Hobie Passport 10.5 KayakBuyer be mindful
I was not happy when in February 2022 I purchased my new Passport 10.5 Kayak from my local Hobie dealer in Adelaide only to have it defective.
Hbbie’s pedal drive is high quality & works great but the quality of the Hobie Kayak is nowhere near what I expected. After using it twice & loving it, I turned it over for a clean only to see two friction marks in the hull near the pedal drive hole along with similar marks & deep scratches in the scupper holes. These defects could not have been caused by me. Being a new kayak I had been very careful when launching & retrieving & I never use the scupper holes as I have a sit on top trolly for transport to the waters edge. My mate checked his Hobie Passport 10.5 after seeing mine & has similar marks. It was very clear that the marks have been caused during the manufacturing process.
As a result, I discussed the defects with my local dealer & he passed the information on to Hobie for comment. Hobie’s resolution was that they would register the defects but said it was not a warranty issue.
I am really not trying to be difficult but it seems Hobie are now offering substandard kayaks & expecting to get away with this. I have learned my lesson the hard way & will not be spending my hard earned money again on any Hobie item only to have it defective.
If you are thinking of buying a Hobie kayak, check it carefully before you hand over any money. In addition, be aware that Hobie do not acknowlege there warranty’s on defected kayaks. Not mine anyway. ☹