Hobie input...

[Handymansd]

While contemplating my next sleigh, I can't help but wonder..... do those silly Hobies have enough room for my 6'4" long legged frame? Seems it would be hard on my knees to stay bent all the time. The drive system seems a little flaky as well, as two drive systems broke on the Catapalooza 08 trip. Any thoughts? Pros or cons?

[dorado50]

Perhaps if you went down and tested one on the water you may have a better idea as to this kayaks functions , etc... A pedal hobie my be the answer to relieving shoulder and arm fatigue....

[bearlythere]

Ive got a few yaks and I like my hobie....I like to switch up though give the arms a work out one day then the legs another....Although i only hoop from the x-factor...Like its already been said....try them out and you will know. As far as the drive systems being flacky. dont know about that, I have had mine for about 2 years now without a hint of a problem and im pretty rough with it... i wonder if those folks rinse there gear....The major differnece is the superior ablility to drink a frost cold one on the way out to the fishing grounds...

[mg2969]

I'm 6 ft and 235lbs
I luv my revolution

The pedals on the fins are adjustable

Regarding the drive unit
I don't think they're flaky. I think they're mechanical.
and anything mechanical which involves motion wears out.

My only negative comment about Hobie would be the warranty.
Specifically the length
from their website
http://www.hobiecat.com/support/index.html

"All hulls are covered for a period of two years.
Mirage Drive (pedal system) is covered for a period of one year."

I think when you consider the possibilities of failure
and the idea that your paying probably double, a longer lasting warranty
should be considered.

I believe Malibu and Cobra, as examples, offer lifetime warranties.
Ocean Kayak has a 3 year warranty.

my 2 cents
MikeG

[steveooo]

Originally Posted by mg2969

I'm 6 ft and 235lbs

My only negative comment about Hobie would be the warranty.
Specifically the length

My experience goes the other way. My hull was out of warranty and they replaced it when I had an issue, no questions asked. Tim at Dana Point Jet Ski was super helpful. I think that the guys at OEX Oceanside would be the same way. Hobie stands by their stuff.

[bajadog]

Originally Posted by steveooo

My experience goes the other way. My hull was out of warranty and they replaced it when I had an issue, no questions asked. Tim at Dana Point Jet Ski was super helpful. I think that the guys at OEX Oceanside would be the same way. Hobie stands by their stuff.

Ditto!

My old outback hull had a rod holder fall into the hull (thin material).

It was out of warranty, and fastlane got me a NEW hull free of charge.

[glenniesan]

Originally Posted by bearlythere

...The major differnece is the superior ablility to drink a frost cold one on the way out to the fishing grounds...

Ha ha I love it... and I imagine that IS a nice luxury coupled with your molded beer... er CUP holders.

[Ed]

I have never had a problem with my drive, ever. It will work just fine if you don't abuse the crap out of it. Besides, my Adventure with no drive still paddles better than a lot of the pig SOTs out there so what have you got to lose?. I really advise that you try one before you let someone else talk you out of it. Trust me, Hobie owners aren't the people that bad mouth Hobies. I can go all day and not get tired. Also, I can have 2 live baits out trolling and be casting iron while enjoying a beer. Yeah, that's right.

Ed

[dorf]

I am 6'3" and 225 lbs. I take my 2 boys out with me all of the time so the stability question is answered there. The only thing that can be a problem is losing the Mirage drive as you may have already read a few posts about. I keep mine in and am careful not to run it aground when I come in. Having the drive gets you through the surf at LJ much faster and easier than without. I power through the surf. Sure I might get a little splash in the face but it is better than being dump on your side.

See the boys down at Fastlane and take one for a spin. If and when you decide to try one out try to do it on a day when the current is rip’n and the wind is blow’n so you can compare with your own ride. You will see what an advantage the mirage drive is.

Good luck in your choice.

[dgax65]

Originally Posted by Handymansd

While contemplating my next sleigh, I can't help but wonder..... do those silly Hobies have enough room for my 6'4" long legged frame? Seems it would be hard on my knees to stay bent all the time. The drive system seems a little flaky as well, as two drive systems broke on the Catapalooza 08 trip. Any thoughts? Pros or cons?

I think some of the drive issues have been resolved. Some people were having problems when they used the turbo fins. The fins were exerting too much force on the drive and it resulted in failures where a metal pin fit into a plastic adjustment hole

The problem was exacerbated by not clearing debris from the hole prior to installation. From what I saw on some of the Australian forums, this problem was corrected with a new metal fitting that protects the holes. Check with a dealer before you dismiss Hobies altogether. Fastlane in San Diego and OEX in Oceanside can probably give you the full details and set the record straight.

I'm not a big fan of Hobies, but they do have some significant advantages over traditional yaks. It would be best to try one out before you completely write them off.

[steamroll]

Originally Posted by Handymansd

While contemplating my next sleigh, I can't help but wonder..... do those silly Hobies have enough room for my 6'4" long legged frame? Seems it would be hard on my knees to stay bent all the time. The drive system seems a little flaky as well, as two drive systems broke on the Catapalooza 08 trip. Any thoughts? Pros or cons?

I'm 6'3 and I'm totally comfortable in mine. The Mirage Drive holds up fine when you take care of it.

Come on by and try one at sometime. I'm here 7 days a week and would be happy to let you demo some boats.

OEX Oceanside
236 S. Coast Hwy
Oceanside, Ca 92054

760-721-6195

- Nate

[Mike McFann]

I admit that I was one of the catapalooza drive destroyers and it was all on me. I got pushed back inshore during launch and instead of unhooking my paddle, I tried to paddle surge out and was too shallow. The fins completely buckled but the system remained healthy.

It just cost me the turbo fin replacement to repair. Just got back from a day in wind and large swell outside of newport and the drive is as good as new. No input on the height as I am only 5-6. But it makes trolling simple with the drive system.

2 cents

[Zed]

I thought you were a MTB'er, handyman.

Just a thought, but, if you paddled a more efficient yak, you might have a revelation. Then you can go pedal your bike.

[Craig jones]

I know that I have to work pretty hard to do 4 mph on my xtreme and they claim to cruise at 6 mph, thats about 50% faster.

[bajadog]

Rinse the drive with fresh water after use, and spray the chain
down with WD40. 2 years and no problems so far.

[steveooo]

Originally Posted by Handymansd

The drive system seems a little flaky as well, as two drive systems broke on the Catapalooza 08 trip. Any thoughts? Pros or cons?

For those that were there to witness it, by drive got DEMOLISHED at Catapalooza. Open water, just peddling, and SNAP SNAP SNAP! Game over, no chance of repair. Unfortunately, I was down the coast from our camp spot about 4 miles in probably the worst seas I have seen. Yes I was able to paddle back. Yes it sucks. I have the adventure. After being able to paddle it for the remainder of the weekend I was fairly pleased with how it paddled. If you look at the pics of the weekend, my disabled hobie and I made an appearance in many of the pics even after the "incident". The worst part was enduring the comments from the peanut gallery about how the Hobies are good, except that the drives are too likely to fail. I had no rebuttal. Probably there is some truth in what others are saying. If you take care of your s&%#, they will last a looong time. I do not take care of my s&%#. I don't feel that I should have to. With that being said, I have had hobies for 4 years now and only 2 mirage drive incidents to speak of.