Mirage Drive Version

I am a newbie and this is my first point, so be gentle. =)

Just picked up my first Hobie, it's an older Mirage Classic. I am trying to figure out what Mirage Drive version I have. It looks like something that predates v1?

Also, based on whatever version I have, is there anything I can or should do as far as upgrading it. I would love turbo fins but not sure that's possible. Drive system is running well right now, but my concern is if I need parts later on I may be screwed since this is pretty old. Thanks in advance!

That is the Version 1... original drive.

We later made some parts from plastics, but the dimensions of cables / chains stayed the same, so still V1.

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

Mast post look bent as is. Measure from base of post to base of post and compare against distance from tip to tip should be same if straight. You aren't going to be able to get spares for that easily, so I would keep an eye open for a preloved V2/GT if you dont want to have to find one in a hurry.

You can straighten masts but it eventually weakens them. Not sure about the classic in particular but the drive wells on the early models was not as strong as on later models, so maybe hammering too hard with turbo fins is not such a great idea

Thanks all for the help. I've had this for a week and love it so far. I injured my shoulder on my surfski about a month ago and it's been great to get back on the water.

Would the v1 turbo kit here be a suitable replacement? I figured it would solve my bent mast issue as well as hopefully get me some more speed.

https://www.amazon.com/Hobie-ST-Turbo-F ... B0073QTQB8

Thanks again.

Hobbes, welcome to the forum and congratulations on your Classic! You do, in fact, have a pre-V-1 Drive and some original parts are still available (listed ion P. 53 of the parts catalog as Mirage Drive Older). Virtually all other parts are upgradable. Your Drive has several differences -- solid crank arms (bullet proof), screw-on pedals that can be replaced with any bicycle pedals (if you can get them off), Stainless sprockets (also bullet proof), cotter pin masts (fin rods) that should be replaced periodically and aluminum spine. It's an excellent, strong Drive shat will last a long time and yours looks in pretty good shape overall! Those who still have them swear by them.

You can easily straighten the masts by pulling them forward after removing the fins. Check for parallel between the two and you're in business! It's not uncommon to bend these masts -- I've done it several times.

Your Drive should be easily able to handle ST fins or Turbofins if you choose to upgrade later.

The Classic is a great boat -- you should get lots of enjoyment from yours!

Maybe. The kit actually pictured in your link is a V-2 kit, identifiable by the threaded mast tips. A V-1 kit will work if it has small holes for the cotter pins on one end of the masts as well as the V-1 flat spot on the opposite end. I believe it does, but am not absolutely sure. There are several versions, but yours needs the hole shown here (either of the lower left masts shown)



Safest bet is to inspect the kit or maybe Hobie can verify here. Don't forget new SS cotter pins (PN 8060111). You'll love the Turbos! Here's a pic showing an "original" Drive with Turbofins.



You'll also notice a rubber "Drive Seal" strapped on the right side of the spine (PN 81037001). This keeps the water from sloshing in and out of the rear of the drive well -- very handy part, but optional. Or you can fashion something from a styrofoam block and tape it on with packing tape -- works just as well, but not as pretty.

Thanks Roadrunner, pictures and info have been very helpful, as well as the thread I found with all your speed tests. Thanks as well to everyone else for their help. Since I am new my posts are still moderated and delayed getting posted, so I apologize if it seems as if I am asking things that have already been answered. I think the Amazon link I had provided before had the correct part/kit but the wrong picture of the item.

So if I have this correct, here are my two options as far as upgrading fins:

1. V1 Turbo Kit - Part #72065

or

2. Pair of ST Fins - Part #81193001 and either straighten out my current masts or get some replacement ones (#81160001)

Leaning towards turbo because of the speed, but a little hesitant to the stress it may cause my older drive and boat so I am going back and forth. I am pretty much just pedaling for exercise on mostly flatwater (2-4 miles on a lagoon) in the morning before work. I'm not going at a sprint but usually around 90% or so.

I have a few other minor parts I may upgrade at the same time. Thanks again everyone!

Turbo fins on an classic boat can do serious to non repairable damage. The extra force causes the front nose of the drive to tear up the the plastic ledge it is sitting on. This will create cracks and big leaks. I ended buying a new oasis tandem last year to replace the classic after doing just that. Spent the last year working on a repair for the classic, but it is an intense project and if it holds up will only use st fins from now on.

To bend the mast, put it in the hole on a trailer hitch that is made for a lock. It's a perfect fit and easy to bend.