Why buy a hobie

The two mirage drives are different, the second generation will have v2 stamped on it. V2 drives will only work in the v1 boats if you take out the third locator pin. The V1 drives will work in both boats. They added a locator pin so the drives can only go in straight. People were putting them in angled, the fins would hit the bottom of the boat so hard they were breaking off. Not sure when they changed them, 2010 maybe? Every year hobie dose a little something new to there boats, not major changes, but enough to make it new and improved.
Another reason to buy a hobie is resale value. A hobie like a Toyota holds its value a lot better than other boats.

What are the down falls of these mirage drive kayaks?

The sitting position.  It sucks (but that's just me)!  I've tested the Revo 13 and my Prowler T15 at the same time and there is a major big difference in sitting position.  The Revo sits on a recline position while the Prowler T15 was more on the normal side.  If you're willing to sacrifice that along with it's great attribute of hands free then you should buy it.  But make sure you rent/test one before making your final decision.  Besides that the dark side isn't that dark.  Muuaaaaaahahaha! 

Definitely an 09+ if you can find one (V2 drive + auto lock). The seat pegs might have been 10? Adventure hull was redesigned in 11 and the shark fin rudder was added in the later 11 models.

The other guys covered the great Hobie features.  One thing I'd like to add is it can handle rough weather, windy conditions, fast currents a lot better and easier.

I remember during the 2010 ARW Event a lot of paddlers were having a hard time dealing with the fast moving tide.  It was a piece of cake on my Revo.  I overtook several paddlers and heard them comment; "I am getting a Hobie". 

oh and wind...although James kicked my ass in his Prowler this weekend. However, I chalk it up to his super human "ginger" power and not the boat!


ginger power never heard that one before
get a hobie and dont waste time in other boats, as soon as i can afford one or some one dose a benefit for ME! i will have another revo for sure 

What are the down falls of these mirage drive kayaks?

The sitting position.  It sucks (but that's just me)!  I've tested the Revo 13 and my Prowler T15 at the same time and there is a major big difference in sitting position.  The Revo sits on a recline position while the Prowler T15 was more on the normal side.

That's the difference between paddling and pedaling. To pedal your back is slightly reclined. To paddle your back is more straight up. I've found, after an enormous amount of hours logged over the last 2 1/2 years, that I actually have almost no back pain and zero shoulder pain from using my Hobie. If I have to cover a lot of ground and pedal all day sometimes I get butt pain, after 10-12 hours you gotta expect that, and usually one knee or the other starts to complain by the end of the day. But nothing like my shoulder's used to hurt after paddling all day. If I get a little knee pain on the water I just stop pedaling for five minutes, paddle, and then start pedaling again and I'm o.k. I've also found that moving the drive position closer, say from 5 to 4 or 6 to 5, can greatly affect back & knee position & comfort.

What are the down falls of these mirage drive kayaks?

The sitting position.  It sucks (but that's just me)!  I've tested the Revo 13 and my Prowler T15 at the same time and there is a major big difference in sitting position.  The Revo sits on a recline position while the Prowler T15 was more on the normal side.

That's the difference between paddling and pedaling. To pedal your back is slightly reclined. To paddle your back is more straight up. I've found, after an enormous amount of hours logged over the last 2 1/2 years, that I actually have almost no back pain and zero shoulder pain from using my Hobie. If I have to cover a lot of ground and pedal all day sometimes I get butt pain, after 10-12 hours you gotta expect that, and usually one knee or the other starts to complain by the end of the day. But nothing like my shoulder's used to hurt after paddling all day. If I get a little knee pain on the water I just stop pedaling for five minutes, paddle, and then start pedaling again and I'm o.k. I've also found that moving the drive position closer, say from 5 to 4 or 6 to 5, can greatly affect back & knee position & comfort.

Thanks! 

Haven't tried a new Hobie lately.  It's been nearly 10 years since I was a dealer.  Heard a lot of good things about the new models.  Sounds like they are doing good things these days and apparently have a good resale value as well.  Sounds like a sound investment.  What does an outrigger model with the sails run?  Not trying to divert the thread... Just curious if someone happens to have the answer.

Buy a Hobie for the Pee Well

Just took a buddy out for the first time the other day... I have two outbacks.  Soon enough came the question... "how do you take a piss in this thing"  "exactly I said: you piss IN it"  he though I was crazy... but hell, it works.

Buy a Hobie for the Pee Well

Just took a buddy out for the first time the other day... I have two outbacks.  Soon enough came the question... "how do you take a piss in this thing"  "exactly I said: you piss IN it"  he though I was crazy... but hell, it works.

but..pull out the mirage first...

Buy a Hobie for the Pee Well

Just took a buddy out for the first time the other day... I have two outbacks.  Soon enough came the question... "how do you take a piss in this thing"  "exactly I said: you piss IN it"  he though I was crazy... but hell, it works.

but..pull out the mirage first...

there is still a placed for the water to flush out... if you pull the drive, you have to put it back in, and that means putting your hands in the water to turn the locks... on the older ones anyway.

I've tested out the Pro Angler and the Outback and I have to say that the Pro Angler with a little more effort is faster and more stable then the Outback. The Outback is also good on speed and stability. Both turn on a dime. I didn't have the chance to test out the Revo 11 but my gut feeling tells me that would be the one for me as it has a narrower body which means fast,  and light. And me being 5'1 with short arms probabbly would be best for that. Just my 2 cents.

^ Unless your father/husband/boyfriend will be loading the yak for you, you don't want a PA or Outback as they are PIGS and difficult to cartop.

I've tested out the Pro Angler and the Outback and I have to say that the Pro Angler with a little more effort is faster and more stable then the Outback. The Outback is also good on speed and stability. Both turn on a dime. I didn't have the chance to test out the Revo 11 but my gut feeling tells me that would be the one for me as it has a narrower body which means fast,  and light. And me being 5'1 with short arms probabbly would be best for that. Just my 2 cents.

How about a Revo 13? It might hold it's value more if you do decide to sell down the road.

^ Unless your father/husband/boyfriend will be loading the yak for you, you don't want a PA or Outback as they are PIGS and difficult to cartop.

Come on Dilbeck.....I can still lift mine over my head and truck top it and I'm over 50!!!! You're still a young man!!!  But I'm in the gym 4 days a week since I don't have young ones anymore.

Marking thread. Hobie dog.