"Twisted chain" alternative to Hobie cable/chain

Buried deep in this long thread is a "twisted chain" that I made as an alternative to Hobie cable/chains:

https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=102634.msg1147450#msg1147450

My Hobie cable/chains look like they need replacing, so I finally tried my DIY twisted chain version today for real (previously, I'd only puttered around in the SC harbor). Conditions were moderately challenging today, with a substantial swell, and significant wind around noon. The chains performed very well, and I believe that they are virtually indestructible (time will tell...).

The only issue is that the chain is thicker than the cables that Hobie uses, so the alignment is ever-so-slightly off when the chain first engages with the sprocket. This can result in an occasional click/pop sound when pushing the pedals to their max extension (usually, this only happens under heavy pedaling force).

It's certainly very usable in its current form, and I plan to use it the rest of this season to see how it holds up. But, the ideal solution to the click/pop issue would be to shave off about 1/8" from the curved surface of the standard Hobie drum. Unfortunately, that's not possible without destroying the drum, so I think I'll try make a new one. Stay tuned...

Buried deep in this long thread is a "twisted chain" that I made as an alternative to Hobie cable/chains:

https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=102634.msg1147450#msg1147450

My Hobie cable/chains look like they need replacing, so I finally tried my DIY twisted chain version today for real (previously, I'd only puttered around in the SC harbor). Conditions were moderately challenging today, with a substantial swell, and significant wind around noon. The chains performed very well, and I believe that they are virtually indestructible (time will tell...).

The only issue is that the chain is thicker than the cables that Hobie uses, so the alignment is ever-so-slightly off when the chain first engages with the sprocket. This can result in an occasional click/pop sound when pushing the pedals to their max extension (usually, this only happens under heavy pedaling force).

It's certainly very usable in its current form, and I plan to use it the rest of this season to see how it holds up. But, the ideal solution to the click/pop issue would be to shave off about 1/8" from the curved surface of the standard Hobie drum. Unfortunately, that's not possible without destroying the drum, so I think I'll try make a new one. Stay tuned...

thanks, appreciate the testing, glad to hear it works well, will likely give it a shot this year

Thinking about this a bit more, I might have a simple fix to the click/pop issue. In the picture below, removing 1/8" at the red arrow (rear) and inserting a 1/8" spacer at the blue arrow (front) should do the trick. Of course, for the other one, it would be the opposite, removing 1/8" at the front and inserting the spacer in rear. Now I just have to decide if I want to risk ruining a couple of sprockets to see if it actually works...

... will likely give it a shot this year

If you do, LMK how it works out.

For the piece that makes the twist, I used a square stainless rod. That is definitely the tricky part...