*Added Pics * Mirage drive failed...got home anyway - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

YakDout · 11-09-2015, 07:25 AM

Just one of the reasons I dumped my PA for the outback. Fished with two other guys in la jolla last weekend. The guy on PA14 broke mirage drive. Outback paddled in and donated mirage drive to the PA. Not sure how it would have worked if it wasnt for that. Some guys are keeping spare parts for the mirage drive in their hatch, however I'm sure this part kit does not cover every part on the mirage drive. And $600 for a spare drive? No thanks.

easyday · 11-09-2015, 07:37 AM

I've never broken a paddle.

octico · 11-09-2015, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by easyday

I've never broken a paddle.

I was waiting for all you paddle boys to chime in, what took you so long?

Harry Hill · 11-09-2015, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by octico

I was waiting for all you paddle boys to chime in, what took you so long?

I would have chimed in sooner but my arms are tired from paddling. Not really, since I have no experience with the Hobies I'm just watching to see how these things get fixed.

Hammerhead_77 · 11-09-2015, 07:52 AM

if the paddle is the answer, I need to:
1. get a longer paddle
2. learn how to paddle

Although I somewhat suspect that the PA is like trying to row a barge...

FISH11 · 11-09-2015, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammerhead_77

if the paddle is the answer, I need to:
1. get a longer paddle
2. learn how to paddle

Although I somewhat suspect that the PA is like trying to row a barge...

I would think that you are right! It would be like trying to paddle a barge. I think you should get a better quality (not Hobie) paddle for emergencies. The other idea is get a sail for it. Probably cheaper and certainly move you faster. Then all you have to learn is how to sail.

jorluivil · 11-09-2015, 08:39 AM

Let the fights begin

ful-rac · 11-09-2015, 08:44 AM

Iv'e had all those same problems too, but they are few and far between now. You should check your mirage drive after every trip or every other trip. Look for frayed cables, loose cables, unusual wear, bent masts, cracks on the crank arms, loose set screw for the spline shaft...

You should take care and maintain your mirage drive regularly. If you can't or won't...expect to have more failures in the future.

Get a decent paddle
And...learn how to paddle too...

ctfphoto · 11-10-2015, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by easyday

I've never broken a paddle.

I have broke two paddles.

Trying to break the mirage drive now

easyday · 11-12-2015, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctfphoto

I have broke two paddles.

Trying to break the mirage drive now

Haha I just had to throw it out there because someone was bound to. I just beat everyone to it.

rossman · 11-09-2015, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YakDout

Just one of the reasons I dumped my PA for the outback. Fished with two other guys in la jolla last weekend. The guy on PA14 broke mirage drive. Outback paddled in and donated mirage drive to the PA. Not sure how it would have worked if it wasnt for that. Some guys are keeping spare parts for the mirage drive in their hatch, however I'm sure this part kit does not cover every part on the mirage drive. And $600 for a spare drive? No thanks.

Sounds like you guys need a fully equipped spare Outback to tow behind you for when the inevitable happens. And don't forget the spare parts bag for that one too.

Murray · 11-09-2015, 02:08 PM

Like others have mentioned, an extra chain and tools to install is an absolute must unless you enjoy paddling. No big deal to replace on the water if you have the right tools. I recently disassembled my v1 drive and serviced it. Silky smooth and now I know how to repair if needed. Pretty simple with only a few parts that can go wrong on the water. I also lube exposed wire on chain after rinsing to eliminate rust.

WARRIORMIKE · 11-09-2015, 02:21 PM

Is there a good lube out there??

igotpron · 11-09-2015, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WARRIORMIKE

Is there a good lube out there??

I like "corrosion x" prevents rust and corroding on metal and electrical connections.

Lipripper92592 · 11-09-2015, 02:44 PM

This is the exact reason I do not put a motor on my 26' cuddy cabin. It's just bound to break down some day, and the hassle involved with that......oars are just the way to go, always have and always will. And spare oars are super cheap too. CG has them listed all the time.

Mr. NiceGuy · 11-09-2015, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lipripper92592

This is the exact reason I do not put a motor on my 26' cuddy cabin. It's just bound to break down some day, and the hassle involved with that......oars are just the way to go, always have and always will. And spare oars are super cheap too. CG has them listed all the time.

At the beginning of summer I was rowing my dinghy pretty hard for exercise/fishing in San Diego bay and snapped an oar lock near the bait barge.

It's a slick dinghy of nice quality, but that sucker won't row without an oar lock. Using a single oar as a loose paddle is pretty useless too. Luckily there was enough wind to sail back to my launch point.

I bought a new pair of oar locks and keep the remaining 3rd oar lock in my gear bag as a backup now.

Lots of these things are not so strong and need to be used gently without exerting excessive force.

Same for Mirage peddles. It's not difficult to apply more force than is good for them.

Live and learn. Sometimes small things make big differences.

JohnMckroidJr · 11-09-2015, 04:00 PM

I have had the main axle shaft walk on me twice. Luckily, I discovered it before it move enough to prevent removing the mirage drive out of the well. Need to check all the allen set screws periodically -- if they loosen the shafts can walk. Should be able to gently tap the shaft back into position. A spare mirage will fit in the forward hatch of the PA14, but to make it fit, need to leave out the forward liner. For safety, better have the forward liner in place for flood control and prevention. The mirage can limp in as you learned, I was surprised that a broken mast only reduced speed by 1/3. I'll take a Hobie over a paddle kayak any day. The Hobie paddle needs an extension, let us know if you find a good extension.

Mr. NiceGuy · 11-09-2015, 03:50 PM

How many people know they should carry a tow rope but don't? Further, some ropes are designed to float others don't, but the main point is to have a rope available when we need one.

Another tool that's useful for a Hobie is a phillips screw driver to adjust, tighten or reattach the strings that go to the rudder. Losing rudder control is a pain in the butt too.

I drilled a hole in my plastic screwdriver handle for a nylon wrist strap that can be clipped to a lanyard if I'm working over the water.

Three other items I have found useful are for removing water: hand operated bilge pump (NRS is a good one for about $20), a bailing bucket that I associate with my bait tank (a simple round tupperware that fits through an 8" hatch), and a shamwa for blotting up water in annoying places or using as a wet rag.

Many of these things are multi purpose, so good to have.

YakDout · 11-09-2015, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rossman

Sounds like you guys need a fully equipped spare Outback to tow behind you for when the inevitable happens. And don't forget the spare parts bag for that one too.

No need, I have no problems paddling outback, but have never needed to so far. Never had one thing happen to 3 different mirage drives that I own. And Im not easy on em.

ctfphoto · 11-10-2015, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rossman

Sounds like you guys need a fully equipped spare Outback to tow behind you for when the inevitable happens.

That's why I got my wife a 2015 outback. If I ever do a very long trip, I might borrow her brand new mirage drive as an extra

11-09-2015, 07:37 AM	#2
easyday Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Oceanside Posts: 1,469	I've never broken a paddle. __________________

11-09-2015, 08:39 AM	#7
jorluivil Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 6,855	Let the fights begin __________________ www.facebook.com/Teamsewer

11-09-2015, 08:44 AM	#8
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	Iv'e had all those same problems too, but they are few and far between now. You should check your mirage drive after every trip or every other trip. Look for frayed cables, loose cables, unusual wear, bent masts, cracks on the crank arms, loose set screw for the spline shaft... You should take care and maintain your mirage drive regularly. If you can't or won't...expect to have more failures in the future. Get a decent paddle And...learn how to paddle too... __________________ There's nothing colder than yesterday's hotdog.

11-09-2015, 02:44 PM	#15
Lipripper92592 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Posts: 516	Oars This is the exact reason I do not put a motor on my 26' cuddy cabin. It's just bound to break down some day, and the hassle involved with that......oars are just the way to go, always have and always will. And spare oars are super cheap too. CG has them listed all the time.

11-09-2015, 03:50 PM	#18
Mr. NiceGuy Manic for Life Join Date: May 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 838	How many people know they should carry a tow rope but don't? Further, some ropes are designed to float others don't, but the main point is to have a rope available when we need one. Another tool that's useful for a Hobie is a phillips screw driver to adjust, tighten or reattach the strings that go to the rudder. Losing rudder control is a pain in the butt too. I drilled a hole in my plastic screwdriver handle for a nylon wrist strap that can be clipped to a lanyard if I'm working over the water. Three other items I have found useful are for removing water: hand operated bilge pump (NRS is a good one for about $20), a bailing bucket that I associate with my bait tank (a simple round tupperware that fits through an 8" hatch), and a shamwa for blotting up water in annoying places or using as a wet rag. Many of these things are multi purpose, so good to have. __________________ Another ho-hum day in Paradise

11-09-2015, 07:25 AM	#1
YakDout Brandon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Diego Posts: 2,345	Just one of the reasons I dumped my PA for the outback. Fished with two other guys in la jolla last weekend. The guy on PA14 broke mirage drive. Outback paddled in and donated mirage drive to the PA. Not sure how it would have worked if it wasnt for that. Some guys are keeping spare parts for the mirage drive in their hatch, however I'm sure this part kit does not cover every part on the mirage drive. And $600 for a spare drive? No thanks.

11-09-2015, 07:52 AM	#5
Hammerhead_77 Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: San Diego - North County Posts: 82	if the paddle is the answer, I need to: 1. get a longer paddle 2. learn how to paddle Although I somewhat suspect that the PA is like trying to row a barge...

11-09-2015, 02:08 PM	#12
Murray Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Vista Posts: 326	Like others have mentioned, an extra chain and tools to install is an absolute must unless you enjoy paddling. No big deal to replace on the water if you have the right tools. I recently disassembled my v1 drive and serviced it. Silky smooth and now I know how to repair if needed. Pretty simple with only a few parts that can go wrong on the water. I also lube exposed wire on chain after rinsing to eliminate rust.

11-09-2015, 02:21 PM	#13
WARRIORMIKE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 303	Is there a good lube out there??

11-09-2015, 04:00 PM	#17
JohnMckroidJr Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 1,874	I have had the main axle shaft walk on me twice. Luckily, I discovered it before it move enough to prevent removing the mirage drive out of the well. Need to check all the allen set screws periodically -- if they loosen the shafts can walk. Should be able to gently tap the shaft back into position. A spare mirage will fit in the forward hatch of the PA14, but to make it fit, need to leave out the forward liner. For safety, better have the forward liner in place for flood control and prevention. The mirage can limp in as you learned, I was surprised that a broken mast only reduced speed by 1/3. I'll take a Hobie over a paddle kayak any day. The Hobie paddle needs an extension, let us know if you find a good extension.