Driving an OB backwards?

  Yes it can be done!  While in the Clearlake Keys, on clearlake this last weekend, I saw fellow in a 08' OB standing up bass fishing on his OB.  This guy was set up for tournament fishing.  He had a cooler set up with running water for a live well, PVC rod holders FF the works.
  Then I was saw something that didn't look right.  He sat down, then peddled a few strokes and his OB backed out of the weeds!  I took a second look.  He was in deed peddling and his kayak was backing!  I asked him about it!  He reversed his fins!  Said it was great for hauling big bass out of their cover.  To move forward, he padled.  I watched him use his paddle like an ore while standing.
  I don't think I'll be modifying my drive to move me backwards any time soon.
Having a cooler as a livewell, and the water outlets located at the top of the cooler, the additional water weight helped the stability and allowed him stand and not be too shaky.

Wow!   Too bad you didn't get a video of that!  Sounds like it makes a bunch of sense for bass fishing!

He reversed his fins!

I don't think I'll be modifying my drive to move me backwards any time soon.

I don't think it is as complicated as you're thinking Troy.  No modifying necessary, just turn your drive around 90 degrees and you can go backwards.

The first time I had my father out in an OB, I heard him complaining about something being wrong.  I told him to shut it and peddle.  After another 10 minutes, I finally looked over and sure enough, he was going backwards.  I just rotated the drive and off we went.

I usually go forward with the drive and use the paddle for reverse, but for the gentlemen you described, sounds like it works for him.

Michael

 I've never tried putting them in backwards.  I have my paddle for reverse.  But yeah it was working for that guy!  I thought about getting some video, but I didn't want to wait around for the guy and we were heading in opposite directions.

Cool!  I've always wondered about that.  But yeah, I also just pedal forward and paddle backward.  Reminds me though of the first time I loaned my Sport to my neighbor/ yaking buddy; first thing he asked was "is there a reverse?".  He'd never been in a Hobie Mirage.  One week later he showed up with a beautiful Revo from Wind Toys in Santa Rosa.  Got a good deal too; $1,300 for an end-of-year demo in perfect condition.

yeah, you just turn the drive around... it should be useful for back-trolling in a moving current, like in a deep hole fishing for steelies.

I screwed around with the reversing the peddles. It works, but the steering is a little weird. I tends to throw you off balance when you turn too hard. But I'm sure you could get used to it.