180 drive upgrade

I talked to my dealer again about a Compass, and he isn't sure, but he said Hobie may have stopped the MD 180 upgrade program on the Compass. Any information on that? Would be disappointing.

This program is still available to dealers.

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

what is the upgrade program and what year/models is it valid for?

New boat purchases only on the Compass. 2019 - 2020.

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

I was told by both dealers in my area that Hobie has ended this program for them, which I guess means the dealers are being told not to do a 180 upgrade to a standard model. I had to pop for the camo edition, which was okay except it's not my preferred color.

I just talked to my dealer about this and they said because of their 2.5 month shutdown because of the covid that they are temporarily suspending giving a credit to upgrade to the 180 drive. They are really behind in production and dealers are out of kayaks and their orders are just trickling in. I really wanted a compass with the 180 drive but dealers in my state and any other dealers within a couple of hours away didnt have any compass models and didnt know when they were getting any. I settled for a seagrass green passport 12.
Greg

Sent from my SM-A205U using Tapatalk

I just purchased 2 Compasses from REI. I am trying to upgrade to the MD180 drives. I sure hope Hobie has not stopped providing an upgrade path. Is there anyway to purchase parts and upgrade to 2020 Mirage GT drive to 180? I am going to cancel my purchases if this is the case as putting out $1800 for 2 new drives makes no sense. Hobie?

New guy here. I just ordered a Compass as well from REI. Not a deal breaker for me I guess, but would be very much interested if this upgrade is possible still, especially through a larger chain like REI.

I have a call and email in with Jodi @ Hobie. I spoke to a dealer in town and they said that they can do it even though I purchased it from REI as long as I don't use the drive. The problem is that Hobie is so back logged that wanting that option is pretty much a no go. I am trying to find an Outback but I can't find one anywhere in the country that is willing to ship. Really blows that you can't throw money at the problem. Thinking I am going to cancel my purchases for now. I love our compass but the reverse is a game changer when you have it. I don't want to buy another without reverse. I have also asked if the new Mirage GT drives can be upgraded with parts but I can't seem to find the information. I can upgrade my current V2 GT drive to the 180 for about $400 or so but the new drive is different. I still don't understand why Hobie doesn't just sell the upgrade kit. Hell, charge me more than it would cost to upgrade from the dealer - I don't care. I don't mind when Kayak season is here.

There is no kit and that would also take 3+ weeks to ship right now.

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

Thank you mmiller. I just got word that the new lock down in California is hurting you guys. You should relocate to another state. California is a horrible place to do business in. Idaho would welcome you with open arms!

The lockdown is not hurting us. Been in full production since the first week of May. Just can't deal with a sales volume that is bigger than ever before. We shipped 150% of last year's June in parts. It's crazy. # weeks behind in parts shipping still. Normally we ship the same day.

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

Wow! And I can't even get a 2020 Hobie Outback to save my life! California business laws and taxes still suck. First hand experience on that one.

Will 2020 Compass lose Kickupfin option, if upgrade GT -> MD180?

Not sure why the upgrade is affected by the stock level, but this is direct quote from my dealer regarding the MD180 upgrade. "We currently are sold out of compass so we are not doing that upgrade unfortunately until further notice."

btw, they are taking preorders for September delivery.