2016 Hobie Outback - need hull dimensions to make cradles.

Hobie does not offer a cradle kit for the Outback. I have a 2016 Outback and would like to built my own cradles. Actually, if I could get a template for the hull in two places, then I would use these templates to cut out my own cradles in a couple of 2x10s. The problem is, the Outback is heavy and also I want to transport it with the hull down in the back of my pickup. But I don't want to damage the hull. Does Hobie offer a dimensional drawing for two places on the hull where I could make my own cradles?

What material would you use for the cradle?

Would not be hard to make a fiberglass mold of the spots where you want the cradle and then use that to mold any material. Seems like a lot of effort though when most people don't seem to have any issues with standard generic cradle methods.

Can you please elaborate on the standard generic cradle methods?

We don't have templates available, but you could create a template by taping over the hull and laying either fiberglass and resin or bondo down on the taped off area, let it dry and pull it off and you have your mold template. The other option is creating a mold template by taking a clay impression of the areas you want your kayak to sit on...trace the shape onto the wood and cut. Just some thoughts if you choose to go this route.

_________________
Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

It's better to carry your Outback upside down on its gunwales. So you don't need fancy custom-made cradles. Just make a flat padded bar.

Something like a Malone SeaWing

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/571 ... 107MD.html

I tried the Malone SeaWing, but the kayak had too much traction on them. When you are pulling or pushing the yak on or off, they will either spin or your back will give out.

This is an old photo of my 2007 Subaru Outback and my 2010 Hobie Outback.
The system I used is 1 pair of Yakima Mako Saddles, 2-48" crossbars, Yakima Rail Grab 4 pack, and a Yakima "Showboat roller" with 66" mounting bars.

Yakima's Mako Saddles conform nicely to the Outback's hull and provide adequate support......lastly and most important in my view is I could load the kayak "upright" and did not need to invert the kayak.

The Showboat roller, not only makes it easy to load/unload the kayak, but it protects the rear spoiler over the back hatch. This investment protected the $400 spoiler!

The fish is a very fat, 8.5 pound Rainbow/Steelhead trout 26.25" long

_________________
Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

I don't understand how they can spin on you. I have them and don't see how that is possible. if you find they had too much grip its pretty easy to throw a towel on them while loading etc and pull it off before strapping them down. Honestly, I don't have any issues since I'm side loading.

I had the Malone Sea Wings on round Yakima bars on a Rack n Roll trailer. Pulling the yak off the back of the trailer would cause the Sea Wings to roll over backwards. To add friction, I tried adding sanding screens around the bar and they helped, but the sea wigs still turned nearly every time I slid the yak on or off. With my old Pungo 120, this wasn't an issue, but it's a lot lighter.

Last season I tried the yakima Sweet Roll saddles and they would roll over too. Finally I bit the bullet and made PVC bunks. I really wish I could have found a turn key solution for purchase.

Hobie really ought to sell molded saddles. Why should each consumer have to engineer this solution themselves?

I use the Yakima sweet roll on my 2013 Subaru..
https://www.yakima.com/sweetroll

Just got this from Santa to ease loading..
https://www.yakima.com/showboat-66

I prefer to load my Revo13 upright as I usually store a few items in it for short trips.

Thule Hydroglide: https://www.thule.com/en/za/sport-rack/ ... e-_-873000

fits perfectly Outback

_________________
François - French Hobie fishing team - Outback 2019 papaya
ex: Revo 13 2007 - PA 14 2008 - PA 12 2009 - Outback 2011/2013/2015 - Compass 2017

Ah, round bars. Makes total sense. Shame that the way the Rack n Roll is designed it can't accept oval or square bars. That would solve the issue.

People sometimes use the stair tread grip tape or skateboard grip tape. I'd probably just put a screw in the bar.

I agree that it would be nice if Hobie made purpose built cradles, but I imagine they don't think the market is big enough given the wide variety of available options that seem to work.

Yes, round bars suck!

I transported my Outback hull side down in the back of my pickup for 12 years before I sold it. No problem.