*Added Pics * Mirage drive failed...got home anyway - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Hammerhead_77 · 11-09-2015, 07:58 AM

While chasing butts out by the lighthouse yesterday, my mirage drive failed. The idler cable broke right in the middle. Yikes.
The tide was still running out giving about a 1.1 knot drift. Have I mentioned that I have a PA 14? Older model with the lower seat... Out comes the paddle and the learning begins.

Learning #1: I can't paddle for crap. Seriously. I have never had any other kayak and I can't paddle. I made it about 1/4 mile before coming to the conclusion that this just wasn't gonna happen.

Learning #2: That standard Hobie paddle is too friggin short for the PA 14. Granted, I am a t-rex in the arm length department, but I couldn't reach the water without shifting my grip. This is going close to nowhere...

Learning #3: Mirage drives will work without the idler...kinda. Faced with calling for a tow since there was no way I was going to get back to Shelter Island with my paddle, I figured WTH and put the drive back in to see how far I could get. I got all the way back to the launch with some fishing stops in between! It was making a lot of noise, but it seemed to work ok.

Learning #4 Mirage drives aren't happy without the idler. When I got back, I couldn't get the drive out of the well. Finally just pulled it up on a rock to look under it and saw that the main axle shaft has walked forward about 3 inches and was effectively pinning the drive into the well. How that thing worked with the axle walked out that far is beyond me!!

The weather was perfect. Had it been snotty like last time when I got all the water in the boat, I never could have made it with a paddle. This time was close enough that I turned my radio on to start listening to traffic and though about calling Sea-Tow or hailing a passing Parker.

So, now I have a few things to figure out. As you know from my other posts, I'm big on safety and I don't like risks. I have to either find a paddle that would work for me in a pinch or buy a spare mirage drive, and find a way to store it in the hull that would be accessible on the water. But before all that, I need to call the tech guy at the local Hobie place and see how in the heck to get that drive out of the well!!

YakDout · 11-09-2015, 08:25 AM

Just one of the reasons I dumped my PA for the outback. Fished with two other guys in la jolla last weekend. The guy on PA14 broke mirage drive. Outback paddled in and donated mirage drive to the PA. Not sure how it would have worked if it wasnt for that. Some guys are keeping spare parts for the mirage drive in their hatch, however I'm sure this part kit does not cover every part on the mirage drive. And $600 for a spare drive? No thanks.

easyday · 11-09-2015, 08:37 AM

I've never broken a paddle.

octico · 11-09-2015, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by easyday

I've never broken a paddle.

I was waiting for all you paddle boys to chime in, what took you so long?

Harry Hill · 11-09-2015, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by octico

I was waiting for all you paddle boys to chime in, what took you so long?

I would have chimed in sooner but my arms are tired from paddling. Not really, since I have no experience with the Hobies I'm just watching to see how these things get fixed.

Hammerhead_77 · 11-09-2015, 08:52 AM

if the paddle is the answer, I need to:
1. get a longer paddle
2. learn how to paddle

Although I somewhat suspect that the PA is like trying to row a barge...

ctfphoto · 11-10-2015, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by easyday

I've never broken a paddle.

I have broke two paddles.

Trying to break the mirage drive now

easyday · 11-12-2015, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctfphoto

I have broke two paddles.

Trying to break the mirage drive now

Haha I just had to throw it out there because someone was bound to. I just beat everyone to it.

rossman · 11-09-2015, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YakDout

Just one of the reasons I dumped my PA for the outback. Fished with two other guys in la jolla last weekend. The guy on PA14 broke mirage drive. Outback paddled in and donated mirage drive to the PA. Not sure how it would have worked if it wasnt for that. Some guys are keeping spare parts for the mirage drive in their hatch, however I'm sure this part kit does not cover every part on the mirage drive. And $600 for a spare drive? No thanks.

Sounds like you guys need a fully equipped spare Outback to tow behind you for when the inevitable happens. And don't forget the spare parts bag for that one too.

Murray · 11-09-2015, 03:08 PM

Like others have mentioned, an extra chain and tools to install is an absolute must unless you enjoy paddling. No big deal to replace on the water if you have the right tools. I recently disassembled my v1 drive and serviced it. Silky smooth and now I know how to repair if needed. Pretty simple with only a few parts that can go wrong on the water. I also lube exposed wire on chain after rinsing to eliminate rust.

WARRIORMIKE · 11-09-2015, 03:21 PM

Is there a good lube out there??

igotpron · 11-09-2015, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WARRIORMIKE

Is there a good lube out there??

I like "corrosion x" prevents rust and corroding on metal and electrical connections.

YakDout · 11-09-2015, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rossman

Sounds like you guys need a fully equipped spare Outback to tow behind you for when the inevitable happens. And don't forget the spare parts bag for that one too.

No need, I have no problems paddling outback, but have never needed to so far. Never had one thing happen to 3 different mirage drives that I own. And Im not easy on em.

ctfphoto · 11-10-2015, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rossman

Sounds like you guys need a fully equipped spare Outback to tow behind you for when the inevitable happens.

That's why I got my wife a 2015 outback. If I ever do a very long trip, I might borrow her brand new mirage drive as an extra

Cbad Mike · 11-10-2015, 11:39 AM

I have absolutely no clue what this thread is about.

Geno Machino · 11-10-2015, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cbad Mike

I have absolutely no clue what this thread is about.

That's some funny s#*t right there...

tamddo714 · 11-09-2015, 12:17 PM

You should have gotten use to your gear before going out and know what you're capable of. Being sucked out by the tide while miles out isn't really the perfect time to find out that you can't paddle your battleship. Maybe you need a smaller yak.

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PapaDave · 11-09-2015, 12:46 PM

I always carry spare chains and the tools to fix them. It's a cheap investment that can save your butt on the water. It's also a good idea to have a few of the other parts associated with the drive, like the pins that go into the fins. I've had those come out also, all it takes is the retaining ring to get snagged on some kelp and they bend open.

tamddo714 · 11-09-2015, 06:08 PM

Some pedal bikes cost over 4K and their chains break. It's Bound to happen. Get over it or don't buy one

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dmrides · 11-09-2015, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tamddo714

Some pedal bikes cost over 4K and their chains break. It's Bound to happen. Get over it or don't buy one

That's why I ride a balance bike; less moving parts

11-09-2015, 12:46 PM	#18
PapaDave Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Menifee, CA Posts: 1,473	I always carry spare chains and the tools to fix them. It's a cheap investment that can save your butt on the water. It's also a good idea to have a few of the other parts associated with the drive, like the pins that go into the fins. I've had those come out also, all it takes is the retaining ring to get snagged on some kelp and they bend open. __________________ So long and thanks for all the fish...

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11-09-2015, 08:25 AM	#2
YakDout Brandon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,345	Just one of the reasons I dumped my PA for the outback. Fished with two other guys in la jolla last weekend. The guy on PA14 broke mirage drive. Outback paddled in and donated mirage drive to the PA. Not sure how it would have worked if it wasnt for that. Some guys are keeping spare parts for the mirage drive in their hatch, however I'm sure this part kit does not cover every part on the mirage drive. And $600 for a spare drive? No thanks.

11-09-2015, 08:37 AM	#3
easyday Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oceanside Posts: 1,470	I've never broken a paddle. __________________

11-09-2015, 08:52 AM	#6
Hammerhead_77 Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: San Diego - North County Posts: 82	if the paddle is the answer, I need to: 1. get a longer paddle 2. learn how to paddle Although I somewhat suspect that the PA is like trying to row a barge...

11-09-2015, 03:08 PM	#10
Murray Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Vista Posts: 326	Like others have mentioned, an extra chain and tools to install is an absolute must unless you enjoy paddling. No big deal to replace on the water if you have the right tools. I recently disassembled my v1 drive and serviced it. Silky smooth and now I know how to repair if needed. Pretty simple with only a few parts that can go wrong on the water. I also lube exposed wire on chain after rinsing to eliminate rust.

11-09-2015, 03:21 PM	#11
WARRIORMIKE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 303	Is there a good lube out there??

11-09-2015, 12:17 PM	#17
tamddo714 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 273	You should have gotten use to your gear before going out and know what you're capable of. Being sucked out by the tide while miles out isn't really the perfect time to find out that you can't paddle your battleship. Maybe you need a smaller yak. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

11-09-2015, 06:08 PM	#19
tamddo714 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 273	Some pedal bikes cost over 4K and their chains break. It's Bound to happen. Get over it or don't buy one Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk