Hobie Cat Forums

What is the best padding material to use to put between the Akas and Hull of a TI, to prevent rubbing damage when transporting on a road trailer ?

Thanks

Yes good point. I have been doing a lot of trips where I launch from a sandy beach and the boat ends up with a bit of sand on it from driving along the beach in 4x4. So I am also seeing the rubbing of the Aka's on the hull.

I am thinking of sticking a short strip of 1.5" wide Velcro (the soft loop side) along where the rubbing is occurring.

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Geordie
West Ausie

Currently just putting folded beach towels between the hull and akas. I've found this an easy, multi-purpose solution. The folds are to keep the towels from flapping. Without the towels, rubbing occurs between the aka and the hull's Hobie decal.

I got a freebie old wetsuit, and cut "calamari" bands from the legs, inserted some 12mm plastic garden water system hose, plus some line and a snap hook to attach them to the bracket just in front of the handles on the Amas.

They slip down between hull and amas, and the line and tube hold them in just the right position

you can see them in this photo

Here are some more ideas along with my favorite.

Trailer Rash

Hiyas
I don`t trailer except to use a steel garden trailer on a block and tackle system to get the AI up a steep gravel beach to home sweet home.
To protect the hull from damage by the trailer I use Pool noodles. They`re cheap, won`t pick up sand and hold their shape quite well. If need be you can carve them to a custom fit with a box cutter.
(my only complaint is that they are pink, hehehe. It was the only color I could find in the Hardware store.
Hoping that this might also work for you.
Tri

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Always looking for ways to make good things 'Gooder'

Here's a good, cheap idea. Outdoor carpet, carpet pads, etc,..



I hear Gold Bond Medicated Powder works too...

I like helicopter tape/ leading edge tape. It's a transparent polyurerhane tape that is thick and tuff and it won't turn yellow with uv "sun" exposure. It's been used on SUP and surf boards for years.

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2012 Red Hibiscus Tandem Island