Hobie Revo Hull Contour - Normal?

looks life roof rack oil canning to me. in the sun that plastic gets soft, and when you tighten the straps on the rack, the boat will squish. Your hobie dealer will probably know this right away, but if they are any good they will work with you to resolve the issue.

J

I don't know where you are Demonick but if you're in PNW like the rest of us I really don't see how the Sun (heat) could have done that since we've only had a few warm days so far this year.

I keep my Adventure on the truck most of the time (see the pic) and so far nothing like what you've experienced.  Got to think they didn't spray enough plastic in that section.

New users can only post during regular business hours.

This bothers me.  Why would they restrict new user postings unless they are worried about getting slammed by a new owner due to manufacturing issues!

I have my own minor issue with the rear keel plug which I can see is going to grind off.  Very poor placement IMO.  Not to mention it's impossible to find the replacement in the Parts Catalogue.  I'm thinking it's going to get permanently sealed.

looks life roof rack oil canning to me. in the sun that plastic gets soft, and when you tighten the straps on the rack, the boat will squish. Your hobie dealer will probably know this right away, but if they are any good they will work with you to resolve the issue.

Post #9.

The Thule Glide & Set carriers on the lumber rack of my truck are astern and abeam the depressed section.  During the first test loading of the new boat on the new truck with the "glide" pads closer together I was alarmed at how much the bottom of the hull was flexing.  I moved the "glide" pads apart until they were riding on the stouter outside curve of the hull. 

Hobie Cat brushed off my first contact with them and simply told me to contact my retailer.  If it was my product I would get involved with both the customer and the vendor to deal with the issue.  I am working with the retailer, Austin Canoe & Kayak.  They have been a great vendor to deal with in the past and this will be the ultimate test of their customer service.  I would like the boat replaced with another that has has enough plastic on the bottom of the hull. 

Just because the oil canning isn't right where you put the support, doesn't mean that that isn't the cause of it.  Think of the overhang weight, the weakest spot will can first.

BTW, I wouldn't store my yak on a wheeleeze when not in use.  DAMHIK.   

-Allen

I don't know where you are Demonick but if you're in PNW like the rest of us I really don't see how the Sun (heat) could have done that since we've only had a few warm days so far this year.

I keep my Adventure on the truck most of the time (see the pic) and so far nothing like what you've experienced.  Got to think they didn't spray enough plastic in that section.

New users can only post during regular business hours.

This bothers me.  Why would they restrict new user postings unless they are worried about getting slammed by a new owner due to manufacturing issues!

I have my own minor issue with the rear keel plug which I can see is going to grind off.  Very poor placement IMO.  Not to mention it's impossible to find the replacement in the Parts Catalogue.  I'm thinking it's going to get permanently sealed.

I've been dragging mine around and theres not even a scratch on the plug...

Just because the oil canning isn't right where you put the support, doesn't mean that that isn't the cause of it.  Think of the overhang weight, the weakest spot will can first.

BTW, I wouldn't store my yak on a wheeleeze when not in use.  DAMHIK.   

-Allen

My T13 lived on the Wheelez for a year with no issues - it now has been hanging from two 2" straps for months with no issues.  Should it be acceptable for my T13 bow and stern to now be drooping?  I can't believe that it is acceptable for a plastic SOT hull to not be able to support a fraction of its own weight on land.  If the plastic is thin/weak enough to sag under a few pounds of load how long might it last being stressed on ocean swells and chop, or dragged on sand and rocks?   

I didn't say it was acceptable.

But it is a well know fact that leaving kayaks sitting right side up on minimal support will oil can a plastic SOT.  So why risk it?

-Allen

Well I think you have to consider the type and purpose of the construction.  The Hobies seem to be lighter boats (maybe sportier is a good word for it?)  

Several folks also posted that Hobie recommends storing it on the ends, sides, or backs.  

Also, a hull with water distribution over the entire length of the boat can't really be compared to sitting on a wheeleez - even with chop and wave action, you're going to have at least 1/2 to 2/3 of the hull in the water.  

Some kayaks are sturdier than others.

Honestly, I don't see that as a warranty issue. As pole, nook, and others have pointed out, hulls will warp, even under normal usage, and it's very rare when I've seen a manufacturer warranty it. We may not like it, but it is a fact of life for plastic boats. If it's been stored on the hull, particularly resting on a specific point like with a cart or racks, the weight is more than enough to warp it. I always recommend storing boats either on their ends or sidewalls.

With that said, I'd approach ACK. They're stand-up guys, and will do everything they can to help you. There could be issues with the boat that do make it a warranty issue, but can't make those judgments from photos. Also, as mentioned below, hot water is an excellent way to remove oil canning & other warpage from boats. If & when we get warm weather, sunlight will help as well. I have a T15 that had the nose bent to about 45º last summer, and is now back to (almost) normal.

Brian


*edited to remove wrong shop title

I've seen an Ocean Kayak that looked almost identical to the pics you show.  the guy had been in eastern washington (didn't you just return from there?) and he had it on his truck rack and had tied it down very tightly.  He also had used bow and stern lines, and he re-tightened those after it was warmer and he'd been on the road a bit.  Well, what he did was he put too much down force on the stern and it buckled after it was heated by the sun. He said he came back out from a lunch stop and it was suddenly bent. It was fine when he tightened it, but not after it'd been warmed. He guessed that the force from the stern line and heat combined with the focused stress of the roof rack had caused the buckling to the bottom of the boat.  He was only asking $300 for the t-13 on CL, and it was tempting, but I didn't want to have to try and fix it.  He had tried to get OK to replace it for him, but he had no luck with it.  He bought a second one and was trying to offset the cost by selling the whacky boat.  I think he probably ended up keeping it for spare plastic and welding practice for his son.

With that said, I'd approach Alder Creek (I'm assuming that ACK). They're stand-up guys, and will do everything they can to help you.

Austin Canoe & Kayak is a stand-up retailer and has been a pleasure to deal with in the past.  If Hobie will not honor its warranty, then I cannot expect ACK to do so.

Hobie is blowing me off, telling me to fill the boat with boiling water, etc.  Basically to do what has been suggested by some here.  So they are making the problem mine.  Maye I'll drill a 1" plug out of the bottom of the hull and send it to them to see if it meets their minimum thickness specifications.

I've seen an Ocean Kayak that looked almost identical to the pics you show.  the guy had been in eastern washington (didn't you just return from there?) and he had it on his truck rack and had tied it down very tightly...

Yes, the boat has been used a few times.  It went to eastern Washington, Moses lake.  It was securely tied down on the truck for the drive over from Seattle and the drive back.  When leaving any kayak on the carriers for a non-travel period of time I always loosen all the tie-downs.  Also the location of cart and rear carrier pads does not correspond to the location of the warp (see previous posts).  I carried my Ocean Trident 13 on the same carriers in the same way dozens of times.  I stored the T13 sitting on the same cart for a year.  The T13 has not had any issues.  Personally, I believe that if this is not a manufacturing defect then it is a design defect.  For the cost of a pound or two more plastic the hull in this area could be and should be much stouter.  If it is a design defect then replacing the boat will make no difference.

Oh, well, this Revo is the last Hobie product I'll buy.  It really is too bad, because the mirage drive is a jewel of superb design and engineering.  It is totally cool.  I now wonder who designed it.  The mirage drive is the reason people buy these boats, not because they weigh 58 pounds rather than 63 pounds.  

Thanks for your comments and suggestions.  I'll be trying them out when the sun comes out.  

Hey, once you get it fixed, consider getting some PVC or other pipe, that fits those channels in the bottom of the hull, place them in there every time you store it (and during trips if it's hot out).  Lots of people suggested I do something to support my Tarpon, and I have done that, and it has worked thus far.

looks life roof rack oil canning to me. in the sun that plastic gets soft, and when you tighten the straps on the rack, the boat will squish. Your hobie dealer will probably know this right away, but if they are any good they will work with you to resolve the issue.

Post #9.

The Thule Glide & Set carriers on the lumber rack of my truck are astern and abeam the depressed section.  During the first test loading of the new boat on the new truck with the "glide" pads closer together I was alarmed at how much the bottom of the hull was flexing.  I moved the "glide" pads apart until they were riding on the stouter outside curve of the hull. 

Hobie Cat brushed off my first contact with them and simply told me to contact my retailer.  If it was my product I would get involved with both the customer and the vendor to deal with the issue.  I am working with the retailer, Austin Canoe & Kayak.  They have been a great vendor to deal with in the past and this will be the ultimate test of their customer service.  I would like the boat replaced with another that has has enough plastic on the bottom of the hull. 

Strapping on a cart can do that too.

Honestly, I don't see that as a warranty issue. As pole, nook, and others have pointed out, hulls will warp, even under normal usage, and it's very rare when I've seen a manufacturer warranty it. We may not like it, but it is a fact of life for plastic boats. If it's been stored on the hull, particularly resting on a specific point like with a cart or racks, the weight is more than enough to warp it. I always recommend storing boats either on their ends or sidewalls.

With that said, I'd approach Alder Creek (I'm assuming that ACK). They're stand-up guys, and will do everything they can to help you. There could be issues with the boat that do make it a warranty issue, but can't make those judgments from photos. Also, as mentioned below, hot water is an excellent way to remove oil canning & other warpage from boats. If & when we get warm weather, sunlight will help as well. I have a T15 that had the nose bent to about 45º last summer, and is now back to (almost) normal.

Brian

When we get boats like this in for repair, we use a heat gun to warm the affected area and get it pliable, then wedge foam in-between the hull and deck to push out the depressions.
as the material cools. This makes it better, but not perfect.

I would imagine since you had the boat shipped across country, the Austin Canoe & Kayak guys are going to be a little leery of you shipping it back, and not too excited. They are going to do everything they can to get you to keep the boat, because even though we and probably they ship anywhere for $99.....We totally eat it on that one. Usually with our business discount, shipping is $2-300. For the average Joe, it's closer to $500.

They are going to try and get you to fix it, because it is a fairly typical occurrence with roto-molded polyethylene boats.

That being said, after working with you to help you resolve the problem on your own, I would still take the boat back and refund your money less shipping damage, and have you pay for return shipping. That's what a good shop SHOULD do. It gets really hard when your talking about cross country shipping though.

I just had a similar problem with a customer that purchased a $3500 FG sea kayak online and had it shipped to Texas. There is a strong chance that a FG boat will get damaged in shipping, and it's a real pain in the arse to ship an 18ft boat and package it correctly etc. Customer called me a week after he received it and said it was "too tippy".

Now I know that that can be overcome with learning and practice, and I really tried to get this guy to see that, but at the end of the day, we have 100% satisfaction guarantee, He decided to ship the boat back, and I refunded his money.

Jason

J

Thats one of the big reasons why for "big" purchases I always buy local, even if it ends up costing me more.  I want to be able to go back and talk "face to face" if I have an issue that needs resolved.