Wet seat in the Revo - What to do?

I've heard a few people comment about getting a wet butt in the Revolution. It's never really bothered me too much until I went out on a nice warm day in REALLY cold water, and I had to sit in a puddle as the waves splashed over the side.

Has anyone got any idea's on how to deal with this? It occurred to me after I got home that I could probably loosen the drain plugs under the seat to allow the water to drain, instead of sitting in the pool (maybe this is the design, but I'm just too slow to catch on).

I guess I'm curious why Hobie hasn't made some casting change, to allow the water to drain out the back of the seat.

Anyways, I'm looking for suggestions on how to avoid sitting in a wet spot. I don't mind getting wet, I'd just like to be able to get the water out of the seat on the cold water days. If the solution is as simple as loosening the drain plugs, I'd love to hear about it from someone who's tried.

Thanks!

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I carry a sponge in the hull for small leaks. It works well for the seat and is quick. If you are taking on a lots of water it's to much trouble. I understand your problem water temp here in Florida is still in the low 70's.

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I'm right 98% of the time. The other 3% I don't worry about.

Water temperature here is in the 30's!!

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I find that if you are in a situation where water is contantly coming over the side it's best to remove/unscrew the seat plugs completely.

If water is only occasionally coming into the seat you can unscrew one of the seat plugs just enough to let water out but not take it out completely. Or, as the previos poster said, if it's only a little water it's easier to sponge it out occasionally and not touch the seat plugs.

FYI... for anyone wondering why the seat might not be higher / drier... a low seating position is for stability primarily and a comfortable angle/level to pedal.

For the drain plugs, I suggest that you could drill a small hole through the side of the seat area plugs to enable water to flow out with the plug only partly unscrewed. Drill a hole just below the o-ring, laterally. That way you don't have to remove the plug completely. I have not actually tried that, but have considered it as a possible factory idea to try. If it works well, we may use this in production.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks Matt,

Just one question... if I try it, will Hobie warranty it?

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If that doesn't work you can always ...

Use this powder


Wear these inside out

30 degrees, I would die at the first splash. Shouldn't be a warranty issue, it is just a small hole in the plug.

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I'm right 98% of the time. The other 3% I don't worry about.

I have my plugs removed at all times. Never had an issue. Never could find a reason for them unlesss you have a deep enough draft due to your weight that the waterline would be above that level point and cause water to come up through. Water over the side is expected so you want it to be able to drain away like a scupper.

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http://s909.photobucket.com/albums/ac294/gsammy925/

You do bring up a very valid design question. Hobie goes to the trouble of putting drain ways in storage trays, and drink holders. Water drains into the MirageDrive hole, but when it comes to the seat, they plug it so it collects water. If you take the plug out, you get wet. If you leave the plug in, you stay soaked. The design on what happens to the water when it splashes inside the kayak could certainly be improved in the seat area.

If the water temperature there is in the 30s, I assume you kayak in a dry suit, right?

Sure I would!

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I was probably a little off there. It's closer to the mid 40's now. No need for a dry suit, a good wetsuit, along with a path that stays close to shore is safe. I've always got every piece of safety equipment with me.

And I know what's going to happen, someone's going to point out the video of me testing the turbo fins the other day without a wetsuit on. It was warm outside, I was very close to shore, and let's face it, we've all done it!

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I used to do it until I learned about cold water. If the first gasp doesn't kill you in cold water (your head will likely be underwater during the gasp reflex...), here are some chilling drowning statistics.

A 10 year Canadian Study showed 41 percent of those who drowned while boating were within 10 meters (33 feet) of shore when they drowned. (less than a stone throw away to land.)

A British study showed that 55 percent of open water drownings occurred within 3 meters (10 feet) of safety and 66 percent of the drowning victims were strong swimmers. (two body lengths away from shore and then they drown? Wow!)

Cold water shows no mercy to even strong swimmers.

I knew that was coming. I'm aware of the risks and statistics, same way that smokers know the risks. Doesn't mean we don't all do something for 2 minutes that isn't safe. If I'm "going kayaking" I'm as safe as can be with all of the safety equipment and procedures. Those 2 minutes on the water to test the turbo fins were 2 minutes of "less safe".

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