Trailering your PA 17t questions...

First time poster, long time lurker here.

Massive upgrade from float tubes!!! We just got our 17t and love it. I have a few questions that the dealer was vague on...

Lowrance HDI 7 elite... I read the posts on this, but has there been a faq done to get it done without shaving the knobs down? Going with the large ram ball h rail mount that should arrive tomorrow.

Seats, in or out when towing? I would hate top lose one...

Fishfinder... Take it off the ball mount or keep it on?

Rods.. The mounting system for rods seems a bit too bouncy to keep my rods in the craft.

Non submersible tali tights> Is this common? I plan on raising them above the craft to add visibility of the trailer any way, but thought it odd.

Winch system.. Anyone doing this to get it on the trailer single handedly?

Love the craft and we were lucky to get a trailer and sunbrella fabric cover (Still being built) with it. Still working out kinks and dialing it in. I appreciate all comment and recommendations.

Anything that you think/might/could or has the possibility of loosing while traveling should be removed. Anything that you think could be easily picked up and grow legs while you stop someplace should not be left in.

The FF itself, a rock can fly up and smash it. The mount can come loose and go flying out.

I remove all items I believe can be lost while traveling.

I agree with saltfishermans reply about being careful about losing items that could be picked off while traveling could come flying out on the road......and never store your PA-17 with all of your treasures in an open area......inside your garage is the safest storage.

For the record I own a 2013 PA-14.

1. Since I have a Humminbird 768 fish finder, I did not have any cable connector issues when mounting through the pre-drilled holes and the Hobie fittings.
2. I leave my seat in when traveling, but do have a 1/8" nylon cord safety leash connected to the seat frame just in case.
3. Fish finder......I used a Ram ball and 6" extension....I place/secure a heavy duty Glad plastic bag over the whole unit and fold it down parallel to the deck....tighten the wing nuts and it travels w/o any issues. Photo shows the elevated position and is easy to rotated "down for trailering".
3. Rods.....I carry my rods with reels in my car.
4. Non-submersible tail lights....My Hobie Trailex trailer came with "submersible tail lights", but from past experience, they will still cause problems. I relocated the lights on a 2" x 2" wood post and 1/16" thick, "L" angle slotted, zinc plated steel support as shown the the photo...I used a 18", 4 wire trailer pig tail, to make the connection and U-bolts with wing nuts for easy on/off.
5. Winch....Go for it as you won't be disappointed when loading the kayak on the trailer....especially on a steep, angled ramp. I used a 600# capacity winch mounted on the post in the photo.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Thank you for the great replies.

I will add pics once I get the ff on.
Strapping down the seats will probably be done as they eat up valuable space. I figured that storing the rods in the craft would not be ideal for traveling, but had hopes of mods or ideas that others are using to do so. I will most likely continue to keep them in the element to reduce chance of theft if we need to run into a store for ice and snacks.

As long as the head unit can be folded down close to flush, I will try trailering to the closest lake once installed and see how it handles.
Hoping to hit Mission Bay this weekend!!

The Humminbird fish finder "connector/socket" is very robust, and I have trailed my PA-14 hundreds of miles with no issues....just make sure the RAM hardware is tightened securely......I can't comment on the Lowrance unit, when the fish finder head is turned down parallel to the hull, while traveling.
Good luck on your maiden voyage.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Hobie has a custom cover coming out for the PA17. I'm not sure if they shipped any but currently show them available around February. I have one for my PA12. I love it. I trailer with it on which allows for more storage inside the boat and is a layer of protection for prying eyes when stopped.

As for the Lowrance install. There is no need to shave the knobs down. I have the HDS 7 Touch installed on mine. The power wire plug has 2 wires coming off. The transducer has one wire. Two ways to do it. One of the power wires is for network connection. This is not used on a Kayak so I would clip it off and not worry about it. You can also install a second thruhull and do 2 wires out of one and 1 wire out of the other. You can also upgrade to Hobies new 3 wire port if you don't already have it (2016).

Plugs will fit through the opening in the backing ring although they are a snug fit. It will mar the threads a little but will work fine. If you are running both plugs through one fitting, push the transducer plug thru first from the back(inside) and then push your power wire through from the front side of the hole. You will not be able to push either of the plugs through with a wire already in it.

Let me know if you don't follow this. I can try to do a quick youtube video showing the process.

I have a 17t on a trailer and I love it...here are some of my thoughs:

1. When towing, I leave the seats in. I make sure it is securely attached using the lanyard connected to the seat. I also find appropriate length bungee cords and essentially lock the seat down so it doesn't catch in the wind. If you are in a shady place, make sure to take your seats in with you or lock them in your car. Many reports of seats getting stolen when left out.

2. I leave my fish finder ram ball mount on. Just make sure it is in tight. The H-Rail accessories can come off with excessive vibration. I lost a cup holder one of the first times I towed my 17t.

3. The fishing rod mounting system isn't bad. I was concerned at first too, but I just hook the bungee cord behind the reel seat so it can't come out. If your rods and gear are bouncing around because your trailer is bouncing, you either need to a) secure the Hobie to the trailer better using some tie downs or b) consider a heavier trailer. Some of the lightweight trailers out there with the small wheels bounce around when going 35 mph!

4. Non submersible trailer lights are common on non-PWC or non-boating trailers. If you want to rewire it is pretty easy. I added submersible LED's to my trailer and took me about 2 hours. Hardest part is making sure the ground connection is right.

5. Regarding the winch system, I only use it to get it up on the last part of the trailer. It may be important to note that I have a modified PWC trailer with the two Hobie OEM 17t cradles. When I am by myself, I like to have the Hobie get partially on the trailer and if I need the winch, I will use it. But I find that you still need to lift up on the Hobie to get it over the first ledge of the cradles, otherwise they will crack if there is enough force. If you are using PVC pipe, then the winch probably shouldn't be an issue. Just make sure you have enough fabric long enough to pull it from the water.

On a final note, where did you get your Sunbrella cover?

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Vegasvec
2015 Pro Angler 17t
Lowrance Elite 5 Chirp
Zieman Trailer w/ Cradles

Did not see your question about the sunbrella cover, It was built custom from a seamstress hired by fastlane sailing here in San Diego. Here is an image, a bit wind blown but it covers the craft to nearly the bottom.



http://postimg.org/image/4yc3ru42p/