Universal version of the Hobie Compass Kayak Loader ?

[JerseyJeb]

I don't own a Hobie but came across this amazing piece of gear (hopefully both images load)
It both saves your stern from damage on hard surfaces while loading and makes a stable platform (single keel kayaks can easily flip while loading) 

Does any other company make these for different hulls or is it possible to DIY something for your own yak ?


 

[saltfisherman]

A carpet remnant will do the same, protect the kayak from the surface. Artificial turf will be better, slippery. 

[JerseyJeb]

On 5/20/2023 at 7:46 AM, saltfisherman said:

A carpet remnant will do the same, protect the kayak from the surface. Artificial turf will be better, slippery. 

Yeah it seems like people use a variety of mats to throw under the stern just to keep it from scratching up but what I really liked about this is how stable of a base it provides on the stern. Some kayaks just want to roll over on the keel as you are loading it.

[saltfisherman]

To me it seems to be just a gimmick item and obviously no use beyond its one only idea. You’d find you’d use it for a limited time and then give up on it, because you are in a hurry that day which then leads to tomorrow and the next day too. 

[saltfisherman]

Look at that picture it shows a hobie with zero rudder, there is nothing in its way of being attached. A bit misleading in my eyes. 

[RWP]

On 5/20/2023 at 2:44 PM, saltfisherman said:

Look at that picture it shows a hobie with zero rudder, there is nothing in its way of being attached. A bit misleading in my eyes. 

The compass rudder is under the kayak.

[saltfisherman]

On 5/20/2023 at 3:43 PM, RWP said:

The compass rudder is under the kayak.

Thanks, I’m so used to the old design. 

[lafalot]

Tough to imagine there would be a universal version since it would need to attach to the top and bottom of the kayak, in this case the padeye for the pull handle at the top and rudder at the bottom. Works great for my compass and they even have a version for the outback..

[jeffreyrichard]

The function of this piece of equipment is to protect the rudder, which is under the stern, and susceptible to damage when you lift the bow and pivot on the stern. Frankly I don't know why they designed the compass with the rudder underneath. The older design on the Outbacks and Revos seems more practical. That said, the Loader makes loading a Compass onto a car top by yourself fairly easy and saves the rudder from damage ... indespensible .

[mako capt]

That looks like a nightmare any way you slice it.  Dinging up the car or wrecking your back isn't worth it.  Buy lighter kayaks for cartopping.

[jeffreyrichard]

10 hours ago, mako capt said:

That looks like a nightmare any way you slice it.  Dinging up the car or wrecking your back isn't worth it.  Buy lighter kayaks for cartopping.

 

The Compass is extremely light for a Hobie/Pedal yak ... 68 lbs stripped. This tool is strictly to protect the rudder. Here is a video ...