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Want To Purchase A Mirage Revolution
http://www.hobie.com/au/en/forums/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=5132		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  MoonYaking [ Wed Oct 11, 2006 9:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Want To Purchase A Mirage Revolution
Hello,

I'd like to purchase a Mirage Revolution. I've never owned a boat before and I thought this might be a good first choice. I live in Georgia and would like to have this for general recreation, fitness, exploring and so forth. I'm pretty old - will be 48 in a few days but I still try to get a healthy dose of aerobic 3 to 4 times a week and strength training at least once a week.

I've recently encountered some serious pain in my back which occurred mostly when I rode my bikes (road & mountain). Since switching to a recumbent bicycle, I'm now able to ride all day long without any pain. As I look at this kayak, it looks like it would be perfect for meeting my goals - nothing seriously fast, something stable, fun and relatively inexpensive.

My major concerns are involved with three areas:

1 - Fit. As an Industrial Designer by trade, and as a long time bicycle enthusiast, I am quite concerned the pedal system and seating position are adjustable for maximum efficiency and comfort. I'll admit up front, I know very little about these boats - they were recommended to me by someone else on a recumbent forum.

2 - Comfort. I am concerned that if I try to use this boat in the winter that I'll have to use some type of wet suit, or something - is this true, or are these things strictly unusable in winter?

3 - Safety. I am concerned that a speed boat will swerve next to me and the boat wake will tip me over or the wake wave will wash over me, drenching me. Is there anything to this phobia?

I'll have to find a dealer if I can get these three concerns answered to my satisfaction. I think all three may be valid - you folks have to remember that newbies like me know nothing about this sport except it seems very fun and facinating.

In the corner of Georgia close to Rome, I'll visit again tomorrow night.

Thanks,

MY
Author:  Roadrunner [ Wed Oct 11, 2006 10:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Excellent questions.

Kayaking is a little like golf -- it's a lifelong sport. You can get as much or as little exercise as you want. You can also use it as a platform for fishing, diving, sailing, camping, photography or just plain relaxation. As an old bicyclist, it was the pedal drive that interested me about 6 years ago. There's been no turning back!

You'll need to try one to be sure, but, most people find the seats quite comfortable. The back is adjustable, the pedal distance is adjustable, and the seats themselves have two positions. For me, it's very comfortable to recline the seat as I pedal along, but for paddling, the seat adjusts easily to an upright position.

Kayaks are usable year around. Your use will depend on your tolerance for cold. There are all kinds of clothing options depending on your preference. Hobie also makes a Dodger (see the catalog) that keeps wind and spray at bay.

You can expect to get wet occasionally if you're on the water and in a kayak. You should always wear your PFD on the water just in case. Besides, they're nice and warm in winter! Boat wakes are easy to handle once you get a little experience. The easiest thing is to head into them. My wife, who hates getting wet, actually likes to bounce over the boat wakes.

Most boaters are considerate. I haven't been sprayed yet, but have never had the pleasure of kayaking in Georgia!

Like a bicycle, once you get the feel of your kayak, it feels like an extension of your body. I got to spend some time pedaling, paddling and sailing the Revolution, and agree wholeheartedly with your choice. IMO, it's the best all around kayak in the fleet!
Author:  dueitt2s [ Wed Oct 11, 2006 10:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
Welcome MoonYaking,
The Outside World on GA 400 has the full line of Hobie Kayaks that you can try out in there indoor pool. Or rent one for a day!*!*!
http://www.theoutsideworld.net

This group has just started up. Great group of guys and gals.
http://www.atlantakayakfishing.com

Even if you aren't into fishing, here is good place for reviews and/or questions.
http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com

As far as getting wet or getting dumped by a wake, unless it is a 40+ yacht that has a 3-4 ft wake I wouldn't worry about it. Most find it fun to catch a wake and do a little lake surfing. :lol:
Author:  MoonYaking [ Thu Oct 12, 2006 9:34 am ]
Post subject: 
Wow - thanks for the replies!

I was surprised when I went to one online Hobie dealer and saw the prices for these things - I thought these things would be more expensive, so, I'm happy they're about the same price as a decent bike +/-.

I went to one of the two dealers in Georgia - their website was down so I didn't give them another thought. I'll check out The Outside World on GA 400. I'd much rather pick one up there than have to have one sent to me via a truck - their home page is incredibly slow - maybe it's my connection that's the problem. I'll give 'em a call.

I'm a little curious why this boat comes with both paddle systems - is it going to be possible to remove the foot-operated device and use this kayak with just the paddle? If so, wow, that's cool. I guess using a conventional hand-paddle would be useful when travelling around marsh or shallow areas where you wouldn't want the propeller fin thingys to get damaged or what? Will this boat do river stuff too? I better go contact a dealer - sorry.

I'm hoping my entire family will enjoy this sport - I can see going camping with it and taking turns with the boat. Maybe we'll end up getting a fleet of 'em - I bet my wife would like a tandem (or two seater?).

I'm VERY happy to get the feedback about the adjustability for various leg lengths.

Is it true that these things are faster than hand paddling a similar kayak - like if you were just going across a large lake, for example?

I'm looking forward to this - I'll have to rummage around some of my private checking accounts in order to come up with the $2K, or whatever I'll need for this purchase (after 23 years of marriage, I have learned a thing or two - wink). This is going to be great - I'm really looking forward to it.

BTW - I know almost nothing about fishing, but it sure seems like it would be a whole lot of fun. I fished once about seven years ago when we went on vacation in Missouri (sp?). It was fun because I caught about 6 fish over a three day period. Even if you don't catch anything - what's the axiom: worst day fishing is better than the best day in the office? (ha)

Seems like this choice, Mirage Revolution, is a no-brainer, like I can't go wrong. Now, I guess I'll have to figure out a roof rack for my tiny little car ('83 Audi 4000 - and yes, it runs great).

THANKS again - happy kayaking,

MY
Author:  The Dog [ Thu Oct 12, 2006 11:24 am ]
Post subject: 
MoonYaking wrote:
Now, I guess I'll have to figure out a roof rack for my tiny little car ('83 Audi 4000 - and yes, it runs great).

THANKS again - happy kayaking,

MY


At least that part is fairly easy. Your Audi has rain gutters and a fairly low roof height. There are lots of racks to fit that. I'd recommend either Thule or Yakima brands as they have better products than some of the off brands.

http://www.thuleracks.com/thule/dealer.asp
http://www.yakima.com/WhereToBuy.aspx

Brian C
Author:  Apalach [ Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:03 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hey Moon,
A hearty welcome to the Hobie Forum! You say you're pretty old at 48--dang, I sure wish I had started kayaking at that youthful age! But, it is something that works for the entire family and is also something you can do your entire life.

Yes--you can pull the Mirage drive and use your paddle only, if you wish. In fact, about the ony time you really need your paddle is for getting underway or returning in shallow water, and for backing down. You can paddle or pedal as you see fit. With lots of heavy vegetation or rocks, you will probably find that you will want to pull the pedals and use your paddle only--takes all of 10 seconds to do--but keep a line or leash on the Mirage Drive when you do pull it.

The Revolution would be an excellent choice for all-around use--you can also buy online from KFS (KayakFishingStuff.com), if your local dealer can't help you. Check KFS out for a ton of useful accessories, DIY articles, and a huge community of similarly-minded folks. Good luck and have fun!
Author:  MoonYaking [ Thu Oct 12, 2006 4:12 pm ]
Post subject: 
This is just too cool - I mentioned kayaking to a coworker today as we were leaving - she's ~60 and was on her way to her lake house. When I heard this, of course I asked her if she kayaked and, to my utter delight she emphatically said "Yes!". She was getting ready to put in & cruise around. How cool is that? I had no idea she did that sort of thing.

So, I came home and told my wife about my coworker and - this is SO cool - my wife told me that when she used to work at a girls camp that as soon as the kids were gone, the very first place she used to go was down to the lake and hop in a kayak. So, of course, I suggested we get a couple of them and she agreed!!!

Now, at this point, she's not going to fork out $3600 for two of 'em, so, somehow I'm going to have to lead into this. I asked my wife if she wanted to consider a tandem and, without a moments hesitation, she said "No". Life can be so sweet!!!

So, now I have to get at least one of these ASAP and get on with the plan for another one. If I can somehow get a super discount for buying two at once, I might go ahead and do that, but that would involve using her (our) funds and she's sort of freak-outish when it comes to obtaining "decent" sports equipment (she nearly hit the ceiling when she found out my last bike was almost $3K - but that only lasted about a day).

Does anyone have any idea if shipping these things is problem? Seems like getting a wheely-deely thingy would be a good idea to maneuver them when you're alone (53 pounds with my bad back is a lot). I live about two hours from the closest dealer and I have an extremely busy schedule. I'm thinking internet/phone-order might be a valid option after all.

I haven't told her about the foot-driven paddles - I think she'll just want the conventional type of kayak - she's the most wonderful woman in the world, but it's hard for her to think outside the box. Honestly, sometimes I can't figure out how we ever got together in the first place.

Oh well - here goes an adventure - just wanted to share the good news!
Author:  Apalach [ Thu Oct 12, 2006 4:27 pm ]
Post subject: 
Moon,
Most of the women I know (including my wife) really flip when they learn that they can either pedal or paddle or both. In fact, the Mirage pedal drive is often the convincing factor for some--excercise bikes, dontcha know! BTW, the criterion I like to use is that if you argue over the TV remote, then fuhgeddabout the tandem--getting 2 singles, although more expensive, is the way to go, and you will be happier in the long run! :mrgreen:
Author:  The Dog [ Thu Oct 12, 2006 5:47 pm ]
Post subject: 
Hey Apalach,

Your dead on about the two singles versus a tandem. We joke at the shop that Tandems are marriage killers. We've seen some rather "intense conversations" between spouses on their tandems. :wink:

But in reality, the Mirage tandems don't really require the synchronization that a paddling tandem requires. So there should be less disCUSSion on an Oasis or Outfitter.

Brian C
Author:  dueitt2s [ Fri Oct 13, 2006 1:43 am ]
Post subject: 
Moon, We have two boats. She felt sick at spending that much, but after 10 minutes on the water she has never looked back..

We just had our first child and I was considering a tandem, expressed this to her and she came to tears immediately with the thought of losing her boat (It's red and lower visibility than my yellow) After careful thought and a post from someone else with a picture of a seat in the tank well with toddler I thought better of getting the tandem. As far as the wheels go I believe they are part of the package from The Outside World. One caveat: Buying local with these boats would benefit you incase there is a failure. I had the dreaded crack in my Outback that is well documented on this site and KFS. Drove over to the dealer and swapped it for a Revolution. IF I had bought it else were I would have had to pay for shipping back to the dealer of purchase or been at the mercy of TOW to help me.

Being a cyclist I would also recommend the turbo fins for the Revolution As I said before: Call The Outside World and go sit in all three models in there indoor pool. Brent and his staff are knowledgeable and helpful.

BTW you can sail them too.. for a novice I would recommend the "sidekick" option as well.
Author:  MoonYaking [ Fri Oct 13, 2006 10:47 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
Buying local with these boats would benefit you incase there is a failure.
Yes, very good advice.

I'm thinking about whether or not this decision should be put off until next May, or will we actually get good use of them during the "cold" months here in Georgia?

The tubo fins are well worth the extra cost? Stuff like this irks me - if the turbo fins would be only about a $40 more to produce than the original fins, then why don't all the Mirage drive systems use them and get rid of the "regular" fins?

And finally, does anyone want to recommend whether I should get the "Fish" version or the "Regular" version? I'm not an avid fisherman - couldn't I fish with the regular version later, if I decided to get into fishing?

Thanks,

MY
Author:  Apalach [ Fri Oct 13, 2006 11:38 am ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
And finally, does anyone want to recommend whether I should get the "Fish" version or the "Regular" version? I'm not an avid fisherman - couldn't I fish with the regular version later, if I decided to get into fishing?


Moon,
Good question! There is essentially no difference in the fishing and non-fishing versions--the basic hull is the same in all cases. For some strange reason Hobie has designated some dealers as "fishing" dealers and others as "non-fishing" dealers. No one from Hobie has ever even tried to answer why this artificial distinction was set up in the first place, and is now apparently lost in the mists of time. The fishing models come in much more limited colors, and have an extra add-on rodholder. They also used to have the "Sportsman's Package" included in the price that included the wheels, anchor kit, a cooler bag, and even a tackle box. The tackle box got dropped a year or two ago, and I don't know exactly what you get in the way of extras now, but for which you still pay for in the higher price of the boat itself.

I have frequently suggested that Hobie drop this whole artificial fishing/non-fishing distinction, but no one at Hobie has either explained it publicly, or suggested why they might want to keep it going. It seems like it might be some sort of a "political football" among the dealer network around the country, but is of no consequence to the customer base, other than forcing some customers to not buy locally, perhaps because they can't get the color they want. It would seem to save the company money to drop the distinction, cut down on manufacturing costs, cut down on catalog and brochure costs, cut down on the number of models needed to be transported by the field reps, simplify the Web site, cut down on confusion among potential buyers (like yourself!), and would better serve the customer base in offering all colors to all customers. So--what's not to like? Let all dealers sell the basic model in all the most popular colors, let folks buy the extra rodholder as an add-on option if they wish (as with all the other add-on options). Sorry Hobie--just my $.02 worth (again!).
Author:  Roadrunner [ Fri Oct 13, 2006 12:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
The Turbofins are a "performance" upgrade because not everybody has bicycle legs. My wife, for example doesn't care for the Turbos. So "regular" fins are a reasonable starting point for many folks. It's nice to have choices. Maybe your dealer could throw in a set of Turbos as part of the deal?

The standard and fishing models are identical except for color choices. For the extra dollars, the fish models add a few trinkets which you can get separately as accessories if you want them.

If you end up getting two kayaks, consider two different models. When you go out by yourself, you'll have a choice. When you go together, you can take the slower one (presuming you're faster than your wife) so they're will be less disparity.

You'll find each model kayak has its strengths and weaknesses. IMO, the Adventure is the king of distance and speed, but the wettest ride and the least maneuverable. The Revolution is the newest and most versatile -- does everything well, but the best at nothing (though possibly the best at sailing). The Outback is a great utility kayak, a favorite for fishermen, but a little slower and weaker at paddling. The Sport is lightest, easiest to transport and launch and most maneuverable, but slowest and has a smaller weight limitation. So it depends on your priorities.

The '06 models cost less than the '07's, and there are some color changes for '07. Additionally, the kayak business slows down in Fall and Winter, so you might be able to get an additional discount from a dealer with excess inventory. The Revolution is new for '07 though and the Outback hull change for '07 makes it a easy choice over the older ones.

Dueitt2s' advice is right on target. It's nice to have a local dealer in-case you have a problem. It's also a huge advantage to try out a product first rather than taking someones word on it. It's your $! 8)
Author:  dueitt2s [ Mon Oct 16, 2006 11:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
Moon, I would go ahead and purchase for the reasons mentioned above. Plus you know the weather down here has good days for going out (no wind and 70 in Nov). All of the models are a dry ride on calm days when pedaled. The paddle will drip water from the shaft no matter where you place the drip rings.

I believe Apalach and Roadrunner have answered your other questions. There isn't any difference in the "fishing" editions except for color and "trinkets".

Turbo fins are a "performance" upgrade.
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