Mirage Drive Damage

OH SNAP!!!! Thank goodness I read your post. I inspected my spit rings after reading this post and found one of them to be mangled. Looks more like soddering (sp) wire.

What size are these split rings and where can I purchase new ones?



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2011 HPA
2006 Wildy Ride 135
2019 Hobie Compass
2020 Hobie Outback

If your split rings are doing that, reverse the pin so that it faces the opposite direction -- usually this solves the problem. Also, make sure you're pedal position is sufficiently extended so that you're not slamming the fins up against the boat -- it will not diminish your speed or capabilities.

BTW, all the current (and recent) masts spin off with an adjustable (Crescent) wrench; Vice Grips also work but can scratch the mast finish, abrading the fin; pliers usually don't have enough grip. If you do replace a mast on the water, remember it may un-thread spontaneously without Locktite Blue in as early as a few minutes. Teflon tape will work as a temporary substitute for Loctite (and may be a consideration for your emergency kit). Split Ring pliers are a great tool to have if you're trying to replace the rings on the water. Finally, don't forget that the Mirage Drive DOES still work with only one fin, although at reduced thrust obviously.

Roadrunner,

I am sorry I'm fairly challenged when it comes to spacial orientation and such . Do you mean to rotate it 180 degrees or 90 Degrees so that the entrance of the on the pin are at 9 and 3?

Thanks-in-advance!

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2011 HPA
2006 Wildy Ride 135
2019 Hobie Compass
2020 Hobie Outback

Take the clevis pin out and reinsert it from the opposite side. For instance, if the split ring was sitting on the left side of the fin (as in the picture above), it will now be on the right side.

The condition usually occurs when the fin smacks against the hull and the outhaul clew munches the split ring. By positioning the ring on the opposite side, there is a good chance there will be a bit more clearance due to alignment of the Drive in the well and sprocket position (cable adjustment) being slightly uneven (causing the fin to lean more on one side than the other).

I remember reading a post, probably from you, Roadrunner, with this same suggestion some time ago. I think I tried this change and didn't get a different result, but I just can't remember. If not, I'm going to try it this season. Thanks for the tip (again), Roadrunner!

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Anonymous - "The gods do not subtract from the alloted span of men's lives the hours spent fishing."

This is a great point. Unfortunately, the original masts on my 2010 PA didn't have the flat spots for using a crescent wrench, so I had to use vice grips. I put one of those rubber jar openers around the mast first to provide some protection, but it still marred the mast a little. I bought a new mast for a spare and noted it has the flat spots -- really nice improvement.

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Anonymous - "The gods do not subtract from the alloted span of men's lives the hours spent fishing."

What price would you want for that carp?

At the risk at sounding like a complete noob, I need some advice. I purchased some new split rings, but the ones I have don't similar to the originals on the Mirage Drive I have. Does it matter? The original has 3 rings and the one I purchased has two.

Original One



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New One I purchased



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Package of New one



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Thanks-in-advance! Any information will be greatly appreciated.

_________________
2011 HPA
2006 Wildy Ride 135
2019 Hobie Compass
2020 Hobie Outback

I've used both styles without problems. Although I prefer the security of the triple, the double is a bit easier to install on the water. Since there is no pressure on them, it only matters if they get mangled against the hull. Even deformed, it's rare that they actually let go of the pin. Keep an eye on them just in case though, and replace if you see any serious deformation.

thanks road runner. Can you tell me where do you think I should get split rings from. The triple ones. I cant find them.

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2011 HPA
2006 Wildy Ride 135
2019 Hobie Compass
2020 Hobie Outback

Sure. Your Hobie dealer can get them for you if he doesn't have them in stock -- PN # 10860001 -- 20 cents ea. They should be the triple, but have him verify it unless he has them in stock.