2020 Hobies
 

All models will have the kick up fins!


<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VVo_tiAv1BA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Rad :cheers1:

That's a game changer for surf launches and landings. You could pedal all the way in.

I assume you cannot just upgrade the fins? Looks like the hull was changed in all models?

If I could just buy the kick up fins and have them work with an old hull, I'd probably purchase!

The last time I tried to take one all the way in with a 180 I had to gut it to remove sand from all the barrel bearing. Wonder if the kick up handles sand any better.

I'd imagine worse, the more parts that move the more areas sand can complicate. After my first rebuild I never use my drive coming in or let it sit in the sand. the 2 just dont mix well.

If you ever jam it up with sand, just dip it in the water and pedal back a forth a few times, it should all fall out. I've been pedaling all the way in and out for years just use the bungee on the crank and lift the bow a bit when you drag it up on the beach.

Currently not available as a retrofit. I have heard it will likely be in the future.

I tried that, with it mixed in with the grease I don’t see how it could just fall out.

X2, all you have to do is use the bungee cord to pull the closest arm all the way back before entering the surf zone to keep the fins apart and against the hull. Have your feet over (NOT IN THE STRAPS) as you pedal. On the way out just get to knee height water to clear the fins before getting in the kayak. On the way in just stop using the pedals when in approx 2' of water, momentum will carry you in the rest of the way. The pedals propel you much faster than the paddle alone. Alway use the paddle also when in bigger surf to brace if needed to keep the kayak aimed at the beach or on the way out if surf is bigger than 3'. When the kayak touches the sand just get out ASAP and pull up the front handle before dragging it up the beach. To get any sand out of the drive I carry a garden sprayer with fresh water to spray the drive and my reels since it'll be 1 hour before reaching home. Got a shoulder mountable sprayer at Harbor Freight that is approx $19 on sale and holds enough water for 3-4 trips. https://www.harborfreight.com/4-gal-...garden+sprayer

New Outback
 

Damn. I can now justify the new upgrade from the 2016 Outback.:luxhello::D:cheers1:

Darn!
 

I just bought a new Outback... figures...

Surf Launch and Landing La Jolla Surf with the MIRAGE DRIVE IN
 

Here's a short video of a La Jolla Launch and Landing from May this year using the Mirage Drive. No need to take it out and it gives you a lot more speed to get out of the kill zone whether you use the paddle or not. MAKE SURE TO USE THE BUNGEE! <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/divzRtSR5bs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

What are your impressions of the new model?

If referring to the 2020 drives........I just picked them up this morning so not even had one in my hands yet.

yuppy less mirage drives ending up in the ocean

how much is this gonna set me back?
 

:D

It is Hobie, so probably $375.

Just enough to justify buying the 2020 model vs a retrofit.