THE HAKA BENCH SEAT - AN ALTERNATIVE TO TRAMPS

Hey Stringy,

Just a quick question about your seat-pads (I haven't dug back through this thread to see if you've documented it already).

What did you use to strengthen the underside of the cushion/seat-pad?

I've noticed that BCF have the 1200mm seat pads on special for only $25, so thought I might grab a couple.

I was also going to give your 'ladder-bar' hakas a go, so any advice on how to add some strength to the cushions
to prevent them from slipping through the gaps, that would be great.

Cheers,

Mike.

Mike, I would just add a piece of 2mm thick marine ply under the cushion.

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

At $25 those BCF seat pads are worth it. You would pay a lot more than that to have the vinyl covers made. I swapped out the open cell foam pads for closed cell which doesn't need any extra support. I cut these to fit

and added a layer of softer yoga mat on top for comfort. I think I used 3 layers of the foam mats. The vinyl cover when clipped on adds to the support. Just be prepared to replace the press studs for S/S down the track.
You could of course add ply as Tony suggested or plastic sheeting, real estate signs etc, but I was after the lightest weight haka I could make that was still comfortable.

Thanks again for the info Stringy...

I (sorry!) have another couple of quick questions:

1: Where did you get those 'pipe-clamps' that attach the haka to the rear akas?

2: On my A.I. the front and rear akas aren't exactly parallel - they're about 23mm closer together
at the hull crossbars than at the ama attachment 'sockets'. Is this something you've noticed when
aligning or mounting the hakas?

Cheers,

Mike.

Mike,
1: Narrow Base Tube Holders. 38mm. Available from Bias Boating, Whitworths or any decent Chandlery for round $3 each.
2: I don't think any aka are parallel. Mine certainly aren't. The hooks allow a bit of leeway. I set mine up to fit where the brace bar/aka attachment is in the middle of the haka. That way you can move them in or out to suit.

The foam mats above are just as versatile and useful for us Islanders as pool noodles. My hakas are wrapped in them and they make the perfect mats in the camp kitchen.

_________________


Don't take life too seriously................it ain't permanent.

Mike - you could rivet one or two strips of 1.6mm ali strip length ways on top of the rungs, this would also prevent cushion fall-through. I would then just add the closed-cell foam and cable tie (or bungy lace) onto the ladder.

stringy - what benefits do you see in v3 versus the original 'ladder' based hakas? To me, the ladder looks easier, if somewhat uglier (also asymmetrical)

I'm about to start something like this for my vintage AI. I also want to tie in a wing, to let the little bloke move around easy.

Deefa,
The V3 haka are noticeably lighter and less bulky. They don't sit as high on top of the aka and are better looking IMHO ...though not as attractive as wood! Being powder coated they should look better for longer as well.

I also like the idea of using a surfboard, or in this case a SUP:

viewtopic.php?f=71&t=52724

This strikes me as an incredibly simple idea, with the added advantage that if they fall off, they'll float!

Mike.

Where did you get that center board?

Does it go in the mirage drive slot?

Thanks.
What sort of rivet gun did you use? I only have a little one, not sure it will pull those chunky rivets I see in your pics.

The rivets were 3/16 aluminium so any rivet gun should be able to handle it but a two handed rivetter makes the job easier.

The issues I see with SUP's are their weight, expense, windage and how to attach them over tramps.

Following from Chekika's excellent R&D with the miniskirts, I have now commenced production (to order) of some to his design (see below), with a few modifications.

Stainless steel grommets on each corner
1000# test Hobie kevlar lines (with bungee tensioner loops at the bow)
SS "D" shackle attaches to bow padeye
Loop attaches to hatch catches
Rear and outer lines both attach to the front mesh pocket, allowing amas to be folded.
No holes needed in hull

Selling a pair in black or grey shademesh ready tro fit for $A 140 plus postage.

PM me for details
PS. I am off on a 3 week 3,000 mile trip to the outback from next week, but can at least get the skirts sewn up in my absence to expedite delivery on my return

(He hasn't added the cradles for his PA14 yet)

_________________
Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

Congratulations, Tony! Have a great trip.

Keith

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2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon