[Davey G]

Just received an email from Kayak Fishing Stuff (US site) . Thought Hobie owners may want to be aware of this..

Hobie Outback and Adventure owners should be aware that there have been some issues with cracks in the drive area of these kayaks. Hobie has done a great jobs replacing these cracked hulls and designing a fix kit that prevents the crack from happening. Hobie has extended the warranty coverage on these kayaks to 4 years from 2 with 100% coverage.

the email advised owners who noticed any issues to contact KFS but I would assume that the Hobie Australia dealers would also be onto this and quite helpful should any problems arise.

Note - I've been away for a week or so so in case this has already been mentioned somewhere else please ignore me!

cheers

 

[Chopper]

Should i be worrying ..???? Or looking ..??? Or just going as normal ?????

 

[fishtales]

Should i be worrying ..???? Or looking ..??? Or just going as normal ?????

I wouldn't be worrying too much. These issues I first read about back at the start of the year on the US site. One thing I did note was how Hobie got right on to the problem and most folk affected seemed to get action immediately.

If in doubt contact your dealer.

Chris

 

[kingfisher111]

Hi Chopper, I dont think we have too much to worry about re cracking in the front of the mirage drive slot. The cracks tended to develop if the Mirage drive unit was able to slip forward under load to the front of the slot and put pressure on the hull there in an area not designed to carry any. A good install of the Mirage drive routine should see this not happen. When I put the Mirage drive in I make sure that the tightening cams are tight, hand tight that is! After that I give the drive unit a wobble to the left and right to see if the cam can go one more step. When I adjusted the pedal length for my position, I made sure that the adjustment I chose put the end of a full stroke just out of reach so that the drive wasnt forced to displace from the main shaft seats under heavy load. So far not even a sign of wear in the shaft seats. It sure doesnt hurt though just to keep an eye on those seats to check for any wear especially in the forward area of the seat. Steve.

 

[Booligal]

It just a tiny bit of moulded fibreglass that fits into one of the moulded sections.

Gatesy,

I am still waiting for my dealer to get the kits in but I understand the more improtant part of the fix kit is longer screws holding the Mirage Drive cleats into the hull. Did you have these fitted to?

Cheers

 

[JT]

Can someone please shed some light on how much the kit is to buy and fit? Personally I wouldn't be to worried about it. Inspect every 3 months and make sure that you fit the mirage drive properly i.e. there are no wobbles etc.

John

 

[kingfisher111]

Hi JT, my understanding is that the kit is a freeby that will be supplied by your local dealer when they in turn are supplied. Just a small fibreglass hood to stick on suspect area to lend support in case load gets transfered to that spot by a shifted mirage drive. Also comes with shoe goo to stick in place. A very small patch it is and stuck in from the inside of the hull to the front of mirage drive slot. I`m like you, keep a close eye on the mirage drive where the main shaft sits to ensure it doesnt move about and there will always be a 7 or 8mm gap from the drive to the front of slot. Steve.