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We receive frequent queries on boat outfitting and love nothing more than spending time in store to ensure customers achieve the perfect fit. After all, it is critical to overall control of your kayak or canoe.
Pyranha have been working hard on their factory fitted systems and many of you will have seen the evolution from Connect 30, C4S, Connect, Stout and now Stout 2. In our opinion the latest outfitting has produced not only a more comfortable and responsive fit but also one that is increasingly secure and with less maintenance requirement. But once you’ve set up the boat and still dream of greater connectivity what’s next? The answer is their Hooker Thigh Grips. This accessory is an update on the system originally fitted to boats from the early 2000’s. The system simply bolts to your existing Stout 2 thigh braces and provides a more aggressive connection to the boat by offering increased surface area for contact. This isn’t a one size fits all approach and Pyranha have been careful to add a degree of adjustability to the hooker thigh grips, allowing the user to gradually increase their impact as confidence grows. Naturally, we feel they are best suited to play and river play series but do see some paddlers using them in creek and river running designs. Our only comment on the latter would be to ensure you are fully comfortable exiting the boat with hooker thigh grips fitted.
As well as telling you a little about why you would fit this game-changing accessory we also wanted to provide a short tutorial on how to fit them. Brace yourself! Terrible, we know!
Tools Required
4mm Allen Key (provided with your Pyranha kayak)
10mm Spanner
Step 1 – removing the Stout 2 thigh brace.
In order to fit the hooker attachments the Stout 2 thigh brace needs to be removed. You could attempt it without doing so but we would in no way recommend it. The thigh brace is attached via three bolts, two with black washer in the cockpit recess and one with red washer on the thigh brace adjustment panel. The former require a 10mm spanner and allen key, while the latter only the allen key. Once removed you will find the thigh brace will remain attached by the ratchet ladder. Simply release the buckle to loosen the ladder and thus remove the thigh brace completely.
Step 2 – remove the thigh brace padding.
In standard format the Stout 2 thigh brace has a pad attached for additional comfort, which is held in place via three screws. Simply use a crosshead screwdriver to remove these and the pad will be easily detached. Remember to retain the pad and screws should you wish to move back to standard specification, perhaps when upgrading boats.
Step 3 – attaching the hooker plate
On the underside of the Stout 2 thigh brace you will find two threaded inserts. Simply line up the channels in the hooker plate and attach using the 4mm allen key bolts provided. You will need two of these bolts per thigh brace.
It can be a good idea to leave the bolts loose, thus allowing you to choose how aggressive you want the hooker angle with thigh grips reattached. It is perfectly possible to tighten the hooker attachment bolts when in the boat.
4) Reattach the Stout 2 Thigh Brace
The exciting part, your kayak is nearly ready to hit the river! When refitting the Stout 2 thigh brace we would recommend attaching the nuts and bolts with black washers first. Ultimately these hold the brace in place but should not be tightened fully as you will need to slide the thigh brace back and forth in order to set the correct position bow to stern with the adjustment bolt (red washer). Once in your preferred position and fully tightened all you need to do is thread the ratchet ladder back through the buckle and you are ready to paddle!
Enjoy your time on the water, your kayak now offering next level connectivity thanks to the Pyranha Hooker Thigh Brace Attachments.
