Another Chop Mod...Longer Cranks

I've seen all kinds of creative solutions to personal needs on this forum. Here is one of mine.
Being 6'2" in a 2006 Sport, I always desired having a longer pedal throw without hitting the hull, as seems common judging by other posts. So I decided to try making new cranks with added length of 2 1/2 inches.
I bought solid aluminum squarestock from one of the several online sources, less than $15 for 36" (I measured the original hollow cranks, forgot whether they are 3/4" or 11/16"). There were 4 holes to bore: One for the fulcrum, one for the adjustment pin, one for a machine screw at the top to secure the pedal shaft, and one for the pedal shaft. This one was stepped to match the shaft profile.
So with a drill press and vise, the right size bits and bores, and a tap I was able to actually improve on the original crank! A smashing success.
The increase in throw length is noticable but not as great as I had hoped. However I also gained more pedaling leverage, and now I can alternate 2 pin settings instead of just one as needed.
You may also notice I have replaced the plastic pedals with custom ones also made in my shop, out of Trex cutoffs. I like them because they are reversible, and with wet feet in warm weather, they are very comfortable.

Nicely done!

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Jeffrey

Outstanding work!

Pedaling would be easier because you have more leverage albeit with a longer stroke.
With those longer arms one could increase the size of the flippers for a real increase in power. You may have just developed a "racing" version of the mirage drive

Wait till Roadrunner sees those.

Please update us as you continue to use them.

Nice touch on the custom foot pedals too.

Yakaholic

Very nice project! That's a great way to stretch out a Sport. Maybe Hobie would consider making some "Super Turbofins" to match!

Thanks for the kudos!
The increased stroke is not a bad thing, quite the contrary, it was just what I was after. And I'm finding the drive has more sensitivity when I flutter it.
I'm using ST fins, wondering if I should have gone all the way to Turbos. I thought about it - but being a DIYer (as well as a skinflint) I shopped around for SS rounds to make my own masts... I would have notched a more precise angled keyway or crater for the setscrew. But alas, Hobie uses a very odd size just a bit larger than 1/4" so I just went with the ST's for me & my wife - she was worried about keeping up with me anyway .

BTW I will take orders from interested mirage yakkers, just shoot an email.

OK, it's six years later....

How did the whole system hold up?

Flipper breakage?

6'5", thinking about doing or buying the same thing...

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2015 AI in "Dune" - "The Grey Pig"
2017 Trailex 450 Trailer
Pre-September 2015 cradles
(anybody want to buy a slightly-used AI SpinKit?)
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