Eclipse handlebar damage alert!

Cleaning up my Eclipse today, noticed the handle bar resisted extending it out. I don't adjust this much, but wanted to cycle it to rinse it thoroughly. After coaxing it with a rubber mallet to extend it, noticed black marks (does not clean off so far with Ajax).

Also notices a scratch on the shiney diamond finish. Appears to be occurring about 2 1/2" below the top of the black plastic clamp on the front side of the upper/inner tube. Tried to disassemble but this unit is epoxied along with the two phillips screws.

Is there deburring that would eliminate this?




Tube upright front view


Top to left with clamp on right


Top to right with clamp to left

Thanks for listening.

_________________
Wil Thoms
Newport Beach

Hobie 16 with Tequila Sunrise sails (in the past)
Hobie Revo 11 for peddle, paddle, fishing and sailing
Hobie Eclipse 10.5 Solar Yellow
SurfTech 12' Touring SUP

I would guess that some dry silicone spray would help the function and be sure the tension lever is fully released. Black marks may be plastic from the tensioner rubbing off onto the aluminum.

Possibly a photo? Have you been back to your dealer?

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

Have not visited Mike at Southwind yet, he's always a great resource!

Hoping the scratch was a wayward grain of sand. Appears the black material abraded the alum finish. No biggie though.

Also noticed the cross bar is about 3 degrees counter clockwise from the X-Axis.

Thanks Matt

_________________
Wil Thoms
Newport Beach

Hobie 16 with Tequila Sunrise sails (in the past)
Hobie Revo 11 for peddle, paddle, fishing and sailing
Hobie Eclipse 10.5 Solar Yellow
SurfTech 12' Touring SUP

Finally uploading handlebar damage within the upright where this is never exposed:



Never in the sand...

Black mark's and significant grooves in aluminum.


Noticing more Black Marks as time passes...

_________________
Wil Thoms
Newport Beach

Hobie 16 with Tequila Sunrise sails (in the past)
Hobie Revo 11 for peddle, paddle, fishing and sailing
Hobie Eclipse 10.5 Solar Yellow
SurfTech 12' Touring SUP