Could this give Hobie a run for its money?

http://www.yakangler.com/kayaks-and-gear/item/2447-mystery-propel-kayak-revealed

Nice looking boat, no penguine drive that GWS's seem to favor, could this be a legit salt water challenger for an alternative to the Hobie mirage drives? 

when i see a model that looks like my adventure, then maybe.

101 lbs!

I actually fished with someone at HMB on the Mariner 10 Propel last Sat.  He was around 4 Hobie owners.  He wanted a Hobie at the end of our trip.

I plan on test driving this kayak at OR next week.  Will let you know my thoughts then.

-Allen

I watched a couple of youtube vids and none of them are ever shown in any waves, the roughest so far is in a river going up stream, not the biggest challenge.  a 10 foot boot against abunch of 13'5's is not a great comparison.  I think the 12. 5 or a 14 might be a better match up.  One of the big things for their boats is stand up/sight casting, which is popular along the gulf states. Fully rigged an Outback weighs in at 88 pounds so their is a 12 pound difference.  But that is stock, not with turbo fins and a sailing rudder extra 2 pounds? so we are at 90 vs 101 12'1" vs 13"2', Intrestingly enough the Revo weighs in at 83 lbs fully rigged (again no turbo fins or sailing rudder).  But you do get reverse, which the hobies lack.  I would love to see a head to head comparison, which is something we rarely see between kayak makers. 

Isn't this what Patrick ppickerell has or had?

The MSRP of $2400 is more than my fully rigged AI new.

I believe Pat's is a wavewalker.

That integrated rudder looks interesting but might pose some fouling issues?!

I really want to see more pedal powered systems on kayaks.  Hobie needs some good competition.

Native's prop driven system is cool in that you can pedal backwards, but on the downside, it's more prone to tangles in weeds and fishing line.  I've pedaled early prototypes of this drive and had high hopes, but it was very heavy and clunky, and in no way faster the Hobie Mirage Drive.  Hopefully, their new design is much better.

My dream is to see someone com up with propeller or impeller driven system that I can plug directly into Hobie drive well.  If it proves to be faster that Hobie's fin drive... I'll buy one!!!!

maybe i oughtta make use of alll that maker equipment at work...

I really want to see more pedal powered systems on kayaks.  Hobie needs some good competition.

Native's prop driven system is cool in that you can pedal backwards, but on the downside, it's more prone to tangles in weeds and fishing line.  I've pedaled early prototypes of this drive and had high hopes, but it was very heavy and clunky, and in no way faster the Hobie Mirage Drive.  Hopefully, their new design is much better.

My dream is to see someone com up with propeller or impeller driven system that I can plug directly into Hobie drive well.  If it proves to be faster that Hobie's fin drive... I'll buy one!!!!

+1

If I remember right there was a video on utube of a dude in one I the Asian countries that made a propeller model for the hobies that used a small propane bottle for fuel. Ill try to find video.

There are electric retrofit kits that fit the Hobie drive well if you want to go electric.  The new propane powered OB motors are pretty neat though!

Guess we need to create a Hobie Drag Boat league.  I forsee some FUN ideas....... hmmm.......

~Bill

Chuck,

I think the better idea is for other maker to make a scupper that would take a mirage drive, then we can switch it to other brands.  I mean Hobie sells the unit, so why not make a boat that fits the unit?

The biggest complaints I have read by others  on this site about Hobies is weight, expense, and kelp. This design seems to offer no improvement in any of those areas as far as I personally see.

That said I would love to take one for a spin.