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PostPosted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 12:54 pm 
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Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2016 8:16 am
Posts: 2
I've recently purchased a used 2006 16' Hobie Mirage Adventure. I'm completely new to kayaking, so I obviously wanted to test righting and re-entering a capsized kayak. All went surprisingly well. My only concern was the amount of water in the bilge following the capsize. I would estimate that the bilge took on approximately 2 gallons of water after 3 capsize tests. Is this normal? I've searched the forums, but it's not easy to find the answer to this particular question given the volume of posts. If this isn't normal where is the mostly likely source for the water entering the bilge? All hatches and drains where closed during the tests.


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PostPosted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 2:40 pm 
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Joined: Wed Jun 01, 2005 7:32 pm
Posts: 472
Location: Out There
Most kayak hatches secured by elastic cord are going to leak when submerged. That is most likely where the water that was in your hull got in. A smart boater carries some sort of bailing device; large cup, small bucket, manual bilge pump.

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PostPosted: Fri Oct 14, 2016 2:45 pm 
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Joined: Wed May 11, 2016 1:27 am
Posts: 442
Front hatch is the first suspect, especially if it suddenly takes on water when submerged. First check state of seals, they are likely to be worm/perished/split on such an early model if original. Bungies may also need replacing.

Do you have the older round hatches with removable lids rather than the current style? Upgrading them is worthwhile if you have

Does it take on any water under normal use?

Standard leak test is reverse vacuum (blowing) into drain hole (dont completely block drain when doing it) and spray soapy water to detect any leaks. Excessive bubbling around front hatch with be an indicator.

It is normal for most hobies to take on some water in constant rollovers. Thats the price for accessible hatches, and one of the reasons for not really being suitable for playing in the surf.

Given it is a 2006 model have a look inside front hatch at front lip of the drive well and see if it has been reiforced post manufacture, as it is a weak spot.


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PostPosted: Mon Oct 17, 2016 11:25 am 
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Site Rank - Deck Hand

Joined: Mon Oct 10, 2016 8:16 am
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Thank you everyone for the responses. I'll leak test the kayak. I've now found multiple posts on how to improve the seal on the front hatch. I guess the next step is research what a reinforced drive well looks like.


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