Help Storing and Launching a 2014 Tandem Island

Hi All... Working on getting the best setup to store and launch a 2014 Tandem Island. I will try to keep the Tandem at a local Yacht Club on an oversized kayak rack. There seems to be plenty of space (at least using the dimensions with amas retracted.) The rack will only allow me to front load it and currently it has two cross bars, the front with a roller. I can obtain either a bottom, middle or top rack and would imagine the bottom will be best. The rack is located about 20 - 30 feet from the water launch, either a beach or trailer launch side by side.

I sure could use help learning how to properly store the tandem on the rack ? I am thinking about installing plywood or wood plank floor and perhaps and using the Hobie cradles to support the kayak while storing it upright. Then there is the issue of sliding it in and out of the rack ???
Finally, the best way to get it down to the water. The surface is firm soil with pebbles here and there, and can be muddy at times.. I currently have a
cart for the scupper holes on a Hobie Quest I could use.

For me, money is an issue, so I am making do with the rack and not a trailer at this time as the storage is triple the cost with the trailer.

Sure would appreciate ideas so I don't make too many initial mistakes. I am a former Hobie 16 guy and now at 72 after not sailing for about 25 years, can't look at all the fun on the bay any longer without me being out there ... I now live in Gulfport, FL near Saint Petersburg.

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Gary Israel
Gulfport Yacht Club
Gulfport, Florida

If you do a little searching here on the topic "pvc bunks" as used on trailers I think that would be the cheapest and probably easiest to load/unload from a rack. Cantilever a couple of supports at the end of the rack at the level of the pvc to set a cart across and you can just strap the cart on as you pull the boat on/off the rack.
Chris

Thanks Chris... I'll see what I can find... never occurred to me to use PVC... neat idea. Thanks

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Gary Israel
Gulfport Yacht Club
Gulfport, Florida

After looking at the posts regarding PVC bunks, I found some great ideas that with some modification could work like magic in my situation.

I am now considering constructing rollers, perhaps 11" apart the width of the rack with 1" PVC inserted into perhaps 11/4" PVC pipe (To provide rollers ) all connected at each end with T joints and end caps. Still woking on the design concept to ensure the ease of getting the TI in and out of the rack and providing a safe base for the entire boat to rest on with plenty of even support. Haven't checked in with Hobie yet to get their thoughts.

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Gary Israel
Gulfport Yacht Club
Gulfport, Florida

Check out fusioneng's pvc w roller setup. Elegant and effective.

You can make rollers but it isn't really necessary. I can slide my boat with one hand over two pieces of 1 1/2" pvc in the scupper grooves. A roller might be handy at the entrance to your rack as others including me have put on the back of their trailers.
Chris

Thanks Buckaroo... Visited Economy Tackle in Sarasota yesterday. They spent quality time helping me work out ideas and added a used TI cart to the mix from their yard to help me get the TI from the rack to the water. Now just a a couple of weeks away from getting new TI and getting out on the water.... I have to wait until I am able to obtain the rack. One of the limitations of Condo Life in Florida.. (No Yard or Driveway). Not complaining, looking at dolphins out my window at this moment.... (sweet)

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Gary Israel
Gulfport Yacht Club
Gulfport, Florida

yeah, gotta agree on that, have been a house owner for a really long time, but i will be moving to Florida with the wife and start the condo life, once they finished building our condo complex(look at that view we'll be enjoying: http://sabbiabeachcondos.com/gallery/). It will be so sweet. no cutting the lawn, no more cleaning of roofdrainages and other reoccuring works to keep everything clean and working. Ofc there are also benefits of owning a house, but i think we will enjoy this stage of our lives

How did the kayak rack end up working out for you?

That was our original plan, but after seeing a local custom trailer we decided to spring for that and rent a day sailing parking spot at our club (next to the kayak racks!) It's just so much easier to back the trailer into the water and push the boat off, then reverse the process when we get back. We keep the boat stored on the trailer covered with amas folded. Works great!

Now we have it stored indoors for the Michigan winter. Can't wait to get her back out again in the spring!

~ Chris

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........~ media1der ~........
............. Chris .............
2013 Hobie Tandem Island
--- Muskegon Yacht Club ---