Hobie Accessories
For nearly 10 years I was fortunate enough to work at the amazing Hobie Cat Company and create dozens of parts and accessories. From tackle crates to carts to steering systems I learned how to work in so many mediums and manage projects from concept through production.
H-Crates
My first project was to create a modular tackle crate that could be shipped flat, collapsed for travel and easily modified. The H-Crate featured H-rails providing built in carry handles and a mounting option for more accessories, a grid of mounting holes with nut spaces on the back that would allow for quick mounting and structure and the corners were rod holders with reel keepers a padeyes for rod leashes and attaching straps built in. Due to popular demand, we later created a Jr. size.
Hobie Livewell V2
The Hobie Livewell was a staple of offshore fisherman but had aged poorly. The switches were wonky, the battery was hard to reach and the hatch was not in the ideal place. After detailed study of the human factors involved in the use of the original livewell and by incorporating the upgraded switch, drain and internal divider systems from the livewell XL, I was able to improve access to the necessary features, improve the ability to customize and improve the aesthetics significantly.
Mini Bins
The simpler Hobie kayaks needed more options for storing gear safely and the ability to quickly add or remove these accessories. The H-Rail system is an accessory for many models and built into the Pro Angler and Outback so we first created a modular bin where you could mount to the rails in nearly any way you could imagine. For our less complex kayaks, tracks are the low profile built in way to mount items. The track mount bin presented an issue of stability and reliable connection to the track. To solve this, I created a large wheel that would allow the users to install and remove it without having to empty it and a boss that would keep it from turning in the track and being able to come loose. Both bins were perfectly sized to carry common bait packages and the most used tools with leash points to keep them secure.
.webp)
