Compass rudder protection ???

Hi Matt Miller

When is Hobie going to come out with an accessory or mod to protect the Compass' rudder ???
I've only taken my Compass out a couple times and I don't see how damage to the rudder can be avoided. Especially when cartopping the yak. I also have a Revo 13 and a paddle yak. Both are much easier to cartop. Even using two people its hard not to have the rudder hit the ground.
The newer Outback at least has an H-rail on the stern and with a little effort we can custom fabricate something to protest the rudder (per online posts on the subject).

As the stern of the Compass is an angled V we can't easily adapt the Outback H-rail

When is Hobie going to address this vital issue ???

To anyone besides Matt, if you have a Compass specific mod recommendation (other than the Boondock) please post it here

I went with cartopping upside down a few times and that was only moderately better.
I've since been using a Hullivator and life is so much better

Which Hullivator model?
When I picked up my compass. we (Shop staff and I) tried to fit it on the Hullivator and it wouldn't fit. My model say fits kayaks to 36" and the compass is supposed to be 34"

Maybe make sure you have it spread out to max width? Mine fits new Compass and also my 2015 Outback (36" wide) I had before.

NHG

I would like to see something to protect the rudder too. Hobie should be able to come up with something.

It's almost here... The engineers developed a Compass loader part that is similar to the 2019 Outback loader.

Outback loader:


Will attach to the transom and make loading far easier. More info soon.

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

I have an older Hullivator model where my Outback could not fit on. I had to loosen up the side that was nearest the edge and shift the holder *OVER* the plastic stop and then tighten it down. This may not be kosher, but my Outback could fit.

Hint, shift the holder to a position where your boat can fit. I went to the extreme thinking more is better, but it was very difficult to load since I would have to bend down so low and it was very difficult to stretch my arms around the yak and up behind to pull the levers to unlock the Hullivator. Plus I am so much lower down that it was difficult to use my legs to make the initial lift.

I use the same strategy (and learned the above mistake) with my Compass.

Awesome

I just tried to load my Compass for the first time onto the roof and almost ripped the rudder off. I am dead keen on a Hobie solution to this issue!

Hey Matt, any update on this? Just bought a compass and it's terrible car topping solo without rudder protection. Thanks

Soon... weeks to a month before the announcement.

You can lift from the stern and rest the bow on the ground as an option.

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

thanks for the update, looking forward to this!

Is the rudder protector going to come with the 2020 Compass?

Not a standard part. This is an accessory.

Now available:



COMPASS LOADER
Molded to fit snuggly on the transom of the Hobie Mirage Compass and Compass DUO. The Compass loader is a load-assist tool. It incorporates rubber skids and handles to make car top loading of the kayak easier and helps prevent damage to the kayak during loading.

81711000 COMPASS LOADER $29.99

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

Awesome! I've been doing it from the front as you previously suggested, and while it works, the bow loves to slide on the mat while I load/unload. I've had a few slides into gravel due to this, which really sucked. Hoping this will be the solution!