Mirage drive fin seems bent, how to fix

As seen in pictures below, my front fin has a big gap along the top of the metal mast. Is this okay? Do I need to fix something, if so what/how?
It is original mirage drive with hobie revolution around 2007

Yep... bent from hitting bottom.

Remove the fin. Remove the mast. There is a set screw holding it in. Place the mast in a Vise to straighten.

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

You may want to think about replacing the bent mast or at least getting a new mast as a spare - in my experience the masts have a greater tendency to break after they have been bent (and straightened). Of course it may go on for years - kinda depends on what damage has been done.

Do you have a cart when you beach your kayak ? If not , take the drive out !

Like Matt said. I have bent my mast twice for far. I take a lead mallet, lay the mast on a 2x4 and just beat the heck out of it, until it's straight.

_________________
Southwest Hobie Island Club
http://www.facebook.com/southwesthic

I see masts are cheap so will get new one (and straighten old one as well)

Do I need V1 (or V2) ?
V1 says for drives prior to ~7/2008 so I guess that is mine since bought in 2007

Good advice. I always take drive out. Problem is am usually in very rocky, shallow rivers and I hit rocks frequently. Usually only at slow speeds since I only pedal gently while fishing. I paddle when I need to make time, else would need a mast every time out. I imagine mast did not bend in 1 hit but rather was gradual from many hits over time. I just noticed the big gap recently but probably had small bends/gaps before that.

Drive seems to work ok (even now when bent) so I never really took notice before. I suppose if I pedaled hard would notice performance change but again I usually paddle when need to go full bore.

You need V1 unless you upgrade the sprockets and masts to V2. There is a kit for that shown in the catalog.

81129022 Standard fins

81129122 St Turbo Fins

The V2 mast to sprocket connection is threaded and far superior. Well worth the upgrade.

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