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 Post subject: Cradles
PostPosted: Mon Apr 11, 2022 3:23 pm 
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Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Sat Mar 27, 2010 11:16 am
Posts: 3
Good Afternoon,

Are there different cradles for the single versus the double?

There seems to be a pre 2015 model and post, are the pre 2015 model cradles acceptable for post 2015 boats.

Thanks,
Lifelong hobie fan and owner


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 Post subject: Re: Cradles
PostPosted: Wed Apr 13, 2022 9:25 am 
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Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
Posts: 15021
Location: Oceanside, California
2015 AI has a different shape.

The Tandem Island is also different from the Adventure Island.

https://www.hobie.com/parts-and-accessories/?ItemGroup%5Bquery%5D=cradle

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


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 Post subject: Re: Cradles
PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2022 5:39 am 
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Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2015 3:13 pm
Posts: 655
I'd advise you not to use the cradles. Mine seriously cracked to the point that they did some minor damage to the hull. Hobie replaced them under warranty but I am not going to use them again for fear of more hull damage.

Image

I now use PVC pipe as a cradle. A lot less expensive and it works much better with no cracking.


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 Post subject: Re: Cradles
PostPosted: Thu Apr 14, 2022 10:52 am 
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Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
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Location: Oceanside, California
The ends likely were overloaded or hit. Did they extend beyond the end of the crossbar?

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


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 Post subject: Re: Cradles
PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2022 6:37 am 
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Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2015 3:13 pm
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mmiller wrote:
The ends likely were overloaded or hit. Did they extend beyond the end of the crossbar?

Nope, they were solidly mounted on wood beams by the Hobie dealer using the holes provided that were meant for that purpose. They weren't overloaded, they only ever held the TI as they were designed for. Both sides cracked as can be seen so it's unlikely that both sides were hit. In my opinion, the cradles are constructed of plastic that is simply too rigid, they need to flex more to avoid cracking during use.

Mine aren't the only ones this has happened to. This has been discussed in this forum by others as well.


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 Post subject: Re: Cradles
PostPosted: Fri Apr 15, 2022 10:44 am 
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Joined: Tue May 27, 2003 12:44 pm
Posts: 15021
Location: Oceanside, California
There could be thin material issues or UV issues. If the sheet of ABS is upside down it may not get the right UV protection. Thermoformed materials have to stretch to form and then if they trim the edges to a sharp point... maybe that induces a crack point. You can always file a warranty claim. A significant reduction in cost if out of warranty.

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


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 Post subject: Re: Cradles
PostPosted: Fri Sep 09, 2022 10:20 pm 
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Joined: Fri Sep 02, 2022 6:54 pm
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How long did it take for them to crack?


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 Post subject: Re: Cradles
PostPosted: Sun Sep 11, 2022 5:15 am 
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Joined: Sun Apr 26, 2015 3:13 pm
Posts: 655
gankn wrote:
How long did it take for them to crack?

Less than two years.

Over the years that I've owned my TI, I've found that using any plastic for trailers is a bad choice in material. Even my PVC bunks crack over time and I have to replace them. Trailering is actually an extreme application for plastic because of all the constant flexing going on when on the road. Plastic can only take just so much flexing before it finally gives out and cracks. This is why trailer manufacturers use metal for the frame and wood for boat bunks, they never use plastic as a material for any structural or support members subject to stresses that cause plastic to fail.

I'm now looking for a better way to support my TI using something other than the plastic cradles or PVC pipe. Once I get the TI off the trailer for storage, I'll be removing the PVC and redesigning the bunks with something more robust. When I come up with a better design, I'll post it on this forum.


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 Post subject: Re: Cradles
PostPosted: Mon Sep 12, 2022 6:16 am 
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Joined: Thu Aug 21, 2014 6:43 am
Posts: 202
Location: Chalfont Pa
I am surprised the PVC cracked. It is a pretty thick and strong material, I have not had any problems and mine are over 5 years old.
Was the hobie cradle supported across the whole width? My trailer has 3 inch wide crossbars so the cradle was bolted in at the center and outer supports, really could not flex. Still hated them, much happier with PVC. For what it is worth sunfish spars are aluminum and a perfect length to fit under the boat.


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 Post subject: Re: Cradles
PostPosted: Sun Oct 02, 2022 6:49 pm 
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Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2022 5:18 pm
Posts: 51
I just picked up my new TI tonight (yea!) but with the new trailer came the cradles. Is there anything I can do to prolong their life (303, drive slow to keep down vibrations/etc?)

Thanks...

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22 Compass Duo "Liparus"
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