Trouble with my new TI amas

We picked up out new TI Saturday and am having trouble getting the back amas in and out. It is mainly 1 side; but both do not fit in as nicely as the front amas.

It takes 2 people to pull and twist to get them out. I am sure this is not correct. Has anyone got any advice on helping with the issue?

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Paul, Rebecca & Stephanie

Bring it back to your dealer to check and maybe replace whatever is wrong. Could it be what order you are putting them on (back first or last)?
I know on the AI, they pull off the plastic aka bottoms when too tight.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

I used my TI for the first time last saturday had the same trouble. they seem to twist slightly and the jam, after much mucking around I managed to get them out by twisting the amar ie as your looking at the kayak twist the amar left and right gently and the pull.{hope that helped}

Paul,
Just checking that the correct names are being used here. I'm a bit confused as to the problem.
The AMA are the plastic floats/pontoons.
The AKA are the aluminium bars that connect to the crossbars on the hull. The other end goes into the ama.
Which part and end are you having trouble with?

Yes, are we talking ama (float) or aka (arm)

The new aka system can jam when the amas fold aft against the hull unsupported. This twists the aka connection in the crossbar. Remove the ama float from the akas. With the aka folded aft, lift from the ama end past horizontal to release the jammed part. Depress the buttons and remove the aka from the crossbar.

This information is included in tech notes: http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=68&t=26418

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

Sorry for the incorrect title. It is the AKA's (the cross bars).

I have informed the dealer; in fact it was at the dealership that the problem was recognised. My dealer had it all set up, as he was showing me the features of the TI and how it is disassembles it took both of us to twist and remove the aka's (as mentioned 1 side was more difficult than the other).

After assembled it for out first sail my wife noticed that the back aka's did not click in like the front ones. After the sail it took a good 10min to get it off.

My dealer has said that he will contact Hobie for advice, and also asking for a deliver date for the tramps.

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Paul, Rebecca & Stephanie

Hello Paul,

As your TI is new I'm guessing it has the updated AKA receiver collar (wide plastic fitting on the crossbars where the AKA's are inserted). If so, these can be a little 'stiff' when new. While Matt (and Hobie's) suggestions of removing the AMA and/or raising the AKA slightly do indeed help, they are often difficult to both insert and especially remove when new. With repeated use however they tend to get MUCH easier to work with. I guess it has to do with the tightened tolerances in the new collar. Look at the bright side... at least they won't come out while on the water and in the middle of 20mph gust!

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2010 Papaya Oasis
2010 Hibiscus TI
A wallet with a hole in it!

ReefWraith,

i am taking them off 1 by 1. They won't come out in 100mph (1000km/hr)

Lets hope this is the case that they just need some wearing in. Do you think that a little DW40 or some other silicon lubricant may help. I do not a bit of wear where they appear to be getting stuck.

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Paul, Rebecca & Stephanie

Paul, the first thing anyone would say is... get your Hobie dealer to help figure it out... as he said he would do. Sounds like you've struck a 'new issue'

Just a thought... could you take out the collar on the aka xbrace, and try slipping it on the aka fitting? Maybe you could spot a problem...

Yes, removing them one at a time certainly make things easier. I guess I didn't make that clear... after removing the AMA's you'll want to gently raise each individual AKA slightly (helps to have someone do this for you) while you press the buttons on the crossbar to pull the AKA out of the collar.
I did use a little lithium grease (small amount) on the insertion point of the AKA into the collar. I believe it may have helped but I think time and a little use will make the most difference as the tolerances are very tight at first.

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2010 Papaya Oasis
2010 Hibiscus TI
A wallet with a hole in it!

Captin-max,

great suggestion. As the weather is going to be bad (no sailing ) I will take to to my dealer and we can try this together.

I am sure it should not take all of my weight trying to rock it back and forth while my wife pushes the buttons.

I will let you all know what happens next week.

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Paul, Rebecca & Stephanie

Don't hesitate to lift hard... Past horizontal to release the jammed part. You are dealing with the casting twisted in the crossbar and wedged. Pops loose if you lift past the normal aligned position.

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

Well I have taken my TI out again and it seem as it has settled down. I did notice that there was a large dint out of the metal innerds.


I think the most logical conclusion is that there must have been a little excess metal, and with time it has come off or worn down.


All is good now

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Paul, Rebecca & Stephanie

Hooray!!!

Now it's time for you to post some fun pics!

I would post sum pics but have a few problems.
Day 1 of sailing, left camera on priority shutter speed of 40 (everything was white - over exposed ++)
Day 2 of sailing, took camera, set to auto, forgot battery
Day 3 took some photos camera is still in the TI. Will get it out today and post some pics.

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Paul, Rebecca & Stephanie