Vasa Ergometer Kayak Paddle Shaft End Reinforcer

thingiverse

This simple upgrade enhances the Vasa Kayak Ergometer's paddle shaft with a reinforced design. The standard end cap simply seals the thin aluminum tubing, but tightening the eyebolt can cause it to collapse. Prolonged use can lead to even more damage, including tearing the bolt holes wider apart. Some users have reported that one bolt hole has become a 1 cm long slot. While the rubber grommets in the current Vasa design offer some protection, this upgrade takes it to the next level. The reinforcer replaces the end caps with a strong, solid plug that prevents the paddle shaft ends from collapsing and protects against wear from usage. This results in a more secure tightening of the eyebolt without damaging the shaft. A nice bonus is that you can now tighten the eyebolt more firmly without causing damage to the shaft. Printing the reinforcer in PETG provides excellent strength. To install, remove the existing end cap, eye bolt, rubber grommets, and nut. Then push or tap the reinforcer into place, using the alignment notches for rotational alignment. Final rotation can be achieved with a screwdriver passed through the shaft's bolt holes. The eyebolt threads directly into the reinforcer to ensure a solid mount. It is recommended that you add a small washer between the eye bolt's "eye" and its rubber grommet for extra security. The axial hole in the reinforcer allows for easier future removal of the upgrade. Consider this opportunity to drill an additional 6 mm hole for the center ferule, allowing for 60 degree feathering and lessening wrist strain during high angle paddling.