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Kayak Zone => Kayaks => Hobie Kayaks => Topic started by: NowhereMan on September 11, 2017, 08:14:09 PM

Title: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie? [updated]
Post by: NowhereMan on September 11, 2017, 08:14:09 PM
I've got a second mirage drive and thought it might be smart to carry it on my AI. Inside the front hatch would be best since I don't use that space. But I can't get it to fit thru the hatch. So, just wondering if anybody carries a 2nd mirage drive and, if so, where do you put it?
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Chadrock on September 11, 2017, 08:40:09 PM
A decent paddle would take up less room.
Title: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: DG on September 11, 2017, 09:26:21 PM
I do carry a back up drive.  After a few minutes of paddling I can lose feeling in my arms or the pain is to intense to cont.  I did have one break OTW before but was able to do a temp repair and keep going.  I use the hatch areas for other stuff so just set it in the back under the elastic straps.  I use rope or something to secure it in case of a roll over.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: NowhereMan on September 12, 2017, 06:49:49 AM
A decent paddle would take up less room.

True, but paddling the AI is no fun under the best of circumstances.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: NowhereMan on September 12, 2017, 06:53:35 AM
I do carry a back up drive.  ...  just set it in the back under the elastic straps.

That'll certainly work, but prefer to keep that area as open as possible for those rare occasions when I actually catch a decent fish. To me, the front hatch seems like the ideal place. Maybe I can figure out a way to get the pedals to fold over, or shorten the crank arms, or ...

Title: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: AlexB on September 12, 2017, 07:16:20 AM
I don't carry one as of now, but I'm in the market....

What I do carry is a spare mirage drive chain, a spare "idler" cable, and a few spare cotter rings and whatever those little pegs are called that hold the fins onto the mast. (And a couple wrenches to swap stuff out if needed). My drive is always leashed to the boat, so there's little risk of losing the whole drive.

Have you thought about (partially) disassembling the spare drive to make it fit? Maybe remove the fins?


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Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Chet on September 12, 2017, 07:27:53 AM
The old AI front hatch won't fit the MD.
The new AI hatch is bigger and deeper, it fits MD with room to spare.   
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: NowhereMan on September 12, 2017, 10:04:41 AM
Have you thought about (partially) disassembling the spare drive to make it fit? Maybe remove the fins?

Have definitely thought about this---if I didn't have a complete spare drive (due to owning 2 Hobies), I'd carry parts. But it just seems so much easier to swap out the drive, and in the grand scheme of the AI, it's not much extra weight to carry.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: NowhereMan on September 12, 2017, 10:07:48 AM
The old AI front hatch won't fit the MD.
The new AI hatch is bigger and deeper, it fits MD with room to spare.

That's good to know, but don't think I'll be upgrading to a post-2014 model anytime soon. Currently, I've got a 2014 AI and a 2013 Adventure (aka Revo 16).
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: poulton on September 13, 2017, 08:57:28 AM
I have been debating on purchasing either a Outback or Revo 13.
If the drive mechanism has so many problems you need to carry spare parts.
Forget Hobie I will stick with my Trident and keep paddling

You don't buy a new car and proceed to buy spare parts in case something breaks? Am I missing something??
Or are the problems on older models and newer models bugs have been worked out ????????

It would be interesting to see how many own a hobie and how many of those folks have had drive problems??

Cheers
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: crash on September 13, 2017, 09:12:58 AM
I have been debating on purchasing either a Outback or Revo 13.
If the drive mechanism has so many problems you need to carry spare parts.
Forget Hobie I will stick with my Trident and keep paddling

You don't buy a new car and proceed to buy spare parts in case something breaks? Am I missing something??
Or are the problems on older models and newer models bugs have been worked out ????????

It would be interesting to see how many own a hobie and how many of those folks have had drive problems??

Cheers

They just need regular maintenance. Cables and chains and the like are wear parts. They don't last forever.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Sin Coast on September 13, 2017, 09:42:55 AM
I've owned a few Hobies and I abuse the shit outta them. Never had an issue with the mirage drive. Probably yakfished the salt 100+ times in my previous Hobie (2010 Revo 13). The only thing that ever happened was a slightly-bent fin mast when I slammed into a hidden bridge piling in the Salinas river...but it was an easy fix, just bend it back.
I carry a spare paddle inside the hull. But that's only insurance if my mirage drive breaks AND my regular paddle breaks...which seems unlikely. IMO my old Revo 13 and newer Revo 16 both paddle better than some of the paddle yaks I've owned (i.e., Drifter, Big Game, Malibu2 tandem, Jax Coosa). So the extra mirage drive is just an unnessesary luxury to me...nice to have, but not mandatory.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: & on September 13, 2017, 10:12:18 AM
If the drive mechanism has so many problems you need to carry spare parts.
Forget Hobie I will stick with my Trident and keep paddling

Exactly why i sold all of my hobies and reverted to a T11.  I surely do miss the hands free, but I do NAUGHTTTT miss the equipment failure anxiety.  Had a few OTW drive failures, and each one SUQT.  When 4 miles from your Big Sur launch with a tankwell full of fish and your drive goes out....

I never carried a spare MD, If I needed to, just grind paddled on boats that don't have much keel to 'em.  NAUGHTTTT chow fun, if you axe moi
Title: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: AlexB on September 13, 2017, 01:40:14 PM
The drive doesn't have "so many problems"... They are actually quite reliable.

Some parts do wear out and need to be replaced after a couple/few years of heavy use, but that's no big deal. Just rinse and inspect after every trip, replace parts that show rust, and you'll be fine.


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Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: NowhereMan on September 13, 2017, 01:59:51 PM
The drive doesn't have "so many problems"... They are actually quite reliable.

This.

Never meant to imply that the mirage drive is unreliable. I have used mine hundreds of times without any issue. I do some simple routine maintenance once a year and give it a quick inspection before each launch.  But, anything mechanical can fail, I've got a spare drive, and I'd prefer to carry my spare drive rather than a paddle.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: & on September 13, 2017, 03:43:19 PM
The drive doesn't have "so many problems"... They are actually quite reliable.

reliable ... until they fail :jerk:

Frequency of failure may be low.  Hoover, severity of harm/risq during a failure mode is high.  Sufficiently so that NWM hauls around 9 lb paperweight. 

Aint' no weigh to live bruh

my advice: sell your truck while its still runnin'
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Hojoman on September 13, 2017, 03:49:29 PM
I've owned a few Hobies and I abuse the shit outta them. Never had an issue with the mirage drive. Probably yakfished the salt 100+ times in my previous Hobie (2010 Revo 13). The only thing that ever happened was a slightly-bent fin mast when I slammed into a hidden bridge piling in the Salinas river...but it was an easy fix, just bend it back.
I carry a spare paddle inside the hull. But that's only insurance if my mirage drive breaks AND my regular paddle breaks...which seems unlikely. IMO my old Revo 13 and newer Revo 16 both paddle better than some of the paddle yaks I've owned (i.e., Drifter, Big Game, Malibu2 tandem, Jax Coosa). So the extra mirage drive is just an unnessesary luxury to me...nice to have, but not mandatory.
Did you miss Raydon's post regarding his drive AND his paddle breaking? A backup would be nice if a failure occurs on the water.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: crash on September 13, 2017, 04:03:30 PM
The drive doesn't have "so many problems"... They are actually quite reliable.

reliable ... until they fail :jerk:

Frequency of failure may be low.  Hoover, severity of harm/risq during a failure mode is high.  Sufficiently so that NWM hauls around 9 lb paperweight. 

Aint' no weigh to live bruh

my advice: sell your truck while its still runnin'

severity of harm entirely depnds upon what kind of hobie you have and what the wind is doing.  4 miles ain't that bad, even in an outback.  Carry a sail and a paddle and youre in pretty good shape.
Title: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: AlexB on September 13, 2017, 04:14:07 PM
The drive doesn't have "so many problems"... They are actually quite reliable.

reliable ... until they fail :jerk:

Frequency of failure may be low.  Hoover, severity of harm/risq during a failure mode is high.  Sufficiently so that NWM hauls around 9 lb paperweight. 

Aint' no weigh to live bruh

my advice: sell your truck while its still runnin'

"...severity of harm/risq(sic)"?

Huh?

The worst that can happen is your pedal kayak turns into a paddle kayak and life goes on. That's a "risk" I'm OK with.

If I had an extra drive, I'd probably bring it, too. An extra 9 pounds is barely noticeable on a Hobie, and I could continue trolling in the unlikely event of a drive failure instead of grabbing my paddle and heading for the barn.

So, ya... That is the way I like to live, "bruh"...










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Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: crash on September 13, 2017, 04:17:14 PM
Take a sail if you are super duper concerned about paddling an outback in the wind.  Cheaper than a spare drive.
Title: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: AlexB on September 13, 2017, 04:27:18 PM
I've owned a few Hobies and I abuse the shit outta them. Never had an issue with the mirage drive. Probably yakfished the salt 100+ times in my previous Hobie (2010 Revo 13). The only thing that ever happened was a slightly-bent fin mast when I slammed into a hidden bridge piling in the Salinas river...but it was an easy fix, just bend it back.
I carry a spare paddle inside the hull. But that's only insurance if my mirage drive breaks AND my regular paddle breaks...which seems unlikely. IMO my old Revo 13 and newer Revo 16 both paddle better than some of the paddle yaks I've owned (i.e., Drifter, Big Game, Malibu2 tandem, Jax Coosa). So the extra mirage drive is just an unnessesary luxury to me...nice to have, but not mandatory.
Did you miss Raydon's post regarding his drive AND his paddle breaking? A backup would be nice if a failure occurs on the water.
I did see that post. I keep a small emergency paddle in the hull as a last resort.

But really, this line of reasoning is pretty bogus from the start... It's almost he's saying it's safer to be in a kayak with just one mode of power (a paddle) than a kayak with a primary (pedal) AND a backup mode of power (paddle and/or spare drive, or parts+tools to repair the drive on the water)... and in my case a backup to the backup (telescoping emergency paddle).

It just doesn't add up...



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Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Sin Coast on September 13, 2017, 04:40:05 PM
I carry a spare paddle inside the hull. But that's only insurance if my mirage drive breaks AND my regular paddle breaks...which seems unlikely. ... So the extra mirage drive is just an unnessesary luxury to me...nice to have, but not mandatory.
Did you miss Raydon's post regarding his drive AND his paddle breaking? A backup would be nice if a failure occurs on the water.
I did see that post. I keep a small emergency paddle in the hull as a last resort.

But really, this line of reasoning is pretty bogus from the start... It's almost he's saying it's safer to be in a kayak with just one mode of power (a paddle) than a kayak with a primary (pedal) AND a backup mode of power (paddle and/or spare drive, or parts+tools to repair the drive on the water)... and in my case a backup to the backup (telescoping emergency paddle).

It just doesn't add up...

Now I'm confused (happens often). I didn't see Raydon's post about that happening. I'll search for it later, so I can also learn from his situation/experience.
I have a spare paddle inside the hull. In case my MD and paddle are both non functional.
However, I have also used my "bigass net" to paddle around [that time I forgot my paddle], and it worked surprisingly well. Yet another reason to have a bigass net...as a backup backup paddle.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Schills206 on September 13, 2017, 04:45:26 PM
Wait, what?  You sold your Hobie because you were anxious the drive would break and you'd have to paddle it, so you bought a kayak that you just have to paddle?  This makes zero sense to me.  Its like you sold your bike because the chain might break and you'd have to walk.  Now you just walk. 

But whatever...  you probably slay some serious fish on that T11!  Keep killing 'em!
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: & on September 13, 2017, 05:16:17 PM
sure, operative drive = asset.  but once inoperative OTW, former asset is now a fat liability, suddenly rendering your net really gross.  make cents?

hobies is complicated tho.  Complicated things have more failure modes.  You manetane your spare good or better than your primary?  2 much maintenance for my blud...

my preference now is simply ... keep it simple.  may be the winning suggestion below, pack non-redundant backup:

Take a sail if you are super duper concerned about paddling an outback in the wind.  Cheaper than a spare drive.

Also get real, aint KNOW 1 gon paddle an outback w busted drive > few miles.  flat as saucer + no keel, how you effectively go strate which yo hanzzz all up on dat paddle?  Dont care if u is Michael Phelps or 007, high gunwales + 34" beam = bluddy nuckles after 2 hours.  paddling outbax about as fun as taking the patent bar.



Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: crash on September 13, 2017, 05:22:46 PM
Also get real, aint KNOW 1 gon paddle an outback w busted drive > few miles.

Paging matanaska
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: AlexB on September 13, 2017, 05:36:59 PM
I've paddled my Outback several miles on multiple occasions, simply for a change of pace and a good upper body workout. It's not the fastest, but it works just fine. The rudder keeps you going straight... if you need to adjust your rudder, it just takes a second. (Not to mention those of us who started out on paddle yaks know a few tricks to make a good paddle stroke or two one-handed while holding our rods).

Sorry to hear the whole Hobie thing didn't work out for you. I'm real happy with my Outback...


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Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Uminchu Naoaki on September 13, 2017, 05:41:56 PM
sure, operative drive = asset.  but once inoperative OTW, former asset is now a fat liability, suddenly rendering your net really gross.  make cents?

hobies is complicated tho.  Complicated things have more failure modes.  You manetane your spare good or better than your primary?  2 much maintenance for my blud...

my preference now is simply ... keep it simple.  may be the winning suggestion below, pack non-redundant backup:

Take a sail if you are super duper concerned about paddling an outback in the wind.  Cheaper than a spare drive.

Also get real, aint KNOW 1 gon paddle an outback w busted drive > few miles.  flat as saucer + no keel, how you effectively go strate which yo hanzzz all up on dat paddle?  Dont care if u is Michael Phelps or 007, high gunwales + 34" beam = bluddy nuckles after 2 hours.  paddling outbax about as fun as taking the patent bar.
Hahahaha, you should've seen Jason-Str8FiSHiN this weekend...

Btw, my old used 2007 Revo or new 2015 drive never failed me yet, but I only fish about 1-3days/week for only 6-12hrs/day...


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Title: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Uminchu Naoaki on September 13, 2017, 06:03:30 PM
Oh sorry, answer to this topic, no I've never carry a spare drive. I have Revo & a paddle & carry a cassette sometimes...
& a drive fits in the Revo hatch, but don't know about Adventure...

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Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: CGN-38 on September 13, 2017, 08:47:23 PM
 :smt006
  I've never considered carrying a backup Marige drive on my outback.  Are you concerned it might fall out?  You should have it tethered to the kayak.  I use a short length of SS 1/16" cable and a nice brass hook to attach mine.  Secondly, the cost of a second drive is prohibitive for me. 
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Scurvy on September 14, 2017, 12:27:30 AM
Oh geez, I'm all worked up now, I just don't know what to do. I am ANXIOUS!  As many of you know, I've got a Revo-16, and just bought an Outback w/ the 180 Drive for my wife.

"Dot-nothing" just proved that a possible drive failure is just too big a risk, after all they fail like ALL THE TIME, that I need to avoid progress and go retrograde by turning my Hobie into a paddle only boat.

This is where I need your help:  Will someone pa-leaze trade me a decent paddle for my Mirage Drive?  Oh yeah, I have 2 drives so I'm gonna need another paddle. Maybe throw in a tray of frozen bait since that 2nd drive is the 180 kind....

Okay "Dotty," ready or not, here I come bruh, I'm gonna be paddling...until my paddle delaminates or breaks, or I get too frickin' gassed after 3 hours of paddling.


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Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: DG on September 14, 2017, 07:04:34 AM
This is where I need your help:  Will someone pa-leaze trade me a decent paddle for my Mirage Drive?  Oh yeah, I have 2 drives so I'm gonna need another paddle. Maybe throw in a tray of frozen bait since that 2nd drive is the 180 kind....
1st in line for the trade. 
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: NowhereMan on September 14, 2017, 09:54:25 AM
Best comment ever!

...  Its like you sold your bike because the chain might break and you'd have to walk.  Now you just walk. 
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Sin Coast on September 14, 2017, 11:42:25 AM
I just wanna know what kind of translator app Martin is using hahaha...
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: wannabe on September 14, 2017, 12:48:01 PM
I have a TI, and I started bringing the second drive with me as a backup even when I go out by myself. 
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: LilRiverMan on September 14, 2017, 03:32:08 PM
I've had my 2013 mirage drive fail twice. Once, somehow, the fin shaft came out. Was able to fix it on the water with a long nose pliers. fished some and then made it almost to the harbor HMB when it broke again. Some Loctite on the threads fixed it.  I've also had the idler chain get loose and off the track twice. Tightening fixed it. Per good advice I got, hold one side of connection with one pliers while tighten the nut with another plier/wrench so the chain doesn't twist.
Two weeks ago, before launching, the Idler chain was loose and when fixing it I noted that the insulation had worn off at one spot and a couple of strands of the wire braid had snapped. Since I was only going out to the HMB green can I went fishing anyway. When I landed and was loading up, I saw that the Idler chain had snapped. Didn't feel the difference while OTW. Not only did I replace the  Idler Chain - easy - I went  out and got a 2017 Revo with 180 drive.  :smt003

I took the new boat out on the lake for a test drive. Wanted to take my V2 out with me for comparison. I also could not get it into the front hatch, so I left it onshore. Tried it later in the new boat. The V2 with turbo fins is notably faster than the 180 drive with ST fins. ST turbo fins on order. Will see if one drive is faster once I change out the ST fins
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: crash on September 14, 2017, 03:44:56 PM
How soon til we can get a v2 type drive but with a sealed bevel gear instead of a chain and cable assembly?  Might be nice.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Tote on September 14, 2017, 03:47:01 PM
No spare drive for me. <=>.
I have a paddle and a pair of RoRows with me always.
My hands won't get tired and no doubt I'll get back safely to where I need to be.
Remember not to take your MD for granted. Clean it, service it, take care of it and it will take care of you.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: HamachiJohn on September 14, 2017, 08:54:35 PM
Remember not to take your MD for granted. Clean it, service it, take care of it and it will take care of you.

How do you service and take care of yours?  I just rinse and spray some WD40.  Curious how others maintain their MD.  thx.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: LilRiverMan on September 14, 2017, 09:38:08 PM
Remember not to take your MD for granted. Clean it, service it, take care of it and it will take care of you.

How do you service and take care of yours?  I just rinse and spray some WD40.  Curious how others maintain their MD.  thx.

Same here and a little silicon grease to inhibit rust at connection points where cable wire  or metal hardware might be exposed
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: NowhereMan on September 15, 2017, 08:23:44 AM
...  I've also had the idler chain get loose and off the track twice. ...

By "idler chain" do you mean the cable that goes over the pulley? If so, I set that really loose and it falls off the pulley once in a while---totally inconsequential.

...
I took the new boat out on the lake for a test drive. Wanted to take my V2 out with me for comparison. I also could not get it into the front hatch, so I left it onshore. Tried it later in the new boat. The V2 with turbo fins is notably faster than the 180 drive with ST fins. ST turbo fins on order. Will see if one drive is faster once I change out the ST fins

I'll be interested to see how they compare.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: otobepelagic on September 15, 2017, 01:40:08 PM
How soon til we can get a v2 type drive but with a sealed bevel gear instead of a chain and cable assembly?  Might be nice.

You can actually order the V2 GT kit to upgrade your V1. Changes the original V1's to V2/GT bearing style clamshells and the idler pulley with bearings. It's an easy fix....I did one last week in about an hour.
Kit comes with the new V2 clamshells, idler pulley, and all three chains....all for the price of the cables alone. You'll need a bit of marine grease and some q-tips to load the bearing to keep them in place while sliding on the clamshells and idler pulley.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: NowhereMan on September 15, 2017, 01:49:34 PM
You can actually order the V2 GT kit to upgrade you V1. Changes the original V1's to V2/GT bearing style clamshells and the idler pulley with bearings. It's an easy fix....I did one last week in about an hour.
Kit comes with the new V2 clamshells, idler pulley, and all three chains....all for the price of the cables alone. You'll need a bit of marine grease and some q-tips to load the bearing to keep them in place while sliding on the clamshells and idler pulley.

I did this upgrade when the GT first came out. But, no grease for me---instead, I used nylon bearings in place of the provided delrin bearings. Nylon is super-quiet, requires no lubrication, and nylon will lasts forever. The only catch is that it expands ever-so-slightly in water, so I used 1 less bearing rod in each of the bearing compartments (some on the Hobie forum recommend using 1 less rod, even with the stock delrin bearings). GT is a worthwhile upgrade, IMHO.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: HamachiJohn on September 15, 2017, 01:56:13 PM

You can actually order the V2 GT kit to upgrade your V1. Changes the original V1's to V2/GT bearing style clamshells and the idler pulley with bearings. It's an easy fix....I did one last week in about an hour.
Kit comes with the new V2 clamshells, idler pulley, and all three chains....all for the price of the cables alone. You'll need a bit of marine grease and some q-tips to load the bearing to keep them in place while sliding on the clamshells and idler pulley.

O2B, once you upgrade, what are the advantages OTW?  What differences do you notice, if any? thx.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: otobepelagic on September 15, 2017, 02:25:34 PM

You can actually order the V2 GT kit to upgrade your V1. Changes the original V1's to V2/GT bearing style clamshells and the idler pulley with bearings. It's an easy fix....I did one last week in about an hour.
Kit comes with the new V2 clamshells, idler pulley, and all three chains....all for the price of the cables alone. You'll need a bit of marine grease and some q-tips to load the bearing to keep them in place while sliding on the clamshells and idler pulley.

O2B, once you upgrade, what are the advantages OTW?  What differences do you notice, if any? thx.

continued thread jack.. :smt003

The bearings should make the "clamshell" parts of the drive last much longer reducing the sloppiness of the drive. This in turn should keep the chains in alignment ...less noise...less wear and tear on the sprockets etc.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Willha on September 15, 2017, 02:39:26 PM
 :smt044 :smt044 :smt044 :smt044 :smt044
Best comment ever!

...  Its like you sold your bike because the chain might break and you'd have to walk.  Now you just walk. 
:smt044 :smt044 :smt044 :smt044 :smt044
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: NowhereMan on September 15, 2017, 02:42:30 PM
The bearings should make the "clamshell" parts of the drive last much longer reducing the sloppiness of the drive. This in turn should keep the chains in alignment ...less noise...less wear and tear on the sprockets etc.

Also more efficient pedaling...
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Tote on September 15, 2017, 02:52:29 PM
Remember not to take your MD for granted. Clean it, service it, take care of it and it will take care of you.

How do you service and take care of yours?  I just rinse and spray some WD40.  Curious how others maintain their MD.  thx.

Check for cracks. Lube. Tighten nuts and bolts. Make sure no cables are frayed. If something is damaged, replace the part.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: HamachiJohn on September 15, 2017, 08:46:23 PM
 :smt023
Remember not to take your MD for granted. Clean it, service it, take care of it and it will take care of you.

How do you service and take care of yours?  I just rinse and spray some WD40.  Curious how others maintain their MD.  thx.

Check for cracks. Lube. Tighten nuts and bolts. Make sure no cables are frayed. If something is damaged, replace the part.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: krusty on September 16, 2017, 12:00:44 AM
Am I the only one who think it is ridiculous that we are talking about bring along spare mirage drives? It seems to me hobie needs to redesign their mirage drive to be more robust. The mirage drive is like a fine Italian sports car. It is great when it runs, but it is in the shop all the time. What we need is a toyota of pedal drive, one that just keeps working. Are the other pedal drives such as propel, pdl, and helix pd as prone to failure as the mirage drive?
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: DG on September 16, 2017, 07:14:01 AM
Am I the only one who think it is ridiculous that we are talking about bring along spare mirage drives? It seems to me hobie needs to redesign their mirage drive to be more robust. The mirage drive is like a fine Italian sports car. It is great when it runs, but it is in the shop all the time. What we need is a toyota of pedal drive, one that just keeps working. Are the other pedal drives such as propel, pdl, and helix pd as prone to failure as the mirage drive?
I think some of you folks are missing the point. 

I don't believe these drives are prone to fail.  But the more you use it and the harder you use it the risk or odds do go up.  Same with your kayak, paddle, fish finder, fishing pole, or any accessories. 

I never carried an extra drive until I heard Raydons story.  Breaking a drive and a paddle on the same trip. 

In calm waters with no wind your mirage drive most likely will be fine unless its rusted or wasn't checked for cracks or defects. 

I have been out on the ocean when it has turned nasty.  Those are usually the times when extra force is put on the drive and I can feel it being worked harder. 

On shorter trips I don't need an extra drive.  But on longer ones where I know my arms may give out (nerve problems) if I have to paddle back I decided bringing an extra drive was worth it so I did not have to burden anyone with towing me in. 

I bring extra dive gear in case something breaks.  I don't want to cut a trip short so have figured out what minimum items I need to keep going on the water in case of a failure.  Doesn't mean they are prone to break. 

I know many who bring multiple fishing poles in case one breaks.  I don't and usually only bring one.  Those poles are not prone to break but I have had some break on me either way. 

So don't over think this.  For many one drive will work, but for me there are days I feel better taking an extra drive.  Places with strong currents, windy areas or on longer trips. 

Getting a pedal kayak was the only way for me to get out on the water.  I would go with a lighter kayak if I could, but I can't so I will just do what I have to so I can keep doing it. 
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: NowhereMan on September 16, 2017, 07:43:45 AM
I don't believe these drives are prone to fail. 

+1

Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: & on September 16, 2017, 08:01:02 AM
Am I the only one who think it is ridiculous that we are talking about bring along spare mirage drives?

wurd, bruh.  wurddddd!
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: charles on September 16, 2017, 08:39:37 AM
Any mechanical propulsion device used in salt water can fail. The weak links in the Mirage drive are the attachments, primarly cables. Inspect and replace when corroded or when seeing a broken wire strand. Other full revolution drives have lately been entering the market. Give them a few years to test their reliability against the Mirage drive. Probably be a wash. The Mirage drive is a relatively light unit. An almost unbreakable drive could be designed using heavier beefed up components but extra weight on a yak isn't desirable. No perfect boats, only compromises.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: HamachiJohn on September 16, 2017, 12:39:43 PM
I don't believe these drives are prone to fail. 

+1
I guess I'm "lucky" that over the course of 6+ years having the Adventure and Revo, Ive never had an issue. All thing wear and tear, including paddles...

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: FishingAddict on September 16, 2017, 02:34:22 PM
I don't believe these drives are prone to fail. 

+1

+2.  I have had 2 rudder pins break OTW but never my Mirage Drives.



Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: krusty on September 17, 2017, 07:32:03 AM
I don't believe these drives are prone to fail. 

+1

+2.  I have had 2 rudder pins break OTW but never my Mirage Drives.

You have been fortunate. I have broken a mast inside the sprocket, and a guy I regularly fish hmb with has broken his mirage drive twice in 3 weeks. The 1st time the pedal arm snapped. The 2nd time his mast snapped at the sprocket. None of these failures could be prevented via routine inspection, unless you regularly untrasound your metal parts for fractures. And these are not simple repairs that you can perform on the water.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: NowhereMan on September 17, 2017, 07:50:30 AM
You have been fortunate. I have broken a mast inside the sprocket, and a guy I regularly fish hmb with has broken his mirage drive twice in 3 weeks. The 1st time the pedal arm snapped. The 2nd time his mast snapped at the sprocket. None of these failures could be prevented via routine inspection, unless you regularly untrasound your metal parts for fractures. And these are not simple repairs that you can perform on the water.

Upgrading to solid crank arms is definitely worthwhile---breaking a crank arm could easily result in a nasty cut.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: crash on September 17, 2017, 07:52:56 AM
Matanaska broke his again yesterday. I've lost count.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: NowhereMan on September 17, 2017, 10:29:20 PM
Matanaska broke his again yesterday. I've lost count.

What things have broken/failed?
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Fishcomb on September 17, 2017, 11:25:11 PM
I don't believe these drives are prone to fail. 

+1

+2.  I have had 2 rudder pins break OTW but never my Mirage Drives.
Krusty has been going out 3-4 times a week with his Revo this year so i'm sure he's doubling or tripling what normal kayakers are doing in a year
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: A.Julian on September 18, 2017, 12:29:14 AM
I don't believe these drives are prone to fail. 

+1

+2.  I have had 2 rudder pins break OTW but never my Mirage Drives.
Krusty has been going out 3-4 times a week with his Revo this year so i'm sure he's doubling or tripling what normal kayakers are doing in a year
I have a love hate relationship with these mirage drives! Time for a boat
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: Eddie on September 18, 2017, 08:17:58 AM
I don't believe these drives are prone to fail. 

+1

+2.  I have had 2 rudder pins break OTW but never my Mirage Drives.
Krusty has been going out 3-4 times a week with his Revo this year so i'm sure he's doubling or tripling what normal kayakers are doing in a year
I have a love hate relationship with these mirage drives! Time for a boat
Are you considering going full horsepower slay mode?  They will have to make seasonal regulations for the A.Julian Fish Harvest Company :smt005 :smt006
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie?
Post by: NowhereMan on April 22, 2018, 01:14:43 PM
Here's what I ended up doing to get my 2nd mirage drive to fit into front hatch... I've got crank arms that are threaded for bike pedals, so I got a pair of these quick release pedals

https://www.amazon.com/MKS-Urban-Platform-Superior-Pedal/dp/B008EFIU78

With the pedals out, it'll (just) fit in the front hatch.

The only problem I foresee is that the pedals will rust. They do make similar pedals in titanium, but I didn't want to spend that much.



Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie? [updated]
Post by: CGN-38 on April 23, 2018, 01:07:12 PM
 :smt006
  I don’t have a spare drive, too damn much money for one. I attached a leash to my drive, and before the hull touches water the drive leash is connected to hull on its very own anchor point.  I’ll not be loosing my drive any time soon.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie? [updated]
Post by: RBark on April 23, 2018, 01:21:14 PM
:smt006
  I don’t have a spare drive, too damn much money for one. I attached a leash to my drive, and before the hull touches water the drive leash is connected to hull on its very own anchor point.  I’ll not be loosing my drive any time soon.

You just Murphy Law'd yourself right into some Final Destination shit that'll lose you a mirage drive.
Title: Re: carry a spare mirage drive on your Hobie? [updated]
Post by: NowhereMan on April 23, 2018, 02:21:49 PM
:smt006
  I don’t have a spare drive, too damn much money for one. I attached a leash to my drive, and before the hull touches water the drive leash is connected to hull on its very own anchor point.  I’ll not be loosing my drive any time soon.

I’m not worried about losing the drive—mechanical failure is the concern. Been considering a multi-day trip and that’s what got me thinking about it. And I have 2 Hobies but only seem to be able to use 1 at a time, thus the spare mirage drive.