I'm buying two Hobie Adventures

Hi Everyone,

My first post though I've been visiting this site for over two years. I've been canoe camping for years and was drawn to this site while trying to find a more efficient/fun way to canoe/kayak camp. I am incredibly indebted to Roadrunner, Kepnutz, and Stringy (and others) for their wealth of information, recommendations, clever upgrades, and engaging posts. Up to a few weeks ago I was set on purchasing an Oasis. It seemed to satisfy my need for a craft that was versatile - a tandem that could be pedaled solo, could hold lots of gear, and provide a relatively dry ride. However, more recently I've decided to purchase two Adventures instead. Here is my rationale:

1. More cargo carrying capacity (compared to a single Oasis) - great for touring.
2. Easy to paddle (if desired).
3. Faster in the water - cuts through chop well (though slightly wetter ride).
4. I can bring a friend along in the other Adventure.
5. Front hatch with bungie tie-downs (I could perhaps place a waterproof Watershed Animas pack on the front hatch for extra capacity and to hold back some spray).
6. And perhaps most importantly. The opportunity to purchase the Adventure Island upgrade kits for each kayak next year and sail with a friend. A dream come true. Real versatility.

I have one question.

1. I intend to purchase the larger sailing rudder for each as well as turbo fins. Are there any other accessories that would be strongly recommended aside from the Hobie carts?

Thanks,

Mike

Quetico-
I own an Adventure Island but often use the kayak without the sail and ama's for long trips and camping on rivers and bays. I think you are making a good choice with the Adventure as it is sleek and cuts through the water like a knife even when heavily loaded with gear. I am able to load mine with a tent, sleeping bag, several changes of clothes, food, water, beer cooler, and fishing gear with ease.

Definitely get the turbo fins and sailing rudder they are well worth the expense.

I'd also recommend getting the rudder up/down upgrade kit if it doesn't cuurently come with it. (It might, I've seen a few new Outbacks that are coming with it now.) You may not need it much while in "kayak" mode, but when you upgrade to the Adventure Island kit or even when using the regular sail kit it will come in handy. It replaces the "twist and stow" rudder system with pull handles and jam cleats making the rudder much more secure in the down position. It's definitely not necessary though.

If you plan to fish from it, get the Ram Tube's for the rear rod holders and a couple rod leashes for good measure. They are all relatively inexpensive and the tubes make it much easier to grab a rod when you need to. The leashes of course keep you from losing a rod if one gets pulled or ripped out of the holders. (You can also use them as a leash for your mirage drive if needed.)

What else.............If your mirage drive doesn't have the new "seal" you could get that too. (I don't know the real name for it, sorry!) It's ony a few dollars and helps keep water from coming up from the rear of the mirage drive. (More of an issue while sailing than kayaking.)

The Adventure will probably come with it, but if not, it's a good idea to get one of the Hobie Tackle boxes that fit in the twist and stow hatch. It's a good place to keep keys, wallets and cell phones dry.

Other than than those minor things there isn't really much else you need unless you are into serious fishing, then there are all kinds of pricey options to consider! Overall, the Adventure comes pretty much "fully loaded" and is a great kayak "as is"!

the up/down handles have been standard on the island for 2 years, and scross the entire line this year.

The boat will come with a gear bucket.
mirage Drive seal standard
BTW turbo's and large rudder are a must on this boat, for some reason i'm thinking it comes with the large rudder to. Hobie's made it hard to sell accessories!

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Wow. Thanks for the suggestions guys. The dealer that I will be purchasing from seemed unclear whether the 2009 Adventure came standard with the larger sailing rudder. He was thinking that I might have to purchase a Turbo fin/larger rudder kit. If it does come with the larger sailing rudder standard - then would the Turbo fin upgrade kit be all that is required?

I like the idea of a more comfortable seat as well - based on Roadrunner's recommendation - I will probably spring for the Hobie inflatable seat.

I can't wait to be on the water.

Thanks for your input!

Mike

I just remembered something I wish I had remembered when I bought mine...........

I'd buy the turbo fin upgrade seperately rather than have the dealer install it and have it on when you pick it up.

I had mine set up by the dealer and then regretted not having the origianl masts and fins as spares.

(Or just ask for the old parts!)

G'Day Mike and welcome!
I can understand your rationale with 2 Adventures over 1 Oasis.
If you were going to upgrade to the AI kit though I would seriously consider purchasing the AI's outright. Have you checked out the kit price?
Here in Oz an Adventure is about $2500 and an AI is about $4000. The AI upgrade kit is $2500 without installation! I know it's a large expense but long term you would be much better off with 2 AI's initially. I'm sure if you went to a dealer wanting to purchase 2 AI's the savings would be even greater!

Hi Stringy,

Thanks for the suggestion! When I priced the difference between purchasing an AI vs. an Adventure and later upgrading to the AI kit - the price difference appeared minimal. Perhaps I missed something. As it stands, it will be quite an investment with the 2 Adventures and I reasoned that with the money I saved over purchasing 2 AIs I would be able to purchase more paddling accessories (e.g., dry suit, dry bags, turbo-fin kit, roof rack, etc.).

I ordered the Adventures yesterday! They should be in my possession in about 6 weeks time. I had a great experience with the dealer I ordered them from - I hope that he will offer me an enticing deal when it comes time to purchase the 2 AI upgrade kits next year.

Thanks again for all your suggestions!

Mike

You will love 'em.

Also you have the less expensive sail option of the small sail and sidekicks. Should be under $500.

Enough sail area for ~1-1.5 knot kick.

Be sure to checkout how to rig with the standard AI self furling device.

_________________

Well - I now have my two Hobie Adventures and I just compiled a trip report. Click on the link below to read about my first adventure with my red Adventure.

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=12724

Mike

Great pics! Add the Ritchie flush mount compass to your Adventure, sleek mount and indispensable, especially in unfamiliar areas. Leash anything you don't want to lose.

Quetico, congratulations on your new Adventures, and great trip report! I think you'll be pretty pleased when those Turbofins come in.

If you use the cleat with your rudder-down line to tension the line, you shouldn't have any more problems with the rudder popping out of position on right turns.

I recently converted to "stirrups", replacing the standard pedal straps. They hold the feet in place nicely without binding or any loss in speed -- very comfortable.



The other nice feature about them is that they're so ugly that no one would want to steal your Drive! I'm hoping that Hobie will eventually come out with an improved, adjustable version of something like this for us lazy, old and/or handicapped folks.

Roadrunner,

Thanks for the suggestion regarding cleating the rudder-down line to tension the line!! I had seen people cleat it in videos, but I was informed by my local dealer that it wasn't necessary - and it completed slipped my mind. I will mention it to my dealer when I pick up the ST Turbos.

I was also wondering about a "stirrup-like" modification while my legs were getting tired from holding my feet on the pedals -rather than from pedaling. I assume that this type of modification could make it easier to pedal, as the legs would be well supported. However, I envisioned an integrated unit that retained the conventional foot straps (assuming that some power could be generated on up- as well as down-strokes) as well as the stirrups for support.

BTW - I fixed the video link in my trip report - so my attempt at breaking the sound barrier is now available.

Thanks again,

Mike

Mike,
A very impressive trip report!
I enjoyed reading it. Looks like a great place -perfect for the Adventures. We certainly don't have such large wildlife visitors down under! Thanks for posting!

Roadrunner,
You've got me interested in those supportive footstraps. I have always prefered the pedaling position of the Oasis over the Adventure because you are sitting higher and your feet are in a lower more comfortable position. The Adventure does require a bit more effort to keep your feet up on the pedals and it looks like you have come up with a great solution that will make pedaling more comfortable. Thanks!
PS- (My deerstalker cap is now on.)
You aren't an Alpha male are you?
Congrats on your recent race results!

Wow....glad to see I wasn't odd man out with the leg cramps I might try to find a suitable;e adjustable elastic strap so it hold's the toe in taking any remaining muscle tension out entirely accept for pedaling...any suggestions on what to use and link it to the toe guard so I get both push and pull action...I'll keep looking if anyone comes up with suggestions please post em

Quiet and micky, my concern is that if the boat capsizes you need your legs to fall free. I would strongly recommend one strap or the other but not both. These were made from old fin straps, extended with a bit of string, so there's a starting point.
I sure hope you don't get too many speeding tickets!

Sherlock, er I mean Stringy, thanks! I was just trying to keep the guy in front in sight (fortunately he was in a different class), while doing my best to avoid getting run over by the guy behind me. Lucky to get through it in one piece! Nevertheless, the Hobies definitely made a statement. BTW, there was some fellow who stopped by afterward -- said he had been looking for a kayak with speed and range. I think he may have ended up with a Hobie Adventure, an excellent choice in my opinion.

PS The stirrups were used in the race -- I think they were an asset.