I asked quite a while ago about the Hobie Mirage boats, but am now more seriously considering it. Specifically, I am leaning toward the Outfitter fish. Sjpsc, I think I remember reading that you have one. I suspect that time on the boat will be about 75% tandem with the little lady, and 25% solo. I think we will mostly use it for cruising/exploring the backcountry, as well as fishing. I really like the concept of having hands free to fish, take pictures, or whatever. I totally understand that solo will not be optimal in that kayak, but that’s ok, and I’ve read that some ballast up front really helps. My real worry is that the mirage drives will not be suitable for the shallow tidal creeks, and will either not work in the shallow, or will be quickly destroyed.
I would really appreciate your ■■■■■■■■. Thanks!
Go with the Hobie for sure. I have a Malibu Kayak X-Factor and I believe it is probably the best fishing platform but today I got stuck in some heavy head wind and it kicked my tail. I have been told that with the Mirage drive head wind is not a factor. I will be getting a Hobie one day.
“Live like you will live forever but live like you will die tomorrow.”
The mirage drive is quite durable! You can get it up more or less flush with the hull, so shallow water should not be a problem. If the creek is to shallow to float through without scraping, then you can quickly pull the drive out until you get to deeper water. Your paddle is always right at hand, so no problem to paddle through the shallows. You can even give the drive little “mini motions” so that it only moves a few inches, but is still effective in the shallows
The components and the hardware that make up the drive are bomber, and the parts (drive fin or “sail” and post or “Mast”) that could get damaged if you don’t follow the above tips are easily replaced and inexpensive (under $10 each).
We are out of stock right now, but should have some more instock in about a week.
DD
I originally bought Outfitter for bass fishing on NC lakes and it did very well. Moved it to James Island last summer and have used it frequently in rivers, creeks, flats. A few observations:
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pedalling versus paddling is a no-brainer. You’ll love it. I use my “travel time” between holes to change lures or make other gear changes. I’ll often troll one rod and cast the other as I continually work a shoreline. The rudder lever is easy for small course adjustments. Only wish it had a reverse as it’s turning radius is only fair. Can also hold one’s position against a current to work a dock or pilings.
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I’m in mine alone 80+ percent of time and leave my gear up front.
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I do stand in mine to fish or “pole” flats (only in flat water)
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No corrosion issues at all to date.
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One minor, but notable point, I’ve encountered multiple times that others haven’t mentioned. If in shallow water the fins are kept mostly horizontal, and strokes shortened, you still draw more than a conventional yak, and also can come to a sudden stop when the fins catch a small oyster mound. Although the Mirage drive can be removed, the fins must be VERTICAL to do so. Guess what, if you get stuck in plough mud with fins retracted up, it can be difficult to deploy them vertically to be able to remove the drive. This is how I bent my mast once. The fins themselves have been durable.
6)I’m going to buy one set of turbo fins for the rear drive.
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kayak is heavy for one person to manage if you’re planning on cartop. I slide mine into pickup truck bed.
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stock wheels are marginal and require turning yak to insert or remove.
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Also my middle-age wife with limited upper-body strength likes pedal action also (it frees her up to use cell phone).
Happy to address any specifics or you can give it a try if you’re on JI.
stickman
I was curious how wet they ride? I was looking into them but had changed gears because I thought they looked like a wet ride.
On rivers/creeks the wind-generated waves spray over bow slightly when peddling upwind. I find it tolerable. Boat wakes taken abeam can wash over so keep personal gear in dry bags or below hatch ( I’ve ruined 2 cell phones already). Of course I don’t go out in 20+ knots.
stickman
I thank everyone for the responses. That really did address my concerns. It looks like the weakest link of the drive unit is the fin “mast”, which is good, as it’s the cheapest thing to replace.
One more community question: I know it won’t matter when we are piddling around Clark Sound, but if we paddle the Stono, Folly River, or other more trafficked areas, will there be any advantage to getting a hull of a more visible color? I know, for example, that the outfitter fish is available in orange.
Stickman, I like the idea of the turbo fins, but I’ve read on other forums that they are not as resilient as the standard fins, and of course, they are more expensive to replace.
DD, I’ll give y’all a call in the next few days to find out when you will have some to look at, and to get a quote.
I think those use percentages I posted may change. My wife is really excited about it, and will be jealous if I go out solo.
Thanks again.
I haven’t had to replace a mast, just “undid” the accidental bend.
The turbo fins would be for longer trips, not flats fishing. I’d like to check out Clark Sound myself, as I live on Folly Creek. I hope to make the trip to Morris Light some weekend in the next couple months.
stickman
If you are looking at the different models, avoid the “Fisherman” Package. Hobie is packaging up some marginal accessories to bundle with that package and in my opinion, charging to much for items you can purchase yourself and outfit.
Same goes for wilderness systems “Angler” editions. Save some money, buy the parts you want, and set it up how you want.
Wow, thanks for that advise DD.
How hard is it to switch back and forth from the regular to turbo fins?
Stickman, I’ve paddled clark sound before, and the fishing was good. Also, we have collected oysters by kayak when the public shelfish grounds were open. If you stray from the main creeks, the low tide can be pretty dry in some areas. Once I make this happen, I’m sure we will see you out there.
quote:
Originally posted by stonefly
Wow, thanks for that advise DD.
How hard is it to switch back and forth from the regular to turbo fins?
It takes about ten minutes (maybe not quite) to change out the fins.
Stickman brought up a good point that I hadn’t thought of. The fins do need to be verticle to remove them, so with those turbo fins, you would need to be extra careful in the shallows. Honestly though, in my use of the Mirage drive, I keep the pedaling to deep water. If I was going ouit to Copahee sound lets say, I probably would leave the drive in the car.
DD