For those who have the Hobie MD 180 drive...

More detail about the new arc crank arms. And forget about upgrading in the near future.

https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=61528

Unfortunately, to add turbo fins to the version I, you have to adapt to V-II.

WTF - I just got the St Turbo fins and nobody said anything. Since I have the squeeze to adjust pedals I guess I have the V1. I didn't buy a new boat to get a slower boat. The original drive with turbo fins is faster, I compared

They felt hollow to me.

I demo'd the latest 180 MD drive with turbo fins yesterday at CCK Oakland.  I am very impressed, they feel as fast and easy to pedal as my GT drive.  I tried it on both a 2018 Revo 13 and the new Compass.
I had my 10 year old daughter who weights 60 lbs sitting in the back.  Pedaling both forward and backwards was a breeze.  I am seriously considering getting the latest 180 Drive for my 2015 Revo 13. 

More detail about the new arc crank arms. And forget about upgrading in the near future.

https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=61528

Nice looking and I especially like that adjustment button on top. I wonder how they stack up strength-wise to solid 3/4" square crank arms.

Unfortunately, to add turbo fins to the version I, you have to adapt to V-II.

WTF - I just got the St Turbo fins and nobody said anything. Since I have the squeeze to adjust pedals I guess I have the V1. I didn't buy a new boat to get a slower boat. The original drive with turbo fins is faster, I compared

No, the arch system will be a version III of the 180 drive.
This means, Hobie just
F@#%&D everyone with V-I and V-II and still offer no support.
Unless you are dishonest and go that route.
:0(

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I think I am the first to demo the latest drive at CCK Oakland.  JT said he had get one from a brand new Pro Angler for me and my buddy to try out.   The top push pin is a big improvement to change pedal positions, it makes shifting a lot easier.  Also saw first hand the new colors; Sea Grass Green and Slate Blue.  CCK Oakland did not have a Papaya Orange.  Not much changes on the new hull of the Revo 13 that I noticed. 

I demo'd a Compass too, my first impression is the seat has less adjustments.  The front, closest to your knees is at a fixed position and cannot be lowered close to the hull.  It is less responsive to turning with a smaller rudder compared to models with a large sailing rudder.  It has less frills but off course comes at a lower price point.
On plus side the Compass is lighter and easier to move around.

You can see the new drive at 5:44

I use it all the time. Comes in handy to slow down a drift, back away from wash rocks, pull fish away from structures or shallow water that the kayak should not be by or in and makes coming to a stop easier when coming into an area to fish. I have the 1st generation version of the drive and have had absolutely no issues with it. I used it primarily in salt and I am sure to give it a thorough cleaning when I am back at home. I have heard stories about the mast bending, but I have heard the same thing for all the other newer non 180 mirage drives as well. I think where they bend is when people over extend their legs and the fins max out their stroke against the hull. This causes a sudden stoppage with the drive and damage can and probably will occur. These are just my thoughts and observations. Hope it helps.


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Just got this response via the Hobie Forum

Our Parts and Accessories department received stock (as of this week) on the V1 to V2 Turbo Fin Upgrade kits. You can place an order through your dealer and they'll get to you. Part number 81501112 includes everything you need to convert from V1 to V2 and upgrade to turbos, for the same price as the straight turbo fin kit:

2 x V2 MD 180 turbo fins
2 x V2 MD 180 turbo fin masts
2 x V2 MD 180 booms
2 x Clevis pins
2 x Split rings
2 x Adjuster screw
1 x Detailed V1 to V2 instructions

Additionally, if you've got the V1 shifter tendons, we're offering an upgrade to V2 shifter tendons at no charge - so long as you have your dealer file a claim.

Just got this response via the Hobie Forum

Our Parts and Accessories department received stock (as of this week) on the V1 to V2 Turbo Fin Upgrade kits. You can place an order through your dealer and they'll get to you. Part number 81501112 includes everything you need to convert from V1 to V2 and upgrade to turbos, for the same price as the straight turbo fin kit:

2 x V2 MD 180 turbo fins
2 x V2 MD 180 turbo fin masts
2 x V2 MD 180 booms
2 x Clevis pins
2 x Split rings
2 x Adjuster screw
1 x Detailed V1 to V2 instructions

Additionally, if you've got the V1 shifter tendons, we're offering an upgrade to V2 shifter tendons at no charge - so long as you have your dealer file a claim.

Wow thats great news!  Nothing beats free upgrades

Just got this response via the Hobie Forum

Our Parts and Accessories department received stock (as of this week) on the V1 to V2 Turbo Fin Upgrade kits. You can place an order through your dealer and they'll get to you. Part number 81501112 includes everything you need to convert from V1 to V2 and upgrade to turbos, for the same price as the straight turbo fin kit:

2 x V2 MD 180 turbo fins
2 x V2 MD 180 turbo fin masts
2 x V2 MD 180 booms
2 x Clevis pins
2 x Split rings
2 x Adjuster screw
1 x Detailed V1 to V2 instructions

Additionally, if you've got the V1 shifter tendons, we're offering an upgrade to V2 shifter tendons at no charge - so long as you have your dealer file a claim.

Wow thats great news!  Nothing beats free upgrades

Yup. Mine arrived 2 days after I talked to my dealer. Install was a cinch. Gratis.

Still have not bothered to $pring for the 180 drives.  The only time I sometimes need reverse offshore is waiting in line to get live bait from a boat.  For those rare instances I pop the drive out, reinstall it in backwards, give it a few kicks, then pop it back in fwd.   

I use the reverse when crabbing -- if I happen to pass slightly out of reach of my buoy I can just reverse until I can grab it.