Pedal Mod for Physically Impaired

Thomas, I think you're going to like flygal's fin strap idea. Since you're frozen out for the time being (and I already had the parts) I tried the strap out today and everything seems to work as advertised. No problems -- no lift was needed to hold the foot in place. I could even pull the foot away from the pedal without losing the strap. Notice in the picture below that the string wasn't necessary on the inboard side.


If you can find long enough straps (19") you may not need any string extensions. Look on ebay for some deals.

Wow. Thanks for testing! I've been in the hospital for an operation these last few days. I just got out this eve so am still a little whacked. I hope to see Curt as soon as I'm well enough. He's gonna love your comments and pictures!

Thomas

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Absolute kayaking corrupts absolutely.

I got a Outfitter earlier this year, and I have right hemiplegia from a brain injury many years ago. It effects me like a stroke. The discussion here has been interesting as I have similar needs, to support my right foot while pedaling.

I've been out twice and each time am learning a bit more about operating the boat and making adaptions.

I'll take some pictures and post soon, but what I've done, is attach a 3/4 inch strap to the pedal, by drilling holes in the plastic. And attaching the strap that has saveral groments in the strap so I can adjust the length. I used brass screws, washers and lock washers and finishing it off with brass wingnuts. It works very well. I don't use the toes strap. Also when putting my foot in the pedal, I have tied and thin line to the strap, so I can pull the strap over my heel.

Its working.

Now I just need to figure out how to have the pegs on the seat, stay in the holes in the boat. They come out and I slid forward like I'm laying down.

Bill

Bill, welcome to the forum.

Many new owners don't insert their seats forcefully enough into the holes. First try pounding them in with the heel of your hand, a block of wood or a balpeen hammer. If that works, consider leaving your seats permanently installed. Notice that you can collapse them forward and use the existing bungees to secure the backs down for transportation so they don't accidentally flip up (see picture):


If they still won't stay, wrap a little Duct tape around the pegs and try again. If for any reason this doesn't work, just epoxy the darned things in. If you need to remove the seats, you can unscrew them from their pegs if necessary. The screws are accessible by lifting the Velcro over the pegs.

The early Hobie seats were riveted on, so they were originally a permanent part of the boat. Even with the newer models, I always leave the seats attached unless they need to be removed for some specific reason. Also, with the seat permanently installed, that's one less thing to forget! An exception to this might be if you store your boat outside and want to protect the seats from the weather.

PS Looking forward to seeing your strap pictures.

Thanks much!
That really helps. I'll try it.
Yesterday when I was out, things were fine while I was in a sheltered cove and the water was smooth. When I was crossing the lake and there was white caps, and then the seat would not stay in. I'd try putting it back in, and start out again, but... I was pedaling while almost laying down. That was not working very well.

This is great coaching.

I'll take a picture of my set up next time I go out, and then post it.

Thanks again, Wild Bill

I made up a set of stirrups from the old fin straps and gave them a more extensive test today. They worked great -- ran a one hour cruise and several sprints without any problems.



Nice thing about the rubber is that it has sufficient rigidity to hold a heel-friendly position on the pedals -- the straps don't flop around when you're trying to drop your feet in. Also note the weight of the straps keeps the pedals correctly oriented to the feet without additional weights. There was no tendency to pull the shoe heel off the foot or for the strap to slip off the heel. (at least with this set).

Whereas the straps were a bit short, the string extensions corrected the length for a proper fit. These particular straps are old and bent rubber, but a new set (available from most sporting goods dealers and ebay) would surely have a more presentable appearance.

Shortcomings: they're not easily adjustable. Perhaps adjustable nylon straps with a buckle might have better versatility.

Frankly, I found these more comfortable than the standard foot straps.

PS. Just as a reminder for anyone interested in trying these out, they should only be used in lieu of the standard foot straps. Using both types at the same time could lock the feet in the pedals which could be troublesome in the event of capsize!