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Aka Brace
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=12279		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Upyaboya [ Sun Apr 19, 2009 1:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Aka Brace
One of the great benefits of reading this forum is learning from all of you.

Some while ago, Kayaking Bob showed how he used some line through a shear bolt hole to attach the brace to the aka. I made sure to do likewise and today, it saved my bacon.

Not paying proper attention, I failed to notice a big 'yellow' pontoon bouy, used to anchor lobster pots, and with no time for evasive action, it hit the front starboard aka with a mighty rattle, then hit the rear starboard aka before lurching away with me reaching out to try to stabilse the aka before I sensed a capsize. I managed to furl the sail and taske a closer look. The shear bolt did exactly as it was designed to do and Kayaking Bob's piece of line made sure that the brace did not disappear. I was able to disconnect the brace and keep it safely, retract the ama's and pedal home. Best of all, there is no damage to the A1.

Yet again, I marvel at the A1 and the many great users who share such helpful information. Reading here about other such occurences allowed me to understand what's likely to happen. That has proven invaluable.

Tomorrow, I'll re attach the brace and hopefully be back in action.

Upyaboya
Author:  stringy [ Sun Apr 19, 2009 3:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aka Brace
I'm glad you acted on that advice, Upyaboya!
As you may have read I didn't and lost a brace! :(
Even though I was aware of the possibility of it happening from reading Bob's original post I had dismissed it as being unlikely and didn't get around to adding the loops. :oops:
Fortunately I had added a spare brace to my emergency kit so I didn't lose any time on the water.
I would recommend the loops as an essential upgrade. In fact I think Hobie should add them during assembly. The spare bolt on the brace is useless if the brace has sunk!
A simple loop of bungee in place of the spare bolt is a better solution with the the spare bolt included separately.
Author:  Tom Ray [ Mon Apr 20, 2009 4:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aka Brace
hmmm... still trying to get around to putting the backup loop on the braces on our boats.... maybe I should get to that...
Author:  Pirate [ Mon Apr 20, 2009 5:31 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aka Brace
Come on Tom. You can do it. Such an easy and sensible fix from Bob, which I jumped at when he first posted it. It is really a 'must do' tip for all AI owners...Pirate :!:
Author:  Aledal [ Wed Apr 22, 2009 2:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aka Brace
Wish I could visualize what you guys are talking about. Someone snapped the bungee cord that keeps the aka inserted into the ama? So an extra line is tied to the black rings on opposite end of the amas and connected to the aka? I cant imagine an aka snapping off the bracket.
Author:  stringy [ Wed Apr 22, 2009 3:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Aka Brace
Aledal,
The aka brace has a shear bolt that is designed to break if you collide with something so that structural damage is avoided. Unfortunately once broken the brace can disconnect and sink.
Check out this pic from Kayaking Bob:
Image
He has removed the spare bolt and threaded a loop through the brace and around the aka which stops the brace from falling in the water. It's a simple solution that works very well. 8)
Also see this post:
viewtopic.php?f=44&t=11745
Author:  Bob L. [ Wed Apr 22, 2009 12:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aka Brace
When you create a loop by feeding a line through the sheer bolt hole, what are you securing the lanyard line to?

Thank you

Bob
Author:  chrisj [ Wed Apr 22, 2009 1:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aka Brace
Bob L. wrote:
When you create a loop by feeding a line through the sheer bolt hole, what are you securing the lanyard line to?

Thank you

Bob

The loop goes around the aka bar, Bob. It can't slip off the aka, because the aka is secured to the hull at one end and the ama at the other.
Author:  Upyaboya [ Wed Apr 22, 2009 1:59 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aka Brace
Bob,

When I had my run in with the submerged bouy, the line attached to the aka saved me from losing the brace. Better still, if I had wanted to effect a repair while on the water it would have been very straightforward. As it was, I was close to the beach so I just furled in the sail and pedalled in.

By looping the line around the aka I managed not to have the brace end up at the bottom of the sea.

Upyaboya
Author:  Bob L. [ Wed Apr 22, 2009 2:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aka Brace
Upyaboya

So you just looped it through the brace hole and around the aka?

Bob
Author:  Pirate [ Wed Apr 22, 2009 2:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aka Brace
That's how it goes Bob which is such a simple and smart precaution thanks to Hawaii Bob. Store the nylon brace bolt you removed and it is complete. No chance of losing the brace should you hit something hard...Pirate :wink:
Author:  Bob L. [ Wed Apr 22, 2009 2:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aka Brace
I'll make the modification.

Thank you Upyaboya,

Bob
Author:  Aledal [ Wed Apr 22, 2009 5:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Aka Brace
A picture is worth a thousand words.
Thanks AGAIN Stringy...
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