S. metal bolt if I go overboard. Since the bolt will be pulled out at an angle and not straight up so the kayak will turn fulldeflection. Yes, the bolt will damage the gray rubber on top of the steering handle. The top of my handle is already kind of ratty so I wasn't worried. I also have a spare handle.
I may bend up the handle but will not be left without a rudder. I still have my boat hook with the adapter and 550 cord. I can tie the hook to the steering handle or if the handle comes off tie the hook directly to the rudder. Push/Pull.
Tested once...So its not just good, its good enough.
Besides before Hobie, I never had a rudder on my kayak.
Alan,
The c-tug comes apart. I put the tires in the nose and the rest in the aft hatch under the Hobie first aid kit.
Here is the breakdown.
http://www.c-tug.net/about-c-tug/assembly-2I don't need the kick stand so I leave that part behind.
I really like the cart. One tire was flat when delivered. I bought some valve extenders and used a hand bike pump. Worked great.
Tried the same on the gray balloon tires and was rewarded with a trip to the gas station to use their compressor. Need a different hand pump that will work with both types of tires.
4 lbs comes quickly on a compressor set for cars so if you have the big gray tires be careful.