question for Hobie kayakers only. the drive leash.

[Darth-Baiter]

I am reminiscing my friend flipping his boat.  it was luckily the first day he elected to use the homemade leash I bought him for securing his pedal-drive.  saved him a high ticket item from a watery grave.  I saw it and really wondered what kind of friend I am.  I made it from some leash better suited for keeping your wallet or work ID card from disappearing out of your pocket.  really feeble.  it worked that one time, but I wouldn't expect it to take repeated beatings.  even mine is two old dog leash clips on the end of 18" of orange paracord.  I looked and my paracord is sun damaged.  faded, and some orange grit comes off when I rub it.   time to replace.

 

I looked at the official Hobie-Drive leash.  it is $40!!!  I was gonna buy my buddy one as well.  $80?!!  I couldn't do it.  I found a very sturdy strap we used for survey equipment cases and clipped it to my pedal drive for now.  it is at least fabric webbing material similar to our car seatbelts.  STRONG.  I am going to make a pair.  my 94 old neighbor loves my projects for her.  she can sew anything with her industrial sewing machine.  I will buy more webbing material and make two.  one for me, one for my friend.

 

here is my question:  do you have the Hobie Leash?   what ideas can I poach off of it for my DIY leashes?  is that buckle clip even necessary?  

[casts_by_fly]

Is the design of the drive such that it can fall out upside down?  That would be very surprising to me that there isn't a latch or other part that holds it in place.  If nothing else so that it doesn't move when you're 'pedaling'.

[Darth-Baiter]

8 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

Is the design of the drive such that it can fall out upside down?  That would be very surprising to me that there isn't a latch or other part that holds it in place.  If nothing else so that it doesn't move when you're 'pedaling'.

no, it is clipped in securely.  we pull them out and put them on deck when enter or exit the water.  

 

this goes triple for the beach surf launching guys.  which is when they mostly flip.

 

my friend flipped with his pedal drive pulled out of the drive-hole.  

[casts_by_fly]

ah, gotcha.  This was part of the 'wrapping up for the day' activities that cause the flip in the first place.

 

My 'drive' is the last thing that gets put up and away before I hit shore.  I wrap up the rods, clean up the rear tankwell, turn off the graph, fold the net, and then as I'm just about into shore or dock I'll lift the motor up if I have to.  If I'm on a dock it stays in and ready.  Sounds like your friend is still working out his 'done for the day' procedure.

[Kevhead19]

I have the drive leash. I paid less than 40 during holiday sales. Considering the cost to the value of the 360 drive I would buy again. I like the snap buckle. I keep the longer end attached and unclip the short end to put in my truck for transport. I have the cord attached right near the rod tube on the PA 14. 

 

Try to match the length if you're DIYing it. It's a great length to easily pull drive for grass clearing but short enough to stay out of the way when operating.

[schplurg]

My Old Town PDL drive floats. Hard to believe and I've never tried it but it's on the website, so score another point for OT. It has 3 lockdowns though so it'd be very hard to lose. I'm sure someone could manage.

[Gfd63]

I have the drive leash. Picked it up on end of season sale at a kayak shop. But we fabricated one with heavy 1/4" nylon cord & brass dog lead clip for My friends Hobie drive.