Improve your hiking fitness with a beautifully made hiking bench that simulates your actual hiking position in your class of sailboat!
Hiking fitness is key to success in dinghy racing - the sailors who can comfortably hike hard for the full duration of the race both do better and enjoy their racing more.
We developed the TackTracker HikeBench to help you build your hiking stamina by simulating the hiking position in your class of sailboat. The hiking seats are positioned by an exchangable seat mount pair, which are customised to each class of boat to replicate your boat's unique hiking position. Seat mounts are available now for Aero and Sabre dinghies, and we can create new seat mounts for your class on purchase of a HikeBench.
The HikeBench also has 12 different toe strap positions to allow for low or high toestraps, centered or outboard. In addition, the toestrap tension can be easily adjusted whilst using the Hikebench.
You can measure your hiking efficiency with a TackTracker HikeBench. You can learn how much hiking moment is generated by different hiking positions, and how much increased moment is acheived by the effort of hiking out hard.
To measure your hiking moment, place a set of bathroom scales under the rear foot of the HikeBench. This foot is purposely sized to fit on a standard set of scales. Zero the scales then get on the bench and start hiking! The distance from the front to rear feet is exactly 1 meter, so the Kilogram reading on the scales is equivalent to the Kg/meter of hiking moment. Multiply by 10 and you get your hiking moment in N/m. (Using 10 as an approximation of the acceleration of gravity, which at sea level is 9.806 m/s2.)
We offer two models of HikeBench to different price points Both offer the same hiking features.
| Feature | HikeBench Standard | HikeBench Pro |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Price (AUD) | $900 | $1600 |
| Construction | 18mm AC radiata pine plywood | 18mm furniture grade premium birch plywood |
| Finish | Raw timber - ready to coat if desired. | Clear polycarbonate protective coating |
| Toe Strap | 50mm webbing | 50mm webbing with padding |
| Toe Strap Positions | 12 | 12 |
| Adjustable strap tension | Yes | Yes |
| Seat Mounting | Exchangeable seat mounts, no tools required. | Exchangeable seat mounts, no tools required. |
| Seat Mounts Included | 1 Pair | 2 Pairs |
| Storage | Stands on end to save floor space and may be moved on integrated wheels. | Stands on end to save floor space and may be moved on integrated wheels. Seat storage provided in base. |
| Foldable | No | May be folded flat for transport and space saving storage. Folding flat or unfolding for use is a simple 30 second procedure. |
| Dimensions (Assembled) | 1434mm x 635mm x 320mm | 1434mm x 635mm x 320mm |
| Dimensions (Folded) | N/A | 1434mm x 635mm x 105mm |
Each HikeBench is a handcrafted product and supply is strictly limited. If you wish to purchase a HikeBench, use our Contact Form to register your interest. We will get in touch to discuss availability and timing.
A 50% downpayment is required on order, with the balance payable on delivery. Pickup or delivery is available in Melbourne or the Mornington Peninsula. The product is not available outside of Australia.
Seat mounts are available for the following classes:
If your class is not listed, we are happy to design them. We would need access to a boat, or alternatively you can take the measurements for us.
You will need:
Take the measurements at the normal hiking location. Lay the straight edge across the boat at this position so that it rests on the side tanks or gunwales.
Make a sketch of the cross sectional shape of the side tank.
| Measurement | Description |
|---|---|
| A | Vertical distance from straight edge to centerline floor |
| B | Vertical distance from straight edge to toestrap. Measure when the toe strap is adjusted as tight as it will go, or measure to the toestrap attachment point. (You can adjust the strap tension in the hike bench itself.) |
| C | Horizontal distance from centerline to toestrap |
| D | Horizontal distance from centerline to highest point on side gunwale |
| E | Horizontal distance from centerline to inner edge of leg support provided inboard of highest point. |
| F | Vertical distance from straight edge to inner edge of leg support provided inboard of highest point. |
| G | Horizontal distance from centerline to outer edge of leg support provided outboard of highest point. |
| H | Vertical distance from straight edge to outer edge of leg support provided outboard of highest point. |
