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Post by wildman on Jun 26, 2014 15:07:31 GMT -1
Rods in the holders hit the water when the yak capsized and the screws gave way in a Pro-dace, the second was possibly a Galaxy Cruz (who have since changed their method of attaching the holders) so hopefully sorted, not sure of the third make but it was a generic Chinese hull might have been a Go-Sea but not entirely sure, most manufacturers seem not to seal them and just rely on three self tapping screws which if inserted incorrectly may have already just about stripped the threads the leverage imposed by a six foot rod hitting the water is greater than they could cope with. Don't get me wrong I like the Chinese yaks there is a tremendous range to suit every pocket, they are improving with every new release. It is not one factory there are hundreds of them. As long as buyers are aware of the limitations and double check fittings they are as good as any. You may find the granules are preheated before being pumped into the mould with a precise measuring peristaltic pump. as you say the hulls are in two parts, and I guess each factory arrive at their own unique measurements. The most recent improvements are in hinged rather than screw top hatches and moulded rather than rope side handles.
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Post by izzetafox on Jun 26, 2014 15:39:00 GMT -1
The side handles vary amongst premium brand as well as Chinese. I guess it was a typo when you said the hull was in two halves....it is the mould itself. Unless of course it is a thermoformed hull like some of the Bic models. I can only speak from knowledge of the Galaxy rivet situation. The rivets themselves were actually faulty, they did not all 'splay' correctly as they were popped. The rod holders were sealed with silicon which had to be cleaned off before the remedial work was done in the UK warehouse. They were then fixed with trifold rivets and sealed with Sikaflex. Leaks are not unique to the Chinese market. Many premium brands have also had problems but critics do not jump on the bandwagon the same way as they do with the Chinese. All seals no matter what the brand should be checked. I know some guys who strip all attachments and reseal them as soon as they buy a new yak. Many kayaks are now coming with the encapsulated threaded brass barrels in the hull which are great. Personally if I can get access inside the hull I always use nuts, bolts and washers for new fixings and then I have a piece of drilled kitchen chopping board between the washer and the hull to spread the load, everything is then smothered with sealant. Belts and braces! I agree about the hatches I had a screw type on a Prowler 13 and it only had to see sand and it jammed. Many are also using a 1/4 turn type lock. Interesting discussion mate. Terry
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Post by wildman on Jun 26, 2014 18:30:13 GMT -1
yup typo, I meant the mould but then I'm a 67yr olde farte and entitled, hee hee. I quite agree on personally checking, on my ocean kayak big game the flush mount rod holders (RAM fitting) had a half inch hole through to the hull. I removed them and fitted Scotty surface mount with a blanking plug, The old fittings were nuts and bolts and there was a rubber gasket. The hatches are nearly dry and I'm sure if I used vasaline they would be but its only a minute trickle so I don't bother. I have pop bottle floatation in all of my yaks, who knows when the hull might flood for whatever reason. but it will float and allow me to board it and paddle ashore. I am an engineer, been sailing all of my life and have a yachtmaster offshore certification. I have an analytical mind and appreciation of water and its problems, however I am neither an experienced yaker not a fisherman and have never claimed to be. I would like to enjoy yaking as a way to have transport when away in my motorhome. I can tow them with my yak trailer, or I hope to find one to carry, inside as per review for use on inland waterways rivers, lakes and canals in the UK and Europe. I will try several until I can find the largest I can carry inside. at 17st I need all the buoyancy I can get.
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Post by izzetafox on Jun 26, 2014 19:12:18 GMT -1
I respect your knowledge mate and all knowledge received is a benefit to members.
As I say I am mainly a freshwater angler with visits onto the salty stuff for meets mainly or holidays, N Wales, Cornwall and the East Coast mainly.
Meets are the best place to pick up tips on rigging and tactics, most guys are very generous with their advice.
I am not far behind you at 59 that is perhaps why I am so cantankerous at times.
I often get criticised for not jumping on the 'criticise the Chinese' bandwagon. There is some rubbish and there is some good stuff. As I say it is a case of checking your gear and using it within it's limitations.
This is a great sport with an admirable safety record and sometimes it is the paddler that is using his gear inappropriately or with a lack of knowledge rather than the gear itself.
Terry
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