Crossbar Inboard Support Design Change

Question (probably for Matt)...

I recently picked up a used H17 front crossbar to replace the original crossbar for my boat which is corroded and cracked in several spots. The replacement crossbar has the original inboard support design which is made up of several pieces of SS flat stock welded together to form a partial box and is held to the crossbar with four rivets. The new design is a single bent piece of SS flat bar with a tube section welded to the main plate and is held to the crossbar with six rivets. My question is do you know what the reason was for the design change? Was it just for easier manufacturing/cost savings, or was there a strength issue with the original design? I'm just trying to decide if I should replace the inboard support with the new design. It also looks like the slot in the crossbar for the dolphin striker rod was repositioned from the earlier design.

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I would go with the later design. Many things were changed on the 17 over the first few years and I would think for strength issues primarily.

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

Will do. Thanks for the reply.

sm