Quote:
Originally Posted by dsafety
Hey Billy,
I have an '08 Revo. I have not kept up on the changes. What did Hobie do to improve this kayak. I heard that they planned to fix the rudder raising system. Anything else?
Bob
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Hobie made quite a few design changes for 09, some are major improvements.
The good news is that some of these upgrades can be retrofitted to earlier models.
1. Hobie has redesigned the Mirage drive in a couple of areas, they no longer have a set screw holding the mast into the sprockets. Now the mast rod is threaded into the sprockets and is received by a brass insert. Its a very solid fit and does not loosen up.
They also redesigned the drums to eliminate pedal shaft twist, and to promote better pin engagement. The new drums also make it easier to lace up with drive cables.
All 3 of these new parts can be retrofitted to your 08 mirage drive.
2. There are no longer Cam Knobs in the drive well, now Hobie uses a drop in system that operates similar to how your car door locks against a pin.
Click-and-go. The drive locks into a set of stainless brackets on both sides.
They also beefed up the drive well area to accept the new hardware.
-This new system is not upgradable to older models.
3. The rudder system is all new. There is a separate up / down handle to raise and lower the rudder. Each operate off their own pulley system, and the rudder can be locked into the down position. This new system give positive engagement when lifting or lowering the rudder.
I heard hobie is working on a retrofit kit for earlier models.
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Nate from OEX shot a vid of an 09 model that covers most of what I just wrote.
Check it out here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C54dp4ka06k