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 Post subject: Simple Seat Mod
PostPosted: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:59 am 
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Site Rank - Captain

Joined: Fri Apr 18, 2014 7:29 am
Posts: 33
For those of us with pre-2015 islands, here is a simple seat mod that a) keeps you a bit drier, b) gives you a cushier ride, c) permits easy haka use and d) requires no permanent alterations to the boat. I have been using this mod for a couple of season and it works well.

First, you will need what I call the "false floor". This is simply a mat with channels that will allow water passage underneath. I used a 12" x 16" silicone drying mat, which is a little pricey, but a ribbed floor runner or a door mat with rubber spikes will work well. The important thing is that is soft, not slide around alot, and the ribs will not crush under weight. Here is the mat "rib side up". You want the ribs to run bow to stern.

Image

Now flip the mat over "rib side down".

Image

Next, I add a foam gardening cushion that has been notched around the seat pegs.

Image

Now, the Hobie seat. You can see, this mod raises you up about 1", while providing a pathway for the water to drain. The Hobie seat, when using the back peg holes, normally blocks the drains to an extent. This mod avoids that issue. I leave the drain plugs totally unscrewed, but still in.

Image

In actual practice, I install the seat first and then slide the mat & cushion underneath. Takes only a few seconds.

Gary

2014 Hobie TI
1984 Hobie Hawk RC Glider


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 Post subject: Re: Simple Seat Mod
PostPosted: Wed Sep 23, 2015 10:59 pm 
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Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Fri Jun 06, 2014 10:37 am
Posts: 9
Location: Vallejo, calif
Gary

I have a back problem and was thinking about what to do.

So I like your idea, cheap, easy and very doable. :roll:

Thanks

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2013 mirage adventure island tandem
1995 Sea Doo speedster twin jet
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 Post subject: Re: Simple Seat Mod
PostPosted: Fri Nov 27, 2015 1:01 pm 
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Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Thu Nov 26, 2015 1:03 pm
Posts: 20
I used your mod pad works great.

Where did you find the channeled mat?

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Rob

2014 TI Papaya
Aussieonyak Haka mods
GaryInWI seat mod
Yangler tiller extension
KayakingBob Aka tether
Polytarp Jib


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 Post subject: Re: Simple Seat Mod
PostPosted: Sun Nov 29, 2015 5:36 am 
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Site Rank - Old Salt

Joined: Tue Jun 19, 2007 6:14 pm
Posts: 3323
Location: South Florida
Now, if you add the Hobie Mirage inflatable seat (http://www.austinkayak.com/products/1241/Hobie-Mirage-Inflatable-Seat-Pad-i-Comfort.html) you really have a "dry" seat.

Keith

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2015 AI 2, 2014 Tandem

"Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex ... It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction." A. Einstein

"Less is more" Anon


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