Hobie Drive Well Reinforcement Question - Advice Appreciated

Hola! I've got a 2006 Adventure which, fortunately, does not appear to have any cracks around the drivewell/cam columns or other known trouble areas.

As a preventative measure, I'd like to reinforce this area pronto. Perusing this forum and others, it seems like everyone's got their own take - whether 3M 8010 (very expensive and difficult to work with), Loctice 3030 (nearly impossible to find/hard to work with/expensive), fiberglass, and G-Flex (seems to be the most recommended) among a plethora of others.

So, question 1: I know that Hobie used to send out "Mirage Drive Well Reinforcement Kits." I spoke with someone a few days ago via Hobie's customer service line and was told that they're out of stock of this kit with no plans to replenish. Looking at its specs, it It seemed like just a basic fiberglass patch kit. Does Hobie offer an alternative reinforcement kit? If not, is there a Hobie-sanctioned alternative technique and supply?

Question 2: It seems like quite a few people have performed this preventative procedure before. For those of you who have, and have had positive and longstanding results, what'd you use and how'd you use it? I'd very much appreciate any insight and instruction anyone could offer on the matter.

Thanks in advance for any and all help!

I have a 2007 AI that has developed a crack at the front of the drive well and the only thing
I've been able to repair is a plastic weld with factory poly rods. Even then the crack returned after
4 or 5 outings. I have sent an email to support on this site but no reply as of yet. My idea for
reinforcing the area would be to weld an extra layer of hull material to the bottom of the boat
and continue the weld bead into the well where the crack seems to be originating. This AI gets
a ton of river use (200+ uses annually) and the mirage drive has developed a fair amount of slop
in it which I'm sure increases the twisting forces on the hull. That and you have to pedal like mad
to head up river if the wind isn't in your favor. I know I've pushed the yak to the edge of design
and possibly a little farther but I'd really like to keep this boat past wearing a V1 drive to the point
of replacement.

If and when I get this repair completed I'll definitely share the procedure/results. In my particular
instance I NEED reinforcement of the hull at that location as I run into plenty of sand and timber.
I've actually had a few thoughts of fitting "curb feelers" to the tips of the turbo fin shafts to warn
of shallow water. I've broken a couple fin shafts as well. Rivers are always changing so some type
of mod would be welcome. If anyone has any feedback on this type of issue I'd be interested in
reading about your solution.

Trab S.
Bastrop County/Colorado River, TX

There is no repair kit offered. It was a reinforcement kit for boats without cracks. This was a small fiberglass part, and glue. No longer available.

3M DP 8010 is the best I have heard of as described by forum user "roadrunner"

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=11245&p=198745&hilit=DP+8010#p198745

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