Hobie Mirage Drive Fin Failure

While pedaling at Tomales this week my mirage drive broke.  One of the fins failed at the leading edge where the pin goes through the rubber at the top attachment point.  Unfortunately the fin came off and sank, so I can't even look at it to diagnose the problem.  The mast is still attached and everything else looks normal. The pin and the keeper are still in place so I can only assume that the rubber hole in the fin tore allowing it to slide off of the mast. When it broke the pedals made a cracking sound and went forward.  I couldn't even get the drive out of the well because the mast and the unbroken fin would not move to the straight position so the drive could be removed.  After manipulating the pedals a little, I was finally able to get them into a position that allowed the drive to be removed form the well. I have the newer type, self-locking drive.  Replacement turbo fins are about $27.00 but I would really like to understand the failure before I run the risk of losing another fin.  Has anybody else had or heard of this kind of fin failure?

Martin

While pedaling at Tomales this week my mirage drive broke.  One of the fins failed at the leading edge where the pin goes through the rubber at the top attachment point.  Unfortunately the fin came off and sank, so I can't even look at it to diagnose the problem.  The mast is still attached and everything else looks normal. The pin and the keeper are still in place so I can only assume that the rubber hole in the fin tore allowing it to slide off of the mast. When it broke the pedals made a cracking sound and went forward.  I couldn't even get the drive out of the well because the mast and the unbroken fin would not move to the straight position so the drive could be removed.  After manipulating the pedals a little, I was finally able to get them into a position that allowed the drive to be removed form the well. I have the newer type, self-locking drive.  Replacement turbo fins are about $27.00 but I would really like to understand the failure before I run the risk of losing another fin.  Has anybody else had or heard of this kind of fin failure?

Martin

I have only seen these type failures when the drives are left in on repeated beach landings.

I have never beach landed with the drive in but I have hit some big kelp a few times.  I wonder if that weakened the fin?

Maybe they were loose?.

I have not heard of this one, but a good place to get answers is right here...

 http://www.hobiecat.com/community/index.php

I'm busy right now, but look around down on kayakfishing part of the forum...

and ya can start your own thread and post your problem....

 get back to ya later,,,,

 I'm wondering why your drive jammed?

Never seen anyone look soooo happy with a broken Mirrage Drive 

Thanks Don.  What's not to be happy about.......a day on the water on Tomales Bay with NCKA brothers. Life doesn't get much better than that.  The drive can be repaired.  I ordered a new fin today after a great lunch of Horse neck clam sashimi.  I'll be ready to "roll" again in a few days.

Thanks for the reply,

Martin

Never seen anyone look soooo happy with a broken Mirrage Drive 

True NCKA spirit