2021 OB cracked hull

I’ve told them exactly what I do, which is store it inside garage on a cart with pvc bunks

I'd be careful with telling them you store it on pvc.  The manual expressly calls that out as a no go.  (note: I'm not saying you shouldn't store it on PVC... I'm simply saying I would be as vague as possible when talking to them about anything to maximize your chances of a warranty claim going well)

Does Hobie tell you specifically how they want you to store the boat so it does not get damaged?

Yup - https://www.hobie.com/articles/storing-your-kayak,85/

STORING YOUR KAYAK
IMPORTANT: Do NOT hang your kayak from the bow and stern handles. These handles are designed for carrying the kayak, not for hanging for long periods of time. The plastic will slowly stretch over time and possibly even eventually fail which will create a hole. When storing your kayak, it is important to be sure that it is well supported.

ON THE GROUND OR A RACK
You can store your kayak upside down resting on two crossbars. The rails of the kayak are very stiff and can support the weight easily. Padded crossbars will reduce the chance of any scratches or marks on the rails.

If you must store it right side up, use cradles or something that is shaped to the contour of the hull. It the kayak is resting right side up with little to no support, this puts the entire weight of the kayak on one point on the bottom and possibly cause a flat area to develop. We do offer custom molded cradles for the Adventure Island and the Pro Angler.

HANGING
If you plan on hanging your kayak from a ceiling, a minimum of one inch webbed strapping should be used to spread the load of the kayak over more area. Using rope to support is may leave dents in the rails, especially in the heavier kayaks. Best if stored upside down with the strap loads on the stiff cockpit rails.

 

I’ve told them exactly what I do, which is store it inside garage on a cart with pvc bunks

I'd be careful with telling them you store it on pvc.  The manual expressly calls that out as a no go.  (note: I'm not saying you shouldn't store it on PVC... I'm simply saying I would be as vague as possible when talking to them about anything to maximize your chances of a warranty claim going well)

Yup - https://www.hobie.com/articles/storing-your-kayak,85/

STORING YOUR KAYAK
IMPORTANT: Do NOT hang your kayak from the bow and stern handles. These handles are designed for carrying the kayak, not for hanging for long periods of time. The plastic will slowly stretch over time and possibly even eventually fail which will create a hole. When storing your kayak, it is important to be sure that it is well supported.

ON THE GROUND OR A RACK
You can store your kayak upside down resting on two crossbars. The rails of the kayak are very stiff and can support the weight easily. Padded crossbars will reduce the chance of any scratches or marks on the rails.

If you must store it right side up, use cradles or something that is shaped to the contour of the hull. It the kayak is resting right side up with little to no support, this puts the entire weight of the kayak on one point on the bottom and possibly cause a flat area to develop. We do offer custom molded cradles for the Adventure Island and the Pro Angler.

HANGING
If you plan on hanging your kayak from a ceiling, a minimum of one inch webbed strapping should be used to spread the load of the kayak over more area. Using rope to support is may leave dents in the rails, especially in the heavier kayaks. Best if stored upside down with the strap loads on the stiff cockpit rails.

Does Hobie tell you specifically how they want you to store the boat so it does not get damaged?

I intentionally left it out in my screenshot of the manual... but here's the full page from the 2021 Outback manual:

I’m well aware of these ridiculously broad storage requirements and the huge upsale to their ridiculiusly priced storage bunks. I’d also welcome their explanation on how the damage displayed by my yak could have been caused by an unloaded outback sitting on 2 pvc rails.

I’ll report back when I hear what Hobie has to say. If I were a betting man I’d bet no hull replacement and a plastiweld recommendation.

I’m well aware of these ridiculously broad storage requirements and the huge upsale to their ridiculiusly priced storage bunks. I’d also welcome their explanation on how the damage displayed by my yak could have been caused by an unloaded outback sitting on 2 pvc rails.

I’ll report back when I hear what Hobie has to say. If I were a betting man I’d bet no hull replacement and a plastiweld recommendation.

The shitty part about it is they don't need to explain why.  They can just deny the claim.  Fortunately, that's not the history we're seeing repeated here.  Push back if they recommend plastiweld and stay firm with your dealer that you expect a new hull for liability reasons.  They might try the easy route to start, but I bet they fold under pressure.

You got this.

One word:  Small Claims Court

Bushy

Push back if they recommend plastiweld and stay firm with your dealer that you expect a new hull for liability reasons.

One of the benefits of HPDE is its ability to be heat welded. I suspect this may be the "weld" option - heat welding - maybe something that can be done at a local shop. And I would expect a heat weld to function as new, as if it were a single piece of HDPE. It may not be desirable for appearance but it should function as when it was new. I know it is different with other folks, personally, I look at vehicles as 'tools' so I am ok with the scars a tool acquires from being used, as long as the vehicle works and is dependable. I am optimistic this is going to turn out ok, either way, welded or replaced.

I had a cracked hull also. Scupper hole separation.  They replaced it. It took close to 3 months . This was 3 years ago. It seems like a common problem.  They also sent me a replacement spline and cable for the 180 drive. So they have been good to me.It would be wise to have a non hobie kayak while you're waiting.

Sleeping with your Hobie voids the warranty. Don't ask me how I know...

I have a feeling when I explain the full situationto my wife, and my plan to purchase a Native Titan 12 while waiting upon a hull resolution from Hobie,…well,…I’ll probably be sleeping with my kayaks. So,…

I have a feeling when I explain the full situationto my wife, and my plan to purchase a Native Titan 12 while waiting upon a hull resolution from Hobie,…well,…I’ll probably be sleeping with my kayaks. So,…

 

So yea, wasn’t able to pull off the acquisition of a new yak, so had the hull welded. Hobie refused to replace the hull because they didn’t know what caused the crack, and didn’t want to just give me a new hull if could possibly happen again. Wha? Huh? The fuck? Yea,…that’s hobie’s warranty folks. Warranty worked splendid when I needed to replace the spine on my drive, sucked ass for a cracked hull.

I was considering a 12’ 360,…but I’m not really sure the boats hold up well to the cost, and the promised warranty provides me no comfort or confidence. Hobie makes a fucking outstanding product. But they charge too much for the name, and don’t seem to worry about the longevity of their product. Figure I mine as well put boonedoxx wheels on it now. Who gives a fuck if it cracks there,…evidently Hobie won’t replace the hull unless its a common problem their aware of,…

But whatever, I got my plastic tub back and its time to head out and give a buncha fish some piercings and belly rubs.

That's a bummer and glad you're getting ready to be back on the water.

Good to hear your back on the water.    Who did your weld on the hobie ??

Alex