Buying a used mirage drive hobie.

Hey guys, I'm looking at buying a used mirage drive hobie and I've never used one. So I was hoping to get some tips on what I should be looking for to test the boats quality. Looks very well taken care of from the pics I've seen of it. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Look at the holes in the drive arms where the drive pin goes in. Check for wear. It is weak spot on the arm. Same for pedal pressed fit attachment. Check cable attachments for corrosion. A used drive will be looser than new which is ok but should not feel sloppy. If drive body is under your budget then upgrading with some new parts if need be is an option.

Depends on the Model and year really. The serial number can tell you the year on the last two digits.  also if you look at how the drive mounts into the kayak, see if it has twist-locks, or clip-in-locks that would tell you approximately the year as well. The twst/camlock stye is older, and the clip in newer and less issues with them. 

Take someone whi knows hobies. Drivewell crax is tuff to spot n rudder issues too

Right around 2005, 2006 2007 Hobie had some serious manufacturing defects that went out. One of them is the infamous Mirage Drive welll crack. Hobie used to have a webpage describing the defects and listed the serial numbers of the kayaks affected. I just searched their website and appears they removed that page. I know because I have a 2007 with the drive will crack and several other issues. The newer kayaks are much better made I believe. You will want the turbo fins and sailing rudder.
Hope this helps.

Thanks a lot for all the help guys!! I don't have somebody who knows kayaks very well to go with me, so I'm on my own for this. Do you guys find it difficult to get this boat loaded up by yourself? It weighs 20+ lbs more than my previous boat.

Depends what you are loading on to and method of lifting it. If you can lift the front end and place it on back top of vehicle then lift bottom end and push to position then it is a relativity easy lift.

Thanks for the help Charles. I found out its a 2008. It comes with turbo fins and a color fish finder with battery. The price is 2k. Do you think its worth it? I'm kinda leary about it being so old and possibly having cracks in the hull or developing them soon.

I do not think $2,000.00 for a 2008 Hobie is worth it. Better deals will come up.

Thanks for the help Charles. I found out its a 2008. It comes with turbo fins and a color fish finder with battery. The price is 2k. Do you think its worth it? I'm kinda leary about it being so old and possibly having cracks in the hull or developing them soon.

I agree with Charles that that's too expensive.

As far as loading the kayak, if you have space to slide it on and off from the side of the car, it's really easy to manage.

Seems too high.

http://norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=69229

Jef (One F) knows Hobies and is not far from where you live.  Definitely try before you buy.  I have one just like the one in this post and love it.  Maybe just contact him.  Even if not interested in the one he has he is a great resource. 

Not sure which model your interested in, but I have an '14 Outback that is brand new i'd be willing to part with for less than the 2008.    PM if interested

Not sure which model your interested in, but I have an '14 Outback that is brand new i'd be willing to part with for less than the 2008.    PM if interested

But then won't you have to change your handle to AlsHobieOutbackNot (or something like that...)?

Too high, $1500 maybe.