TexasKayakFisherman.com

Does anyone else have problems with Hobie rudder handles deteriorating in the heat?

Kayak was stored in the garage in Houston, the rubber melted and the plastic cracked.

Just wondering if I should treat the replacements with a coating or anything I can do to prevent this from happening.

Thanks, Ron in La Porte, TX

I stored my PA in the garage for several years and never noticed anything like that. Wonder if that was just a bad batch? Maybe order a set of replacement handles. I’d be surprised if you have the issue repeat itself.

Thanks SWFinatic,
I already bought 2 replacements, (one in the attached picture) both had to be replaced. On the second handle, the rubber also melted and has cracks in the plastic but did not fall apart like the one in the photo. Guess I will just try again, was just disappointed they aren't cheap or easy to find!

Gotcha I think I might reach out to Hobie. If nothing else at least they should be aware it’s happening. Best of luck. I know that’s frustrating.