2002 Hobie Mirage Questions

HI, I'm new to Hobie kayaks. I left my canoe out in the snow and destroyed it. So I decided to get a used kayak. I purchased a Hobie Mirage manufactured on November 1st, 2002. It needs some work, as it came with a badly worn seat, no rudder, no paddle, etc. The hull is in great shape, and looks like it was never crashed or had any repairs.
I put it in the water and it handled and floated just fine as I paddled around a bay inlet in Tiburon, California.
I also purchased what I thought was a Hobie drive, but I think I got duped, as it does not appear to be a Hobie drive.
It fits into the drive well, and appears to function as a pedal drive does, but it is well worn and I may need replacement parts at some point.
Here is a link to photos of the pedal drive my google photos page:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/zHy7mgeYSCVWig1X9
Does anyone know if someone, somewhere, made a knockoff, or where it may have been manufactured? The only stamping I see on this drive is patent pending. Could this have been a prototype drive?
Additional Questions:
1. There are only 3 lines to the rudder. Has anyone converted to a twist-n-stow for this older kayak?
2. Has anyone added a hatch to the rear area, allowing access to the rudder lines inside the kayak?
3. If you own one of these older kayaks, have you make any other modifications you want to share?
Thanks a million for reading this post, and thanks for any feedback.

Congratulations on your Hobie! First, you have the correct Drive, but the masts (rods holding the fins) are bent. They should look more like this (disregard the fin mis-match):



After removing the fins, you can bend the masts forward by hand, or if you have one, use a 3/8 ID pipe. The Drive probably needs cleaning and lubing also. Use "search" on this site to see what you can find.

Your rudder is not upgradable, but you can restring it using Spectra (what Hobie currently uses. I have an old operator's manual -- when I return next week, I'll try to find it and send some diagrams. Hobie may still carry your missing parts. Here are a couple if you are missing them:




Have fun with your new toy!

Hi Roadrunner - you posted some pics on how to fold the i9s but they are gone - it is sooo hard to fold. Can you please help. THANKS

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