DEMO Compass with Pad Eye Pulling Out

I hate to keep beating a dead horse over the known issue but Im having trouble not with the screw in pad eye itself but from the the hull. Ive seen in previous posts where dealers were supposed to have a tool to re-thread the hole but my dealer has undergone a complete re-staffing of their kayak department and nobody seems to know anything about this tool. To make it more complicated, I bought a demo boat from them so no warranty to speak of. Up until now Ive been using the pad eye tool to screw it back in but the threads are almost gone. Is there a way for non-dealers to access the tool? Or is there a DIY fix for this issue? Ive considered installing a regular pad eye either on the top of the side but am unsure about if the hull thickness is adequate there to support the seat.

the tool is part # 71115201 (the dealer has to order it and pay $45 for the tool as these are all custom and used at the factory - so it's more of a loan program, they send it back once you've fixed the kayak and receive credit for the tool.)

Once the threads are cut - you must use fresh pad eyes with new threads - installing old damaged stripped padeyes won't work. Part # 71116001

Hobie is currently closed due to the stay at home mandate - so there will be a delay in shipping.

_________________
Jacques Bernier
http://www.hobie.com/
http://www.facebook.com/HobieCatCompany

Isn't a demo boat still covered by the same warranty a new boat would have?

Yes.

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