Which model tracks better in calm water ?

I have the Mirage Sport......do ALL the other Mirage Drive Kayaks cut thru the water faster ( using the paddle ) & straighter because they're longer hulls ?

Hi yeeman and welcome to the forum. That's a tough question. Since the Mirage Drive kayaks are designed primarily for pedaling, it's sort of like asking which model car is easier to pull with a horse.

Seriously, the Sport may not be the slowest. The i-9 and i-12 inflatables are right down there on paddling speed, especially upwind. There are other considerations as well. The Outback and Outfitters are wider and have high chines, making paddling less efficient. The Pro Angler with a 38" beam is challenging to paddle effectively at all.

But in general, the longer, thinner boats tend to paddle faster. Boats with less rocker tend to track better. The Sport is a great little boat -- compact, light, maneuverable and versatile. It is at least competent at everything it does, including paddling -- as long as you're not in a hurry.

Thanx, Roadrunner.
I've had 2 Hobie SPORT models for a few years now, & admit...I've never been on mine for more than 30 mins. when I use it. We live on a small lake in northern N.J. The first time I ever took the kayak off my property was a few weeks ago....my neighbor, who has the Hobie Revolution, brought me to this lake at least 10X larger than mine. After a few hours ( with a few breaks ) my legs cramped up...so, I had to rely on the paddle to get thru....& I know my paddling technique is a joke. Like most Hobie owners, I use the pedals 95% of the time. After this "cramping" incident, I felt that I cannot always rely on my legs & need to improve/develop my paddling technique. I became curious as to how other kayakers on the lake glide thru the water so easily with their paddles. I did some research about kayak types/shapes/weights & began thinking ( actually dreaming ) about buying a 12 ft. narrower "standard" kayak. Since I really don't swim much, the idea of using a NON-Hobie seemed to increase the risk factor......yes, I wear a vest too. I went back up to that large lake, not to kayak, just to view it again...& was pretty much overwhelmed by it's size. I realized that I probably wouldn't be comfortable trying to rely on only the top half of my body. I'll stick with my Mirage Drive & come back "down to earth". I just need to work on my paddling, even though my SPORT cannot glide thru the water like a dolphin. I'll also try my neighbor's Hobie, which seems to be almost 4 feet longer.....hmmmm those 2009 improvements caught my eye too !

Roadrunner is just way off base on this one, he better get back to the drawing board and leave all the problem solving to the Hobie engineers
I cant even pull mine with a donkey!!!




Have fun out there
Kepnutz

Hi Kep,

If you fed your donkey more you wouldn't have that problem!

If I did then it would not float as well.

Yeeman, pedaling gets easier as your muscles adjust to the pedals. You should have a full leg extension without hitting the hull with your fins. You might also try some ST fins (not the Turbos) -- they're more efficient and should give you better performance, and are almost as easy to push as the standard fins. If you have them already, make sure the clew setting is adjusted loose, not tight.

Check your Drive to make sure it doesn't have a lot of friction when operating -- this will fatigue your legs in no time. It should be very easy and smooth to operate with your hands, almost (but not quite) like bicycle pedals. There are lubrication and tune up posts on the kayak FAQ forum. A well lubed and tuned Drive makes a huge difference!

My Outback tracks fairly well when paddling with the standard rudder, though rudder adjustments have to be made quite often. With the larger sailing rudder the tracking is rock solid with virtually no adjustment once heading is established and speed is constant, even in a crosswind. However, with rudder "up" (useful in very shallow or obstruction strewn waters) the Outback tracks like a car on black ice. I often wonder how difficult it will be to get back to my put-in if I ever loose my rudder.

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Absolute kayaking corrupts absolutely.

"Piece of cake" by using your paddle as a rudder! try it.

...Did use paddle in a "test" quite a while ago. I remember that it worked but was more difficult than I had thought it would be since the "paddle rudder" is located off-centerline and beside the occupant ...not behind. With the wide hull of the Outback I also recall I had to keep both arms out quite a ways to clear the sides and still support the paddle rudder. I should test this again soon.

_________________
Absolute kayaking corrupts absolutely.

A bit of history -- "Quarter" rudders or side rudders have been around for a long time. They were employed effectively by virtually all the ancient ships. In fact, the term "starboard" originated from "steer board", where rudders were traditionally mounted (on the right gunwale). They evolved from steering oars. Here's a picture I stole from the internet:


To use your paddle this way, angle the paddle back toward the stern, holding it against the boat with one hand as a fulcrum and rotate or twist it with the other hand.

Yep, that's what you do. I was concerned for a minute there when I saw that boat pic. Thought maybe you had modified yet another Hobie!

_________________
Absolute kayaking corrupts absolutely.

The Sport paddles better if you pull the seatback completely upright, lean forward, and make your pull in the area where the bow flares into the forward side wells (the "trays" ahead of the cupholders). If you really need to paddle home, this will make a difference for you. It also reduces the "wander" effect.

Also, for my wife (who is short upper body), we purchased a longer paddle, with smaller blades. It reduces the shoulder strain, and helps her reach down to the water without banging the high sides quite as much. She's a "lay back paddler" and doesn't care for my reach forward-and-drive technique!

I love my Sports....but they don't paddle very well.

Regards, JimL

[quote="Thomas"]My Outback tracks fairly well when paddling with the standard rudder, though rudder adjustments have to be made quite often. With the larger sailing rudder the tracking is rock solid with virtually no adjustment once heading is established and speed is constant, even in a crosswind. However, with rudder "up" (useful in very shallow or obstruction strewn waters) the Outback tracks like a car on black ice. I often wonder how difficult it will be to get back to my put-in if I ever loose my rudder.[/quote]


With No Paddle just a 360..lol! That is how I know I forgot to put the bugger down.......Steve