Scupper cart posts too long for Outback

Hi all, I am a recent Outback owner. I love it and really appreciate the great design and quality engineering.

However just one thing seems suboptimal - the scupper cart posts seem far too long? This makes it more difficult to insert and remove the cart than it needs to be and I can see no need for the extra length. I am strongly minded to cut them down to size - i.e. the length of the Outback scupper tubes.

However before I get the hacksaw out I thought I would post here to see what others think - is there a reason for the extra length that I am too thick to see?

They need to extend into the cargo area to transmit leverage loads to the cargo area floor and not place point load mid scupper. Scuppers (tubes) are much weaker than the hull bottom and cargo area floor. Plus this allows you to lock the cart in place using the "Cart Keeper" pin.

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

Because different boats have different hull depths, the cart needs to have long enough leg length to fit them all. It is critical that the legs pass completely through the scuppers so there is no pressure against the scupper tubes. As long as you have at least 2" of shaft sticking out beyond the cargo well, I think you can shorten the legs. You would want to re-drill the locking pin holes and re-insert the caps since their design is integral to the proper functioning of the cart. I have one of the older shorter leg length carts and it has plenty of clearance, yet is easy to remove and insert on the water. Note -- be sure the locking pin hole clears the deck enough so the pin head has sufficient clearance over the cargo well deck (3/4" minimum)

OK thanks, I guess I will get the hacksaw out. At present the cart legs extend 5.5" past the scupper liners, so I will take about 3" off. There will still be plenty i.e. 2,5" coming through for the locking pin, not that I have ever used it yet. That should make it much easier to insert and remove,

Just to round this one off I have now done this. I cut 3.5" off, leaving 2" projecting into the cargo well. That is enough for the hole and keeper pin. It is certainly easier to insert and remove the cart now and I am pleased that I made this mod.