Hobie drive durability?

[andrewtp]

So I've finally gave in to the pedal and am in the market for a used hobie. Paddling long distances is a bitch, especially against the wind.

How is the durability of the drives? I don't want to end up buying $1000 plus kayak and have to paddle in it.

Thanks fellas.

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by andrewtp

So I've finally gave in to the pedal and am in the market for a used hobie. Paddling long distances is a bitch, especially against the wind.

How is the durability of the drives? I don't want to end up buying $1000 plus kayak and have to paddle in it.

Thanks fellas.

I've been using my Outback at least 3-4 times a month since I bought it back in May 2011 and haven't had any major issues, neither have the guys that I fish with that are in Hobies. Much like the rest of your gear if you take care of it it will take care of you: wash it down with fresh water after every use, check the nuts, bolts, chains, gears every so often to make sure nothing is coming loose and you should be ok. You will not be disappointed in your decision to buy a Hobie.

[JNAST13ST]

That's weird cause a guy on here just found one washed up on the beach. Probably been in the water for a while and still works fine

[CheapPelican]

Originally Posted by jorluivil

I've been using my Outback at least 3-4 times a month since I bought it back in May 2011 and haven't had any major issues, neither have the guys that I fish with that are in Hobies. Much like the rest of your gear if you take care of it it will take care of you: wash it down with fresh water after every use, check the nuts, bolts, chains, gears every so often to make sure nothing is coming loose and you should be ok. You will not be disappointed in your decision to buy a Hobie.

How do the outbacks paddle OTW and for surf launches? Can anybody chime in about the revolutions?

[bus kid]

Originally Posted by CheapPelican

How do the outbacks paddle OTW and for surf launches? Can anybody chime in about the revolutions?

Revo paddles fine. I have paddled mine about as much as I have peddled it, as I fish deep into the kelp. I take the mirage drive out and stow it in the front hatch. No matter what if you dont have a good stroke (shut it ) you are not going anywhere.

what Jorge said, if you take care of your gear and it will take care of you.

[RK]

If you fish a lot you will bust the drive cables, easy fix just draining, might be a good idea to throw a spare and a wrench in your dry bag, there's a stress point on the end of the cable that is the breaking point.

[RK]

That being said the hobies are great kayaks...Another good idea if you use the livewell is to throw an extra intake tube in a drybag sometimes during beach launches they disappear. Any of the small crucial stuff keep a spare in a dry bag...
This doesn't apply to hobies only any kayak has issues that can usually be fixed otw....

[mtnbykr2]

Originally Posted by RK

If you fish a lot you will bust the drive cables, easy fix just draining, might be a good idea to throw a spare and a wrench in your dry bag, there's a stress point on the end of the cable that is the breaking point.

My '08 is in the water at least 4 times a month, I have had no trouble with the drive, just clean and maintain...I would suggest however to check hardware and steering every so often, steering knob came off about 4 miles out one time
it is like trying to paddle a tupperware bowl with no steering...it's funny now but not at the time...you will not be disappointed, as far as launching and landing surf style, there are much better yaks out there, but once you get accustomed to the Outback, you will be able to have yard sales with the best of us...lol

[CheapPelican]

Originally Posted by bus kid

...No matter what if you dont have a good stroke (shut it ) you are not going anywhere.

More often than not, my stroke gets me there faster than I'd like.

[roadrunner]

Originally Posted by andrewtp

How is the durability of the drives? I don't want to end up buying $1000 plus kayak and have to paddle in it.

The 2009 and newer Mirage Drives are quite reliable. They have improved drums, cables and sprockets. There have been further improvements since then, but these are important to have for reliability IMO. Older Drives can be upgraded but it can be expensive. You can recognize these Drives by the "Micky Mouse style drums (big ears) AND visible brass inserts on the sprockets where the fin masts (rods) thread in.

I run about 800 to 1000 miles annually and pedal pretty hard through about 2/3 of that (would probably be considered a hard user). The Drive experiences a parts failure about every 600 to 800 miles on current equipment, with regular inspections, lube and adjusting.

You can see most parts failures coming if you know what to look for. So in a way, Drives become more reliable with an experienced eye!

One final thing -- you can break almost any part on the Drive and still keep going. That includes drum, cable, chain, fin, or mast. Most people don't realize that and break out the paddle if they have any problem with the Drive. I don't carry spare parts for daily use, not only because of that, but trying to do the simplest operation in the water, on the lap with wet hands just doesn't work at all for me. For those who do carry spare parts, be sure you know how to install them (actual practice) and have the tools to do so.