TI 2015 - loose Xbar hex bolts

I learned from other topics that these hex bolt in Xbar must be checked and tightened if loose. So I did that and yes mine are loose. Some I have to turn about 7 times hand tight. Was surprise bec I thought it's very well tightened from the factory and will take months of use before I have to check it.

While tightening the hex bolt I noticed this screw. Can someone please tell me the purpose of this as I'm not sure if I have to tightened this or not.

My Xbar bolts were loose too.

The Philips head screws (one on the bottom too) holds on the softer plastic ends to the Xbars.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

If those hex bolts were that loose, I think I would have pulled them all the way out and added Loctite (blue) before reinserting.

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Mark
Tandem Island- 2013
2 - Sports - 2014

Thank you guys. i forgot the Loctite. Will do it next time.

Hmmm...maybe I should go check mine.

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2015 Hobie Tandem Island Hibiscus
"Third Normal Form"

• Trampolines
• Hobie cover
• Davis Spar Fly
• Kayakbob's Sprayskirts
• Spine Board Hakas

I checked my hex bolt again and I was able to make few turns again using 3 fingers. I'm sure I can still turn it if I use my 5 fingers but I'm afraid I might break something if I overtighten it. There's no torque specs or guidance from Hobie that BIM aware of. So anyone that have seen the innards of this kayak, please share how much force you think I can apply to these bolts.

This link below I think supports why we should be concern as how much torque we apply to these hex bolts.

"compression forces and plastic fatigue under the port mounts had caused fractures of the hull"

viewtopic.php?f=75&t=39233

I think you can over-complicate this, the Allen key provided with you Island is probably the right size...

I just tighten the bolt as tightly as I can using 1or 2 fingers at the end of the key. No need to really hunker on down on it, as you can always check for tightness over time.

So put away that torque-wrench! lol

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Tony Stott
2012 Tandem Island "SIC EM" with Hobie spinnaker

nap, those cracks were mostly due to hidden corrosion building up between the Akas bars and the hull. In other words, expansion, not over tightening was the culprit. Common on the older boats, when they were not meticulously maintained.

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The Wind Is Your Friend...

Thank you Tony, Nohuhu.
One or two fngers at end of Allen key from hobie will be my guide for tightening these hex bolts.

While you are tightening stuff take a look at the locking nuts on the mast socket tension rods. I found mine were both loose the other day on a new 2015 TI.
Chris

Yup, my TI also arrived with the mast tensioner locking nuts completely backed off... worth checking all nuts/bolts etc. I'd say

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2015 Tandem Island - Golden Papaya "HALIBOO"
(retired) Outback - Hibiscus Red