wxup wrote:
I am trying to figure out the proper positioning of the cradles under the boat. Hobie says to space the cradles 67" apart. But they also said what is important is that the contour of the boat matches the contour of the cradles so there is maximum surface area making contact. I started with the cradles 67" apart and found that the contour of the boat was not even close to matching the cradles. I kept moving them closer together and eventually found the points where the contours matched. But they ended up much closer than 67". Is my boat an anomaly or is this common? Why does Hobie continue to specify 67"?
When strapping the boat to the trailer do the straps go over the 3 hulls but under the akas, or over the akas also?
When strapping the boat to the trailer do the straps go over the 3 hulls but under the akas, or over the akas also?
No need to sweat the detail... the distance of 67" is going to provide enough support over enough area to avoid any hull deformation. My TI has sat on its trailer, on the cradles, for over six years, with absolutely zero deformation.
Secondly, while there are many alternatives for tie-downs, I have obtained a reject damaged wetsuit, and cut 6-8 inch wide loops from the thigh area (like giant calamari rings
). I then added a thin plastic tube (underground watering system pipe) in the middle, plus loop of cord. I then hang these double-thickness wetsuit "calamari rings" between the hull and the amas. This provides a soft barrier between them, and like the cradles mentioned above, has not resulted in any visible harm since 2012.I secure the hull and amas in two places across the top of all three, only tightening the straps when actually about to hit the highway. When stationary, the straps are loosened to remove any pressure on the TI. BTW, I also have a line which secures the bow to the trailer when on the road.
Hope this helps.