NowhereMan:
The front hatch on the Hobie Islands is notorious for leaking. There are at least 3 approaches that people use to try to reduce the leakage, and I thought I had it figured out. However, this year I've been out several times sailing hard in rough conditions, and have ended up with a lot more water inside the hull than I recall having in the past. Previously, I'd only have a couple of cups of water, but this year, it seems more like a couple of quarts.
It's not a huge amount of water, so I don't think it is a serious leak (I did put a few inches of water in the hull to check for a leak and nothing showed up). The most likely suspect remains the front hatch, but there are other possibilities (round hatches, for example).
Anyways, I'm wondering how much water people get inside the hull when sailing their AI/TI in challenging conditions.
Yakkin:
On windy days at oyster point I get a few quartz as well. Front hatch leaks the most, from the two ridges. I am about to put the foam mat underneath the hatch lid. There is a video on youtube using a 16 inch inner bicycle tube around base of the hatch. Have not try it but looks like a reasonable alternative.
NowhereMan:
--- Quote from: Yakkin on June 13, 2024, 08:26:27 AM ---On windy days at oyster point I get a few quartz as well. Front hatch leaks the most, from the two ridges. I am about to put the foam mat underneath the hatch lid. There is a video on youtube using a 16 inch inner bicycle tube around base of the hatch. Have not try it but looks like a reasonable alternative.
--- End quote ---
Thanks. I actually use something kinda like that inner tube trick, specifically, a squishy 3/4 inch diameter loop of silicone rubber tubing. On my yellow AI, that seems to be sufficient, but on my red AI (yes, I have 2 AIs...), it may not be enough. The inner tube might just be the ticket.
AlsHobieOutback:
I had at least a couple gallons a couple weekends ago when I was having fun sailing in SC. I have always run my FF wires under the hatch and I know it's not optimal. But I will say that when I don't have the wires in, and I after I had just replaced my inner ring seal (that had come off on its own) with that split insulation for pipes that has a sticky edge. At least the first few times I put the hatch back on you could actually feel it suction into place, like it forced air out as I put it on. https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=97967.msg1103714#msg1103714
jkjhung:
I noticed a lot of water coming through the rudder line holes. In roughish water and at speeds greater than 5mph, the stern of my AI will sometimes take a dip under the surface. Note: I am stern-heavy since I am motorized.