Efficiency of old mirage drive vs new ones?Efficiency of solo vs tandem kayaks?

I’m just getting into kayaking/kayak fishing and was hoping my new kayak family could help me figure some stuff out. I bought an old tandem Hobie Mirage. Not sure what year it is but it should be v1 or the mirage drive.

I typically go out with my kids (6 & 8 years old) and they sit and play in the kayak, but they don’t pedal. If I go solo, I put an ~10-15 lb. weight in the front to keep the front down. 

When I go out, by the time I’m a few hundred yards outside of the harbor (for crabbing), I’m pretty tired already. I’m 41 and in good shape, but smaller in stature at 5’7 and 135 lbs. I see a lot of kayakers on Hobies go pretty far out and then pedal around for hours while fishing/crabbing.

The questions that always come up in my head are:

1) Am I not in good enough kayaking shape?

2) Are the first generation mirage drives a lot more inefficient and tiring?

3) Is the tandem significantly more effort (more drag or whatever) to pedal around as an individual? Will it be way better as a tandem?

I’m trying to get this info so I know whether I should be saving up to buy a more recent kayak

Separate question, I’m looking to go out fishing for the first time at HMB for rockfish and lingcod. Is the green buoy the best place to try as a beginner?

Thanks in advance!!

 


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1) Am I not in good enough kayaking shape?

It will take time to improve strength and stamina by getting out pedaling more.

2) Are the first generation mirage drives a lot more inefficient and tiring?

I haven't noticed any difference across the old and current drives. It does help a little to have the turbo fins instead of the shorter fins.

3) Is the tandem significantly more effort (more drag or whatever) to pedal around as an individual? Will it be way better as a tandem?

With two kids and one pedaler it will take some extra effort to get around. I do the same with my kids on my tandem inflatable. I use the new 180 drive.

I’m trying to get this info so I know whether I should be saving up to buy a more recent kayak

No comment

Separate question, I’m looking to go out fishing for the first time at HMB for rockfish and lingcod. Is the green buoy the best place to try as a beginner?

The green buoy is definitely not for beginner unless you're with other experienced kayakers. I wouldn't recommend taking your kids out there bc conditions can change quickly.
Try Stillwater in Monterey and it's safer and more protected.


 


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Thanks Fishbushing! I really appreciate the time and the thoughtful answers to my questions!

For HMB, I only take my kids in the harbor to keep them safe. =) I’ll go crabbing by myself outside the harbor.  I should’ve been more clear on that.

You might check the tension settings on the fins. Too tight will increase the pedaling effort.

Which Hobie tandem do you have?  If you have the outfitter, that thing is a barge.  I owned one, and with only one person pedaling, it was pretty tough sledding, especially going against any kind of current.

1) Am I not in good enough kayaking shape?

See answer for #2

2) Are the first generation mirage drives a lot more inefficient and tiring?

The efficiency of the shorter fins isn't as good as the turbo fins.  You might also be pedaling too hard.  Try keeping a nice steady pace... think marathon, not sprint.  You're using muscle groups that aren't typically used everyday.  It's less of a bicycle pedaling motion and more of a stair climbing motion.

3) Is the tandem significantly more effort (more drag or whatever) to pedal around as an individual? Will it be way better as a tandem?

I've found that pedaling my Outfitter solo is a pain in the butt.  You definitely need some weight in front as it'll help with trim.  DaBruddah used to fish solo from his tandem Hobie... might be worth shooting him a PM.

I’m trying to get this info so I know whether I should be saving up to buy a more recent kayak    

Except the inevitable, you're going to buy another kayak.  It always happens. 

Is the green buoy the best place to try as a beginner?

Maybe?  You need to be comfortable with self rescue, geared for immersion, and don't go by yourself.  You can always jumpstart your knowledge base by going out with one of the many fishing guides on NCKA.  I think AJulian and Str8fishin still guide out of HMB.  Bushy is down in Santa Cruz, and there're a bunch of folks north of the GG Bridge (Ravensblack, Midwest, LoletaEric, Matanaska, just off the top of my head).  Going with a guide is always money well spent because they teach you the local techniques and areas.  I think there's a list of guides posted somewhere...

2) Are the first generation mirage drives a lot more inefficient and tiring?

I participated in a rescue last year at the Simply Fishing Event on my 2018 Revo 13.  Started with Eelkram asking for assistance.  I towed both a sinking kayak with water inside the hull and fellow ncka member Raydon was in the water for over an hour.  The new 180 Mirage Drive proved its worth.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=85449.0

Based on first hand experience and owning numerous Hobies since 2009, I would say the latest 180 drive is more efficient and easy to pedal with the addition of roller bearings.

My first yak was a hobie mirage tandem with first gen drive.  Did replace the fins with the ST (square-tip) upgrade for that version drive which did improve performance a bit.  This boat was plenty stable for me and with two adults we could go go all day and for long distances.  Going solo could also do well but there were times, especially in the ocean that can be a bit of a challenge.  When solo the bow raises up quite a bit (I guess if I were lighter not so much...).  Anyway the rudder is very small for the size of the boat, and when the wind blows much it is much more difficult to keep on track unless it is a tail wind;-)    My two cents.

Lots of good advice so far. My $0.02 is that the GT drive is a little more efficient, like maybe 10% or so, but not a huge deal. The 180 drive might be even more efficient (never tried it), but I doubt there is much difference. So, the older drive is probably not a major issue.

The turbo fins, on the other hand, make a huge difference. If you are using the standard fins, you're just spinning your wheels, in comparison.

Another part of the equation could be that you're pushing a big barge around, while those people you see pedaling with ease all day are on sleek Revos or Outbacks.

To get into shape for pedaling a Hobie, what works best for me is just walking. If I can walk at a brisk pace for an hour or 90 minutes, then I can pedal the Hobie at a slow troll for 6 hours or more.

I rebuilt my old drive and upgraded it to the most recent version. It was well worth it. I really noticed it most while trolling for Halibut last weekend. The added efficiency just adds up throughout a long day of fishing. It should be noted though, its sort of like going to larger gears on a bike. You'll notice more force is required for each stroke but you get more out of it.

You might check the tension settings on the fins. Too tight will increase the pedaling effort.

Thanks Charles!  I'll check on that!

Which Hobie tandem do you have?  If you have the outfitter, that thing is a barge.  I owned one, and with only one person pedaling, it was pretty tough sledding, especially going against any kind of current.

I believe it is the oasis probably from early 2000's.  I store it in HMB since it's so long and inconvenient to bring around.

1) Am I not in good enough kayaking shape?

See answer for #2

2) Are the first generation mirage drives a lot more inefficient and tiring?

The efficiency of the shorter fins isn't as good as the turbo fins.  You might also be pedaling too hard.  Try keeping a nice steady pace... think marathon, not sprint.  You're using muscle groups that aren't typically used everyday.  It's less of a bicycle pedaling motion and more of a stair climbing motion.

3) Is the tandem significantly more effort (more drag or whatever) to pedal around as an individual? Will it be way better as a tandem?

I've found that pedaling my Outfitter solo is a pain in the butt.  You definitely need some weight in front as it'll help with trim.  DaBruddah used to fish solo from his tandem Hobie... might be worth shooting him a PM.

I’m trying to get this info so I know whether I should be saving up to buy a more recent kayak    

Except the inevitable, you're going to buy another kayak.  It always happens. 

Is the green buoy the best place to try as a beginner?

Maybe?  You need to be comfortable with self rescue, geared for immersion, and don't go by yourself.  You can always jumpstart your knowledge base by going out with one of the many fishing guides on NCKA.  I think AJulian and Str8fishin still guide out of HMB.  Bushy is down in Santa Cruz, and there're a bunch of folks north of the GG Bridge (Ravensblack, Midwest, LoletaEric, Matanaska, just off the top of my head).  Going with a guide is always money well spent because they teach you the local techniques and areas.  I think there's a list of guides posted somewhere...

Thanks for all the great info and advice eelkram! I really appreciate it!  I will try pedaling at a steadier pace and will reach out to get a guide for HMB.

2) Are the first generation mirage drives a lot more inefficient and tiring?

I participated in a rescue last year at the Simply Fishing Event on my 2018 Revo 13.  Started with Eelkram asking for assistance.  I towed both a sinking kayak with water inside the hull and fellow ncka member Raydon was in the water for over an hour.  The new 180 Mirage Drive proved its worth.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=85449.0

Based on first hand experience and owning numerous Hobies since 2009, I would say the latest 180 drive is more efficient and easy to pedal with the addition of roller bearings.

Thanks FishingAddict!  I'll start saving up for a new kayak with the 180 mirage drive!  =)

Huge thanks to everyone who replied for all of the helpful information!  I posted while I was in Hong Kong for work and then by the time I landed at SFO the next day I had all this great info to help me out.  Thank you!! NCKA is the best!