C-Forum

Could someone give me some advice on how to install the Dagger Hip Hugger/grapper into a Cascade so it is flush around the cockpit. Is there some trick to it?
thanks in advance.

If I recall correctly from installing one in my cascade, it doesn't quite sit flush. The cockpits are a little bit different. What I did was remove a bit of the rear foam pillar (so the "tab" would fit in there) as well as a piece of the seat. Once that was bolted in (not easy, due to the foam pillar) I used clamps to spread the hipgrabber out a bit (so it was tight to the rim) and drilled and bolted it. I had images around somewhere, but I don't have access to them right now.

Good luck!

Other questions on hip grabbers?
For those with Vipers did you install them on your boats and if so how?
What materials where used in general building huggers? mini-cell, Modified cutting board plastic, etc?
Thanks!

PAC,

I'm currently working on hip pads for my Fanatic. Since I can't paddle I thought I'd upgrade my outfitting.

I spent time looking at a lot of different setups this year for hip pads in glass boats. I've seen cutting board braces with foam, glass/kevlar with foam and straight minicell in different widths. I think the cutting board or glass/kevlar might be the most secure.

I'm currently working on an all minicell version right now, mainly cause I have more minicell to work with than other materials laying about.

I cut the minicell in an L shape the width I wanted for my hips. The longer part will go under the deck. The short part sticks up for the hip pads. I used dragon skin to shape a bit of groove in the corner of the L to stick around the cockpit rim. Currently I'm shaping more before I glue in then I will shape the top that sticks up to allow the spray skirt to go on better.

I've talked to people that said this version will work as long as the L shape is not to thin that it breaks off from getting in and out.

If using a cutting board or glass/kevlar method you must shape the top part that sticks up carefully so that it doesn't wear through a sprayskirt.

Good luck,

Happy paddling,

Natalie