Quote:
Originally Posted by SoCalEDC
Last weekend I sold my Trident 13.
I am now looking for a pedal driven kayak. I have been looking at all kinds of them and its a bit overwhelming to keep up with all the specs etc. The only one I have pedaled is the 2019 Hobie Outback. I wasn't in love with the way it felt but it was also at a demo day so its possible that I just didn't have enough time to get it set up to my proportions.
Now, what I am asking for today is just some input from guys who have used (extensively, i.e. not in the show room or just for 5 minutes at a demo, but actually launched, fished, etc.) multiple kinds of drives (mirage vs PDL, etc.).
Here are some of the Pros/Cons I can find others discussing online and from the mfg's websites for the two I have looked into, if you guys can help to confirm these I would appreciate it:
Mirage Drive:
Pros: Small and compact, easy to transport, simple to use, usable in shallow water, where grass and other vegetation is present, do not have to remove the drive to get the fins out of the way, easy to carry a spare.
Cons: Mechanically there are many parts. There are also multiple versions, not all of them have reverse, and even so, it requires a cable-pull to manually "shift" from forward to reverse, the drive sinks, potential drive durability. Cost (a similar kayak with the mirage is about $500 more than one with the other drives) Warranty??
Old Town PDL:
Pros: Instant reverse (probably the biggest pro for me), design is simple and familiar to me, the drive unit floats, 5 year warranty on drive from the MFG. As long as the pedals are moving the propeller never stops turning and therefore creates constant thrust, as opposed to the mirage where each top of the stroke you have to reverse direction, causing a brief period of no power transmission.
Cons: Looks like the positioning will be awkward and unadjustable, heavy, not sure if it can be 100% removed from the kayak (I.e. if I want to car top this thing), Propellers due to their rotational nature have a tendency to get tangled in strings (line, weeds, tethers, etc.), perhaps not as much thrust per revolution as the mirage drive.
Can any one lend any more to this or offer input from experience?
As a secondary question for any of you guys who have tried both, Hobie passport (new) vs 2015-2018 Outback (used) how do the decks compare. I like the "tray" style gunwales on the previous gen Outback, but as I understand it there are some gear tracks and accessories that can help to simulate this utility on the passport.
Thanks guys,
Ant
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I've had my mirage 180 pedals for almost 4 years now but have no experience with the PDL. I'll address your points below
Mirage Drive:
Small and compact, easy to transport ---- It weighs a couple of pounds and is awkwardly shaped but can be carried in one car.
Simple to use --- agreed
Usable in shallow water --- agreed, have not bent fins yet.
Where grass and other vegetation is present, do not have to remove the drive to get the fins out of the way --- you do have to pull it out if you get caught in kelp or ride over kelp.
Easy to carry a spare --- agreed, spares are fairly pricey though.
Mechanically there are many parts. --- Absolutely true, and complexity is high. I have yet to have a part break on me and corrosion is low. The only maintenance I've done is a freshwater rinse after use and the occasional lubrication.
There are also multiple versions --- very confusing, Andy @ Oex is always helpful identifying the parts needed.
Not all of them have reverse -- true
It requires a cable-pull to manually "shift" from forward to reverse -- true, not a huge inconvenience since you can activate it with one hand.
The drive sinks -- yup. It has a convenient location to attach a leash to, highly recommend doing that.
Potential drive durability -- no issues with either of mine, and you see plenty of well used, older ones around.
Cost (a similar kayak with the mirage is about $500 more than one with the other drives) -- yup.
Warranty -- 1 year.
All in all, I'm very happy with my Hobie and the mirage drive is awesome. I wish the rudder handle on mine were a little tighter so it would track straight hands off better. Probably just an issue with mine.
C