2009 Hobie improvements & additions

New Hobie models on the Hobie website. www.hobiecat.com

You can download new brochures there. There are links on each model page.

http://www.hobiecat.com/media/pdf/2009_Kayak_Collection.pdf

New model is the i9s 9' inflatable Hobie Mirage Kayak.

Even better for airline and travel transport. Lighter, but still with excellent capacity.

Specifications:
Length: 9'/ 2.74m
Width: 36"/ 0.91m
Weight: 39 lbs./ 17.69 kg
Mirage Drive Weight: 6.6 lbs. / 3 kg
Capacity: 325 lbs./ 147 kg


2009 Hobie Mirage Kayak Product improvements include:

"Click-n-go" MirageDrive lock-in systems
Simply place the drive into the well and it locks in place. We started this in inflatables last year. Installing the drive is now even easier and faster. You flip two levers to release the drive. The levers automatically lock the drive in place when you place the drive in the well. Simple, easy. No more locking cam knobs or cam bolt columns. This new system improves the ease of use and the drive well strength.

Rudder up/down line systems
We have gone to the Adventure Island style rudder up and down line system. Easier to use / more ergonomic function as the control lines are placed forward of the user. No more reaching to your side to find the control handle for rudder up / down function. Now you can more easily raise and lower the standard or larger sailing rudder.

New MirageDrive sprockets and masts

 We have gone to a “Marine Grade” brass embedded piece in the sprockets to mount the masts. The "V2" sprockets are thicker / stronger at the mast connection. The masts and the insert are threaded. No more set screws to hold the mast in place. Simply dab a small amount of loc tite on the mast threads and thread them into the sprockets. These new sprockets / masts have shown a dramatic improvement in strength under high loads. This will be the sprocket / mast system of choice for ST Turbo Fin users. We have ST Turbo kits available now for the new threaded sprockets coming on 2009 models. The new sprockets are also available for upgrading older model MirageDrives.

Many kayak models have other new features / changes. See the brochure for listings per model.


Special note from Matt Miller @ Hobie:
At the "OR" Outdoor Retailer show (Trade only) we are also showing a new fishing platform we call the "Pro Angler". This model will not be available until next spring. I think it is a bit more boat than kayak. Designed for fishing, the Pro Angler includes the MirageDrive and a new rudder system. It also includes cockpit / internal rod storage to get the rods below the rail for those fishing in areas with trees and overhanging brush. There are a lot more new ideas in this boat. Dealers will have information, but we will not be promoting this product beyond that as yet.

And our boy ChuckE makes the Hobie catalog again!

Thats the cutest little kayak I've ever seen    I've been wanting a baby like that to wear as a backpack on the goat trails.  I'm almost afraid to ask....msrp?

It's a nice looking one.




I have heard about $1550.

Z

I'm surprised there are no comments about trolling one of those lil yaks at the Bean...  Is Mooch's internet down?

I wonder how they make an inflatable rigid enough to paddle??? 

Apparently, there's market out there for portable Mirage Drive kayaks that you can easily take on the plane, stow on a yacht, or in a car trunk.  I saw Hobie's Mirage Inflatables for the first time at the 2008 ISE show earlier this year.  I was immediately impressed with the workmanship and the way designed the inflatable to accommodate the rudder and Mirage drive.

The inflatables sported the slick new the "Click-n-go" MirageDrive lock-in system.  I had a feeling that feature would eventually get integrated into Hobie's rigid boats.

Here's a look at the "Click-n-go" system shown with and without a drive plug installed:




Here are some links to see more features on the inflatables:
http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=7633
http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=7650
http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=7654

The other 2009 improvements (rudder up/down system and new Mirage sprocket/masts) get a big thumbs up from me too! 

The other 2009 improvements (rudder up/down system and new Mirage sprocket/masts) get a big thumbs up from me too! 

Oh yeah... the new hotties modeling the boats in the catalog get a big thumbs-up too! 

And our boy ChuckE makes the Hobie catalog again!

.... eeeek..... is that really me? 

Special note from Matt Miller @ Hobie:
At the "OR" Outdoor Retailer show (Trade only) we are also showing a new fishing platform we call the "Pro Angler". This model will not be available until next spring. I think it is a bit more boat than kayak. Designed for fishing, the Pro Angler includes the MirageDrive and a new rudder system. It also includes cockpit / internal rod storage to get the rods below the rail for those fishing in areas with trees and overhanging brush. There are a lot more new ideas in this boat. Dealers will have information, but we will not be promoting this product beyond that as yet.

I can't wait to see this boat.  I hear it's gonna be a new big boy boat targeted at serious bass fishing dudes fed up with high gas prices.  Go get'em ... Hank Parker! 

Just when I was thinking of picking up a Paddle Yak.....

They downsized the yakgina!?!?!?!?

One of these days I got to go for another spin in one of these.

They downsized the yakgina!?!?!?!?

I wonder if Hobie used that term in their marketing literature???

New for 2009 - downsized yakgina!