I have had my Outback for a couple of months now and since I am retired and live on a lake have been able (weather permitting) to go out for a couple of hours every morning. During those outings I have through trial and error discovered some simple tips that may be of help.
SPRAY SHIELD
The other morning there was a good northwest wind of 10-15mph which resulted in a 12-16inch chop. When paddling north waves were breaking over the windward side of the kayak. On a warm day that would be fun. But it was a little chilly that morning. Stowing the paddle on the windward side of the kayak puts the paddle blade (on the Outback at least) in the perfect position to act as a spray shield keeping 80-90% of the waves outside the kayak!
INSTALLING THE MIRAGE DRIVE:
Reading other posts it seems that for some getting the mirage drive locked down properly is more of an art that a science. Here is what I do to get a good lock down every time.
First I move forward so I am looking straight down at the drive opening. This involves me sitting on the 8" hatch. Then with the fins vertical I make sure that position 4 is on top as I look down. Then down she goes, and 99% of the time I have a good lock.
BTW you can visually confirm that the drive is down and locked. Although they are not easy to spot, when fully down and locked there are two black "lugs" that that extend and capture the pins on either side of the mirage drive. If you look down and do not see these "lugs" on both sides, your drive is not down and locked.
(Note to Hobie engineers: These lugs are powder coated or painted black like the rest of the mirage drive which make them difficult to see. I suggest they should be powder coated bright green. Then when look down and see two "greens" you know your ready to go!)
MirageDrive2 by pgerhardt62, on FlickrThese are simple newbe tips, but hopefully some may find them helpful.
