Differences between '06 and '08 Hobie Sport

My local Hobie dealer has some '06, '08 and '09 Hobie sports. The '06 is cheaper than the '08 by about $200 or so. What are the differences between the '06 and the '08?

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Little difference between the '06 and '08 model.

There is a bigger difference between the earlier models and the 2009. The '09 has the upgraded MirageDrive with V2 threaded sprockets and V2 Drums. The hull has the latest "Click-n-Go" drive lock-in system and the Up/Down rudder line system.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Does the '06 have the twist and stow rudder?

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It looks like the T&S rudder appeared on the Sport in '07.

List price for the '06 was $1349; the '08 was $1449.

Thanks for all your help guys!! My cousin tried out my '07 Hobie Sport and is looking into getting one himself. The closest dealer to us is quite far so we wanted to get some answers before heading out that way. The '06 that the dealer has is $899, the '08s are $1099 and the '09s are on sale for $1399. Now he just needs to figure out if the T&S rudder is worth the extra $200 or better yet if the the upgrades in the '09 are worth the extra $500. Matt, What is the up/down rudder line system you talk about? How does it differ from the earlier version?

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Wouldn't apply to an 06' model as that one doesn't have the Twist&Stow ruddes system. (it only works with the T&S sorry)

As Jacques noted... this only applies to a twist-n-stow rudder system. All earlier models used a lever to raise and lower the rudder.

The oldest rudder simply rotated up to just past 90 degrees and hangs out the back of the boat.

Twist-n-stow rudders rotate and "twist" to lay flat on the deck of the hull when up. Less likely to damage the rudder during beaching and transport.

Up/down lines replaced the lever on Adventures in 2008 and all models in 2009. You now reach forward and pull a "T" handle and line to lower or raise. When you lower the rudder, you cleat it down. When you release the line it retracts into the hull. Pretty slick and much easier to use than the older levers. This system is well shown in the promo video on the product. http://www.hobiecat.com/media/video/video_index.html Choose "Hobie Kayaking" promo.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

If I'm not mistaken, the '08 comes with the latest drums and cables, a significant upgrade IMO. You can double check by looking -- the new drums look like Mickey Mouse ears, distinctly different than the older drums. The '08 seat is also different than the '06 -- most seem to prefer it, although the older style works better for me.

I'd recommend you also strongly consider Turbofins, a standard cart and the "i-comfort" air seat bottom if you're going to be sitting for a long time.

Thanks again for all the help and quick responses! I really like that new rudder system. These kayaks are being updated faster than Ipods, leaving my '07 obsolete. LOL!

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Is it possible to update my '07 to the new up/down rudder line system? I was thinking of also getting turbo fins and read somewhere (can't seem to find where I read it) that the new V2 threaded sprockets are stronger and preferred for turbo fins. Is this also something that can be upgraded? Thanks again for all the help!

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Yes on the Drive. There seem to be two ways to do this. One is to order a V2 Turbo kit (masts and sprockets) and buy the fins separately without masts. The other is to buy the fins with V2 masts and get the sprockets separately. One way may be a little less expensive than the other.

Your dealer should be able to find out about the rudder kit. It's probably possible to do this with the Sport but since there is no rear hatch for access, it may be more difficult or may take a specific kit.