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Hobie Kayaks / Re: Opinions on Hobie cradles?
« on: May 23, 2023, 07:10:54 PM »
Mark, I consider doing that, but i was thinking getting the yak on the trailer from the water could be a little PITA. I do have AI cradle for your model years that you can have, on me of course.
My trailer has a tailgate that folds down and acts as a ramp. I just wheel the kayak up onto the trailer, rest the front 1/2 of the kayak on the front cradle and then put the aft crossbar (with aft cradle) in the joist hanger on one side and then lift a little to put into the other side joist hanger. Then the wheels are about 2 inches off the trailer deck with no load, so I just leave them there. I can't imagine an easier way to transport the kayak. I also modified the Hobie wheel setup to make that easier as well. The two risers that go through the scupper holes are too long, so that you have lift the kayak higher than necessary or roll it up on its side. I cut those down so they are sticking out only an inch through the top of the scupper. I also epoxied pad eyes on the two risers and attached bungee cords, so that when I'm on the beach wanting to reinstall the wheels I just rest the wheels own the sand, pick up the kayak and place it on the wheels, run each bungee through each scupper and attach the bungee so there is tension (I use west marine sail reefing bungees with the yellow plastic balls). Then when I lift the aft end of the kayak the bungee cords pull and guide the risers through the scuppers. easy 1 person job.