Sidekick Warranty Repair Issue !?

Hey Matt
What appeared to be a small hole in a sidekick float yesterday is now actually an unrepairable split along the seam where the two halves of the float were joined in mfg.

I tried to repatch this float again today at home since my on the water repair from yesterday was still leaking.
After blowing it back up to see if the new patch job was holding, the seam just burst wide open .

I think I have a fairly good set of lungs but not good enough to blow this apart unless there was some pre existing mfg defect .

Our question then is whether this item might still be covered under warranty and if so where do I send it or how do we obtain a replacment.?
I believe we ordered it online from the Dog @ Mariner Sails about a year ago.

If this is not covered can we order just the replacement float since everything else seems to be ok?

Thank You in Advance
Kepnutz

The big round patch from the hobie patch kit was still leaking from yesterday...


..so I took it off today and repatched it on the inside of the float through the air valve and also on the outside once again..


..I blew it back up to check the repair and then set it aside on the table.
Within a few minutes time the patch and seam area suddenly split wide open with a hiss and scared the living Shiznit outta my three cats.

Huh?!?!? I think I'd remember a customer named Kepnutz.

But seriously... I know we've gotten a warranty replacement float before (only once). I just can't remember the p/n. Let's get Jacque in on this since he's the High Master of all things Hobie Warranty.

Hey Dog
My Bad
I thought it was your shop but perhaps it was Austin Canoe And Kayak.
I will have to check with Mrs Kep as it was her transaction and card on the floaty thingies .
If you can do us any good though please let me know.
Thank You
Kepnutz

The patch should be rock solid, so maybe the application was incorrect? You have to coat the surface of the vinyl and the patch... let them both dry and then stick together. Usually a very solid repair.

We can replace for you if you can not get the patch to work. Replacement float is # 72062111 $35.00 if you had to buy one.

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

No worries. They're good folks in Austin. Don't mind losing business to them at all.

The seam was made incorrectly.
The patch application was done right both times .
The oringinal product is defective

Thanks A Lot
Kepnutz

Hey Matt
I done tried to patch this split seam one more time early this morning and it just did not want to cooperate.
The glue seems ok as I opened a fresh tube and spread it around the whole surface area and even put some on the back of the patch as well,
I let it get all nice and tacky then pressed the patch on firmly and even used a hair dryer this time to heat it up a little and it still did not bond.
When I blew it up an hour later the patch just about lifted right off and then let all the air out.
Ive tried and tried but four different patch attempts without success is my limit.
We really need a new now for sure.
How would we obtain a replacement then under warranty if possible?
If not covered then Ill go to the Dog and throw him some bones

Thanks a Lot !
Kepnutz

Get the guy you bought it from to file a warranty claim through the Hobie dealer website. If that guy is me, send me your invoice number. Sorry, I just can't remember who "Kepnutz" is in real life.

Hey Dee Oh Gee
We got our turbos and traxx cart from you guys but Im not sure we got the sidekicks from you. I will have Mrs Kep check it out she does all that record keeping stuff.
Its not a lot of money to worry about if I have to buy another one.
Ill let you know either way
Thanks a Lot !
kepnutz

I meant to say that we would cover under warranty if not repairable.

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

Thank You Mr Matt
So what do we need to do to obtain a new replacement sidekick float.?
I think we ordered it online somewhere in 07 but we are not sure where.
Should we return it to a local Hobie dealer or send it direct or ..?
I would also like to order a new sprocket and threaded mast for a Turbo fin rig and a couple other items while we are at it.
I would have no problem ordering them online or local whichever you think is best.
Thanks in Advance
Kepnutz

Any dealer can file a claim... but just email me on this one. I'll get it sent out.

mmiller at hobiecat dot com

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