T13 Carry Handles

Love my T-13.  I've got about ten days on the water with it. 

Has anyone had a problem with the carry handles on either side of the seat?   After 3 trips one strap tore through and yesterday the other strap did.  Connection points at the pop rivet attachments look fine, this is definitely a webbing only issue.  I've only used the straps for carrying.

I've been carrying the yak from my truck to the water suitcase style.  Is this wrong?  My T-13 is an 09, I've read OK may have changed webbing material for later models.

Looking forward to repairing this problem by the time my new rod pod lid arrives (stoked for this) and get some serious Fall fishing time.

Give OK customer service a call and tell them your story.  Couldn't hurt.

-Allen

Thanks.

Sent an email yesterday.  If I don't get a response today I'll call tomorrow.

10 am Update:  Sweet, Jessica from Johnson Outdoors sent me an email asking for my address so they could send new straps.  Great customer service Ocean Kayak!  My new rod pod lid was just confirmed shipped as well.  It's a good morning so far.

I beat the hell out of my T-13 - especially before I got a cart, but no wear whatsoever with the handles.  Hopefully the repair will work out well for you.

It sounds like there might be differences in the webbing used for the handles, depending on when the yak was made.

That's what Jessica at OK has told me too - but honestly i couldn't tell ya what that difference is.  I've not had the problem with my T11, but it did happen with my T15.  OK sent me replacements earlier this year and they've been working great.

Get a cart, you wont regret it! I don't use my carry handles at all since I got a wheeleez cart. I'm actually thinking of taking them off because they get in the way sometimes.

I've got a cart, but only use it when there's some distance to cover getting to the water.  If I only have to walk 20' or less the cart is a waste of time. 

The handles really become important when I'm trying to manhandle the yak on top of my truck's canopy.  I've realised loading and unloading is quite awkward without side handles.

Oh, I see. Before I got my cart I used them a ton and never had any problems with the straps breaking. My T13 is a 2010 model so they may have changed it up as you said earlier.

I also use mine regularly to get the kayak on and off the car. I actually didn't use them near as often when they broke.  I use them more now that they've been replaced.  So far so good with the new handles now.

My current T13 has a sheared webbing handle similar to what you're describing. All my other have held up fine, so my guess is a bad batch of webbing. Glad OK's got you taken care of.