Outback pedals

Listen, I know there are pictures and directions on how to easily install the pedals on my two Outback Kayaks I recently purchased - but even after following directions to the letter I have serious problems getting them installed, or even taking them out. Short of banging, pulling, yanking, and cussing repeatedly this is a real serious problem for me. There has to be a trick or shortcut to this that I havent thought of or read about from other owners.

HELP - its getting to the point I want to trash the yaks or dive into the Intracoastal...

I have an Outback and a Sport version. Make sure the straight edge of the flippers are forward (toward the bow) and that the notches are lined up to receive the mirage silver pegs. Tip the unit forward when inserting in slot. A possible issue with the drive itself being warped or not completely put together may explain your problem. Have a dealer check it out or compare with another mirage owner! Good luck.

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smiles

The best thing I do is look stright down into the drive well. Look at the two "ears" on the mirage drive and make sure that the "ears" are level and will touch the indends on the mirage well at the same time. Do you have the twist knobs or the self locking clips in the drive well? Either way this techinque has made my life easier. I do not have picture, but maybe Matt will come up with a better description then I have. Good Luck and happy yakking.

I just rock them back and forth while gently pressing down and they just pop in. At first, I did have difficulty getting them to seat, but try the rocking a bit and see if they doesn't help. Taking them out is a snap, are you placing the locking pin in the correct position for seating and removing, or doing it backwards?......................ck

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Never argue with an idiot, they will just drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

Thanks guys I appreciate the feedback. I am going to try your suggestions and see if that works. If not then its drag the Outback to the dealer and let them try and show me what I am doing wrong. Thanks again and see you out there...

hey w2c01,
I bought a new 09 outback and immediately had the same difficulty you describe, with removing being the most difficult. I followed instructions, made sure fins were straight, splash flap was not in the way, etc. but to no avail. By phone my dealer suggested that with time I would gain more ability and unit would "seat" or work itself in. If I would have shown the dealer my unit he would have probably made a correct diagnosis. One of locking lever units was loose and moving around under use, getting slightly out of the correct position. It finally became loose enough to move with fingers. I wrote Matt to see if there was any special way to tighten (torque, Locktite etc,) he told me to pour blue Loctite on screw and tighten securely. It worked and now it's in and out "smooth as butta" this may have nothihg to do with your
problem but it is worth a look.

good luck,
O.A.B.

Thanks OAB - I will take a closer look tonight and this weekend when I have them out and see if that is the problem.

Try removing the surge protector at the rear of the drive. This is how we deliver new boats now because they tend to make installation harder.

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

Thanks for the tip Matt - I had them out all this weekend and by rocking them back and forth was able to get them in and out easily. I think I am good to go and looking forward to many years of fun with my two Outbacks.

Pedal installation isnt always click-n-go, but rather rock-n-roll. Go figure.

I learned that to be the case Steve after about 30 minutes in the hot Florida sun! Rock and Roll pedals.