Tribute to a Legend

Hobie started selling Mirage Drive kayaks 20 years ago in 1997. Many Hobie owners know that their favorite mode of propulsion was designed by Greg Ketterman. It could have just as easily been called the Ketterman Drive. Ketterman also designed the venerable Hobie Tri-Foiler, based on his world speed record sailboat Longshot.

Greg retired from Hobie today and plans to enjoy some serious sailing. Thank you Mr. Ketterman for sharing your brilliant ideas for the rest of us to enjoy!

Here are a few old articles about some of Ketterman's work:

http://www.pressure-drop.us/forums/show ... rage-Drive

https://books.google.com/books?id=MmUEA ... an&f=false

https://books.google.com/books?id=0UNFS ... an&f=false

Well said RR! I wish him the best for a well deserved retirement. What a brilliant and innovative career he's had and what a great legacy he's left.
This is our tenth year of owning Hobie kayaks and these craft have changed the way I work and play!
Ten years commuting in a Hobie - two afternoons a week for eight years, one day a week the last two without fail all year round. The Miragedrive ensures I make it - even into 30 knot winds!
As far as play goes pretty much all our holidays since getting our first Hobie kayak have revolved around ‘taking the Hobie’. Beginning with our ‘06 Tandem (Oasis) loaded on the back of the ferry for a memorable camping adventure to Lady Musgrave Island (Great Barrier Reef), to our most recent 10 day Tandem Island sailing/ remote camping trips.
So thanks Greg Ketterman for designing great craft that have had such a positive influence on our lifestyle. Enjoy your retirement and happy sailing!

PS- I could retire at the end of September myself but I'm not planning to. One of the reasons for staying on is because I'd miss my commute too much!

Yes, Congratulations Greg!... and a hearty THANK YOU!! His impact on my life has been an amazing thing. I owe a lot to Greg and Hobie Cat!

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

Thank you so much Matt for posting the throw back R&D video at the harbor.
Brought back so many good memories. Hope you are doing great.
Congrats to Greg on his retirement!
His kayak and drive system are revolutionary.

Thank you for all the miles of smiles on the Hobie Cats as well as the kayaks , have fun !