Old thread, but worth revisiting!
There are two main scenarios we want to avoid if at all possible.
(1) folding in an ama unexpectedly, and
(2) disconnecting an aka from the main hull or from an ama
Fortunately, these catastrophes can be avoided for minimal cost or effort.
(1) “Keep out lines”. Rig diagonal lines back from hull to outer end of aka. This could be as simple as a dyneema line (Hobie rudder line material), or even cheap stretchy nylon line from the hardware store, running from the front crossbar mounts to a loop over the button on the outside of the rear aka. (Some prefer to run a line from the bow to the front aka outer end instead)
(2) There are potentially THREE separate issues at the ends of each aka…
• While newer Islands have updated joiners connecting aka to crossbar, you can fix ANY model by running a small dyneema loop around the top of the aka hinge pin and clipping it to the cleat under the middle of the crossbar. You will then need to disconnect this safety line if removing the aka from the hull (instead of just folding the hulls together, as many people do)
• While later Islands have fitted double bungees to prevent the aka coming out of the ama mounting hole, you can easily modify earlier models as shown in the photo. Just hook the shackle over the button. You get to determine how much tension you want to add by setting the length of the bungees (they have a knot inside each ama deck fitting)
• The real lifesaver is a dyneema loop (yes, I DO love the stuff!) which you attach to an aka button, while the bottom end has a washer attached, to prevent it coming up through the bungee cords. This dyneema loop is strong enough to take your weight, even without the bungees! That ama ain’t comin’ off!
![Image](http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee108/scenefromabove/aka-ama_zps6njtdls8.jpg)