Could this give Hobie a run for its money?

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?

 I think the "penguin" drive vs paddle kayaks are about split 50/50 for GWS attacks  as far as what has been reported.

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?

I'm sure Hobie has explored the idea of licensing it's Mirage Drive to other kayak manufacturers, but I think Hobie will likely keep it exclusive to their boats as long as they can keep their patent enforceable.

I think, in the near future, we will see smaller start-up companies making alternative drive options that fit the "platforms" we already have on the market; ie for Hobie as aftermarket upgrades.  High hopes at least!

~Bill

Uh, that thing is an expensive barge. Sorry there is no competition there. I'll take an AI over that any day.

Looks more like that model will try to compete with Hobie PA's instead of AI's. The Propel drive by Native has been on the market for years. So they're just slapping it in a different hull?

I saw someone fishing one of hhose, it seemed awkward like bicycling on water. No comparison to a hobie in my opinion, theres a zen like thing that happens while trolling with a mirage drive that makes the lure thump. BOOM!

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!!!!

I know of at least 3 other manufacturers working on "something", and I'm sure there are more.

-Allen

Isn't this what Patrick ppickerell has or had?

No I have wavewalkers. The Native drive is lighter and more modern than the Wavewalker drive. The WW drive goes back to the original Harry Howard designed Hydrocycles which were heavy fiberglass pedal craft. Both are rotating bicycle style mechanisms as opposed to the reciprocating Mirage drive. I still think the bike style drives are more efficient and ergonomic. But I am loving my AI and have relegated the WW to the garage.

I gave this this kayak a test drive today.  I think the Slayer hull with Propel drive could give Hobie a run for its money.  Keep an eye on this one folks!

-Allen

I heard Hobie already has a plan for something new since the mirage drive patent is about to run out.

In my opinion I think that could break easy having a prop, but it looks neat.

I gave this this kayak a test drive today.  I think the Slayer hull with Propel drive could give Hobie a run for its money.  Keep an eye on this one folks!

-Allen

How about a little back to back review? Closest Hobie model vs new Propel driven Slayer. If you are saying it's that good I'd like to know more.

I heard Hobie already has a plan for something new since the mirage drive patent is about to run out.

In my opinion I think that could break easy having a prop, but it looks neat.

That's funny coming form you"I break every drive I use" Rob.

I gave this this kayak a test drive today.  I think the Slayer hull with Propel drive could give Hobie a run for its money.  Keep an eye on this one folks!

-Allen

How about a little back to back review? Closest Hobie model vs new Propel driven Slayer. If you are saying it's that good I'd like to know more.

You mean side-by-side?  Will work on that once I get home later tgus week.  Im at Outdoor Retailer show right now.   A couple of us had no issues pacing a Revo 13.  And the slayer hull was definitely quicker orr the line and more respinsive than the Mariner Propel.

I heard Hobie already has a plan for something new since the mirage drive patent is about to run out.

In my opinion I think that could break easy having a prop, but it looks neat.

That's funny coming form you"I break every drive I use" Rob.

+2

I tried one of these...

I did not like ergonomics of it...

Your feet are up to high and it's too much of a reclined position...  even having your feet on the pedals all day on a Hobie can get tiresome, but not as bad as the propel...

my 2 pesos...