Steelman73 wrote:
Jbernier wrote:
Flat on the floor would be best for 'storage - or on a flat surface to transport (if you can't use cradles - or flip it over) The flat surface suggestion is straight out of the owners manual. We strongly warn against PVC runner style storage / transport - way too maybe issues caused by that...
Flat on the ground could cause flat spots faster then pvc pipe that is fully supporting the whole kayak? I just called a Hobie dealer and they store them on these racks all the time. They do not take them down each night and store them flat on the floor and then put them back up on these the next day in the show room for display. Also chatted with one online and they also do the same thing and know several that do the same.
Like I said, not trying to be a butt, but sounds like a lot of inconsistency to me and I know mine sit on one for 4 months during winter before I bought it.
I just do not understand why Hobie can not give people more options to store their $3,000 dollar kayaks. All you get in your book is 3 options. Wide straps hanging up side down, upside down on boards, or flat right side up. If a person can not hang, then you have two options, lay it flat on the floor or flip it over on boards on the floor.
I think the difference between how a dealer stores the kayak and how an owner may store it is based on time and temperature. The dealer will have the yak in a climate controlled area and in most cases will sell the it within months. The final owner may store the yak in high heat and the storage condition may last for years of ownership. Hobie is just trying to be conservative here.
My yaks are stored outside on a floating dock for 8 months out of the year (they go inside during hurricane season). On the floating dock, they are in cradles. When inside, they are flat on the floor and *upside down".
I've owned Hobie kayaks since 2004 and never had a hull problem. They are not fragile. My in-law's Sport is light enough that I think it could be stored it on its side and it would be fine. My Outback, on the other hand, is heavier and so I take more care in how it is stored. Just use common sense.