It really was not as bad as I had thought it would be.
As I suspected the front mast took a pretty good knock to the head. It is showing a slight bend. The rubber has a small tear in it also. Overall I am impressed how it stood up. I know when I hit that stump I was going pretty steady and did not get to brake at all before impact.
All the innards, bits and pieces look to be fine overall. I noticed my rear mast set screw had backed out a bit. I did not have any locking thread adhesive on it. I may try a small dab of blue locker this time around after I straighten everything out and reassemble. I will have to buy more fuel for my torch anyhow.
When I can I try to stay out of town and far away from city on weekends, but hardware shopping is ok. I hate the traffic and exhaust smell though.
All in all very fun day no troubles. The hull stood up very good. At least once I know I rubbed rocks and all I noticed was one new scratch. Nothing serious at all.
Before my water ventures I was riding ATVs down logging roads for 8-12 hours a day. So this tiny bit of repair and maintenance for this much fun is very welcome. A lot more fun than changing brakes, worn drive shaft couplers, and bearings. A whole lot less mess than changing oil and no gas cans to lug around.
In all honesty I will consider switching back to the standard fins during weekend fishing trips. I didn't really feel like I needed the speed or even used it yesterday much. During the week when I am on a schedule, yes I definetely use the speed and it makes all the difference.
Hobie engineers have made it so easy to switch out fins it would be better and super easy to downgrade when the extra reach, speed, and power is not needed. I believe I will be purchasing the st fins soon to see if they are that much of an upgrade over the standard fins. If they are I will fit the, onto the tandem.
Buying these Hobie Kayaks has turned out to be my best leisure toy purchase yet. Do not regret it at all.
Hobie is the best!
So much fun