Drive well crack

well, some people don't have many problems with cracks. I, however, am on my 3rd hull in 4 years. Mine is an Outback Fisherman. The previous one only lasted me a year before it cracked, and Hobie replaced it at a pro-rated cost saying it was not under warranty since it was already a replacement. They treated it the same way you would a tire on your car, saying I should chalk it up to "wear and tear". That said, it WAS less than the original purchase price, and I LOVE fishing from the boat so much that I would probably do it again. There's just no comparison to a regular paddled yak. I just hope this one lasts longer since I don't want to miss out on fishing time.

Only Hobie knows has the numbers to know how many hulls have been replaced compared to how many were sold. You're not going to find a better pedal boat on the water for the price, not to mention that Hobie and their dealers stand behind their products.

I was going to pick up a PA and a Outback this weekend but after reading this I have some second thoughts. I need a kayak that will last for awhile as this is a big investment. I am wondering now if I should just buy a regular paddle yak.

Well, you'll probably have less problems, but what problems you will have will probably get ignored. Very few companies have as good a support and warranty as Hobie.

Also, It's very doubtful you'll have anywhere near as much fun and versatility. These boats ARE more complicated, but do so much more. But, YOU have to choose.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

No choice in my book...This forum highlights problems but there are many many happy Hobie owners. Go for the Mirage Drive or you most likely be disappointed...Pirate

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Master of the galleon 'Pirates Lot'

There is no such thing as a perfect product and Hobie is no exception. Problems come from occasional defective materials and assembly, extraordinarily heavy users and abusers. If you look around, you'll see this in all lines of kayaks as well as automobiles, houses, food products, ad nauseum.

As reconlon says, Hobies are a bit more complicated than the average kayak. For example, the 2010 Adventure has about 316 parts including 94 parts in the Mirage Drive and 44 in the rudder assembly. That's a lot of manufacturing and assembly, but it's also a lot of features. One must also realize that pedaling kayaks exert all of their thrust through the hull, unlike paddling kayaks. This puts a huge load on the boat! So how do you compare that with a "regular paddle kayak"?

You'll notice in reading page after page of these forums, that even among those who experience problems, most are still happy customers. Hobie has a famously loyal customer base for a reason. That's probably why they're currently the largest SOT kayak manufacturer now.

One of my neighbors is an avid Adventure Island user. He is also an 85 years old life-long sailor and is planning on trailering his boat to the Pictured Rocks Nat'l Lakeshore Park in Michigan this summer for his "bucket list" -- amazing guy! He says he is totally grateful for the opportunity his Hobie affords him to spend this part of his life doing the thing he loves. IMO, that's what Hobie is all about -- providing unique opportunities.

When I started 10 years ago, I just tried it and fell in love with the concept -- been hooked ever since. Unexpected benefits -- better health, energy and vigor. Parts failures, yes, some over the years, but then I'm a hard user. Has it been worth the price? Yes, 100 times over! Like my 85 year old friend, I'm totally grateful to have discovered such a great concept! If you're wiliing to make the investment, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

After reading the post I bought a PA in papaya and a Hobie PA trailer with the Thule box. Trailer will be here by March.14 as they had to order. I now just have to make a decision on the Outback or a Revolution to keep the PA company.

Go with the Revo! jmo You'll appreciate the speed and lighter weight after handling the PA!

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Bob
Proud member Kayak Fishing Association of New York

Or the Adventure (Hobie's fastest Kayak) if the length (16') isn't a problem.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

I've not tried all the Hobies but I own an Outback and for fishing lakes like I do I don't think andything could be better except maybe the PA.

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Mike
2015 Pro Angler 12
Yellow with Humminbird side imaging

I picked out a Outback today to join the PA. I liked the Revo but in the end I think the Outback will suit me better. I just have to wait on the trailer now.