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Otter Hyfax kit

YellowOtter1

By YellowOtter1
in Ice Fishing

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YellowOtter1 Apprentice

YellowOtter1

Posted
Posted

Anybody have trouble with this product? I was wondering why Gander asked me if I wanted to buy a warranty when I bought an Otter Hyfax kit the other day. Its Hyfax its supposed to be tough right? After I installed it, several of the front mounts on the bend cracked and separated from the bolts. I cant imagine what this stuff will do when it gets really cold. Another friend warned me to carry extra bolts/washers because his Otter hyfax did the same thing and can do some sled damage if it decides it wants to come loose while your towing. Maybe I just got a bad batch, not impressed as is.

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aa8shot Apprentice

aa8shot

Posted
Posted

Was it cold when u installed them? I needed an extra hand for a couple of them to start, but otherwise these went on without a problem. I did it in late summer. The hyfax may very well make my sled last forever. At least my time.

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YellowOtter1 Apprentice

YellowOtter1

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The Hyfax was still warm from being inside while I installed it in the garage which had to be around 40 degrees. It almost seems like the manufacturer drilled the mounting holes too deep not leaving a whole lot of hyfax to actually hold to the sled between bolt/washer and sled.

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harvey lee Grand Master

harvey lee

Posted
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I have done more than likely 15 hyfax kits without an issue. I have never had 1 bolt pull through. Any chance you may have tightened up the bolt to much?

If you believe you have an issue, I would call Otter. Otter will stand behind defective hyfax I'm sure.

For the statement the employee made at Gander, very uncalled for to say the least. Otter has a great product with their hyfax kit. Could they have drilled a few holes to deep, who knows. I also would believe that the holes are drilled by machine and not a human.

The colder temp cold make the hyfax stiffer but it would not cause a bolt to pull through the pre drilled holes. I have installed them for others in December by myself and it was a little harder but not that bad.

I have never needed to heat the hyfax up before installing them in the cooler temps. Might it help, probably.

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Dellfin Collaborator

Dellfin

Posted
Posted

Yep, had issues with a kit last fall for my new Magnum. Was a balmy 68 degrees in my basement as I installed them. All but one of the hyfax runners cracked in multiple spots right at the bolt holes. I called Otter and they shipped a new hyfax package out real quick.

They were very interested in getting their hands on the defective runners. The CS rep I spoke with explained that they wanted to have their techs examine and test the bad runners for defect so they could make sure it was not a widespread issue with the plastic composition from the manufacturer they get these from. Otter gave me a prepaid return shipper label for Speedy Delivery but they were never picked up.

This was not the first set I've installed, but the first set I've had an issue with. The replacement set they shipped was fine.

Otter: A+ for their customer service.

Speedy Delivery: Not so much.

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Ed Carlson Grand Master

Ed Carlson

Posted
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Offering the costumer a Summit Protection Plan on most anything you buy now is common, so don't read too much into that. Some things it is wise, others...maybe not not so much. Don't take it as a comment on how that product is perceived to last or it's overall durability, just an added protection if one would wish to add it.

On Hyfax kits, depending on the kit and the manufacturer they are very straight forward on the installation for the most part. The recessed countersunk hole is as designed so keep the bolts or screws out of the way. My tip is if not provided in the kit I always add an extra thin flat washer on the inside and outside of the bolts to add greater support.

Try not to over tighten the bolts or you may pull the thinner Hyfax through, snug is fine.

A heat gun or hair dryer is often useful to better form the Hyfax strips into place on many non adhesive models. Especially if it wraps up the contour on the front of the sled base.

Start the installation in the rear of the sled tub and work it forwards to the front contour.

If the radius is extreme enough, it will fight you a bit, that is where the heat gun or hair dryer factors in.

Heat the Hyfax and mold it to the shape of the tub and secure it as you progress up. You will get a nice tight fit this way and you will have less stress on the thinner areas where the bolts secure it to the tub.

Hope this helps.

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jwhjr Grand Master

jwhjr

Posted
Posted

I've installed two hyfax kits now with no issues. I did notice that the bolts seem longer on the one I installed recently than the ones on the kit from a few years ago. I was able to put the washers inside and out this time, but only on the outside the last time.

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harvey lee Grand Master

harvey lee

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I have always started from the front and then worked back. I put the hyfax in the hole, drill it and them move along to the back. I drill them one at a time and put the bolt on and then move to the next. In regards to the washers and I would not suggest to do it but, I have never used the washer on the bottom of the tub, just the inside and I have never had any pull through.

Maybe I have been very lucky.

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Ed Carlson Grand Master

Ed Carlson

Posted
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If you start from the back how do you get the hyfax in the recessed sections in the front of the sled?

Depends on the tub like I said, some are open and others may have a notch or tapper, if so, you bet then front to rear is required. Sorry if I was vague there guys.

The Frabill GT's for instance, they had long front wrapped bars that were thick and stiff and were in an open grove...so they needed a bit of heat to get them molded easily and permanently with less stress on the front support bolts. Otter, Frabill, and Clam all have slightly different Hyfax systems so each system has there particular tricks.

I agree, if there is a insert notch or tapper, front to rear is required, I did overlooked that...my bad. I have done a lot of Frabill's and Clam's so that was where my mind set was at.

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leech~~ Grand Master

leech~~

Posted
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Anybody have trouble with this product? I was wondering why Gander asked me if I wanted to buy a warranty when I bought an Otter Hyfax kit the other day. Its Hyfax its supposed to be tough right? After I installed it, several of the front mounts on the bend cracked and separated from the bolts. I cant imagine what this stuff will do when it gets really cold. Another friend warned me to carry extra bolts/washers because his Otter hyfax did the same thing and can do some sled damage if it decides it wants to come loose while your towing. Maybe I just got a bad batch, not impressed as is.

I have a Clam Voy, so not sure how the Otter kits are. I did have to use a hair dryer to heat up the ends to get it to bend a bit. The Voyager Hyfax is one of the longest sets made and I can see where it would be a pain without heating and bending on the ends a bit. I also had to have the wifey help me on one side to hold the screw driver to get to the nuts on the inside, since I didn't want to take the whole cover off to get to that side. But their nuts have the locking plastic in them so they don't come loose. As far as them asking if you want to buy the Warranty. They are starting to ask that on just about everything you buy now just to generate some more profit. They asked me if I wanted to buy a warranty on the formed plastic cup holder that goes between the seats on a Clam and I said why " it's heavy plastic" This thing will still be on this earth long after you and I are Dead! crazy

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harvey lee Grand Master

harvey lee

Posted
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I install my hyfax the same way as Shackbash even with the downsized drill bit. When I have the first bolt installed, I then place all the bolts and washers into that hyfax piece. Once the bolts and washers are all drilled and in place, I then turn the tub on its side and put all the nuts on. I have had no issues with the bolts pulling out when I turn it over as they are snug in the pre drilled holes. Then simply place the nut and washer on. I do not overtighen the nuts.

Then on to the next hyfax until you have completed the job.

The first time I installed a set, it maybe took a hour plus. After doing 12-15 sets, I can within 1 hour finish the job.

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