Information on Hobie Kayaks

Kayaks come in all shapes and sizes, but Hobie adds some new features.

The Hobie brand of watercraft began in Laguna Beach, Calif., with an entrepreneur named Hobie Alter. Hobie began with surfboards in the 1940s and developed the Hobie Cat--a lightweight catamaran--10 years later. The Hobie Cat Co. now offers kayaks in addition to its original product lines. In the spirit of Hobie Alter, the kayaks are revolutionizing the sport of kayaking and, by extension, kayak fishing as well.

Hobie Kayaking--MirageDrive

Hobie kayaks are especially designed to eliminate the need for a double-bladed oar. The propulsion system, MirageDrive, offers pedal-driven, hands-free kayaking. The kayak is made of injection-molded plastics, anodized aluminum and stainless steel fittings. The pedals are adjustable to fit a wide range of users. The blades of the kayak propeller flex for ease of motion in deep water and can be moved close to the hull for landing on beaches. The entire drive system is easily removed if traditional kayaking is planned.

Advantages of MirageDrive

The MirageDrive system leaves the hands free for photography, fishing or eating and drinking. There is no splash to frighten fish or to get the driver wet. The Kobie Mirage moves water slowly with little turbulence, providing forward thrust with greater efficiency. Very little drag is produced by the propeller fins. A back-and-forth motion on the pedals uses less effort than a circular bicycle-type stroke. Grasses and seaweed are easily shed because the fins do not rotate fully, thereby eliminating entanglement. Putting one foot forward folds the fins close to the hull for navigation in shallow water or for beaching.

The Hobie eVOLVE

Hobie kayaks may also be fitted with an electric motor powered by a lithium-manganese battery. The eVOLVE is powered by a German-engineered motor called Torqeedo. This system may be well-mounted or stern-mounted to be used in conjunction with the Mirage pedal-drive system. All of the motor wires have through- the-hull fittings to minimize wire exposure inside the kayak. A remote throttle may be mounted near the kayak's seat within easy reach. The battery comes in a waterproof, floatable case with a built-in Global Positioning System. A full charge will propel the boat at 2 mph cruising speed for up to eight hours. A battery charger is included.

For the Fishing Enthusiast

Hobie also makes a kayak outfitted for fishing. The Hobie Mirage Pro Angler supports more than 600 pounds of fisher and gear. There is protected horizontal storage for six rods, with room for two more mounted vertically. There are three internal storage compartments and one on deck to hold a livewell or cooler. A breathable seat offers all-day comfort while mounting boards on each side may be used to attach a fishfinder, lights or a downrigger. Space for tackle is more than ample. The Mirage Pro Angler is pedal-driven for silent, stealthy fishing. A work area cutting board is mounted on board to deal with your day's catch.

For More Information

Hobie offers a 48-page downloadable catalog for further information and exact specifications. Whether pedal-powered or motor-driven, the Hobie kayak is an environmentally responsible way to enjoy fun on the water.

References

• Hobie Kayaks: MirageDrive
• Hobie Cat Company: Sailing, Kayaking, Fishing
• Hobie Fishing: Mirage Pro Angler

Resources

• Hobie Cat:: Kayak Collection