Broken Hobie Triangle Ring on Vantage Seat

[Huntrava]

This may be my cue to go on a diet.

A couple days ago I reached behind my seat and heard a 'pop', then the lumbar support strap on the vantage seat went slack. I traced the part down to the "Triangle Ring" which Matt on the Hobie boards says is a sacrificial part. I'd love to order one, except that Hobie's mandatory $5 shipping turns a $4 part into an $9 one. Even more, if it's a sacrificial part, there's a good chance I may need to buy another one down the road...there's got to be a better way than paying almost $10 a pop for a cheap plastic part.

I fabricated a copy out of some spare plastic, but the plastic was too soft and gave out quickly. I've considered fabricating a new one out of aluminum, but I'm concerned about wearing down the string/cord.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so, did you find a permanent solution other than buying another buckle and hoping for the best?

[JohnE]

Interesting. Got any pics? Have not had a problem with the outback vantage seat, but I did notice it says 275 lb max capacity and I'm not too far off from that lately. Wonder if there is a similar mechanisn on the outback?

Have spent hundreds of hours in my vantage seat and only had issues with screws working themselves loose and seat bottom tear (Hobie replaced under warranty).

[Huntrava]

Interesting. Got any pics? Have not had a problem with the outback vantage seat, but I did notice it says 275 lb max capacity and I'm not too far off from that lately. Wonder if there is a similar mechanisn on the outback?

Have spent hundreds of hours in my vantage seat and only had issues with screws working themselves loose and seat bottom tear (Hobie replaced under warranty).

I can get some pictures tomorrow night.

I think the PA vantage seat is rated for 300(?) and I'm around 215 myself. For what it's worth, these seats are truly a feat of engineering considering their weight, durability, and versatility. I've certainly spent a hundred hours in my chair with only a popped rivet so far, which was easily fixed. It's odd that this small plastic piece, which is seemingly proprietary, is the designed point of failure for the lumbar support.

[Backyard Boats Annapolis]

The lumbar tension mechanism on the Vantage CT seats (Outback, Revo, etc) is different the Vantage ST (PA 12 and 14) seat. The tension line on the CT seat runs from the boa directly to the wire that holds the back mesh in the seat frame. The ST and XT seats run from the Boa to the triangle rings. Rather than rip the mesh by over tensioning the Boa control the rings break. There's a reason Hobie uses plastic there and at $3.99 a pop it beats the alternative. The Woodbridge store should have them in stock.

[silasvirus82]

My Vantage CT seat flew off my boat on the highway doing about 60 and got run over by a big Dodge truck pulling a cargo trailer. After watching it shoot out from under the trailer in my rear view I thought for sure it was toast, nope, just a little road rash and it's still working fine! I couldn't believe it.

[Mark]

My Vantage CT seat flew off my boat on the highway doing about 60 and got run over by a big Dodge truck pulling a cargo trailer. After watching it shoot out from under the trailer in my rear view I thought for sure it was toast, nope, just a little road rash and it's still working fine! I couldn't believe it.

John,

That's quite an aggressive shock test. I doubt Hobie HQ recommends it but they would be proud of the results.

It reminds of the old Timex watch commercials -- Takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

You can now say your Vantage CT takes a beating and keeps on seating.

[jet]

john,

that's quite an aggressive shock test. I doubt hobie hq recommends it but they would be proud of the results.

It reminds of the old timex watch commercials -- takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

You can now say your vantage ct takes a beating and keeps on seating.

lol

[silasvirus82]

John,

That's quite an aggressive shock test. I doubt Hobie HQ recommends it but they would be proud of the results.

It reminds of the old Timex watch commercials -- Takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

You can now say your Vantage CT takes a beating and keeps on seating.

Haha, yea I guess you could [emoji38]