Adding Mirage Drive to 2003 or 2004 Outback Fisherman?

I'm about to purchase an older, lightly used Mirage Outback Fisherman (H Parker Edition) hull. The seller believes it's either 2003 or 2004 model. It was a demo he picked up from a salesman years ago and did not come with a mirage drive. It also was missing the 6" inch and 8" inch hatch covers (screw caps) and the entire rudder (but does appear to have the rudder controls and guidelines for a rudder).

Before completeing the purchase, I was wondering if anyone could confirm that I can use a current mirage drive unit in this older model? Also, is it possible to purchase the stern rudder setup to make use of the existing controls and guidelines? Lastly, I've seen where I can purchase newer Twist-N-Seal Hatch kits to replace the existing hatches missing the covers. But does anyone know of a source for just the screw-in hatch covers?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Current MirageDrives are compatible with older model boats.

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

Thanks Matt. Do you know if it's possible to purchase the missing stern part of the rudder system? And do you know if this year's model would have used the Twist-N-Stow rudder or old style?

Sorry... I missed the other question.

Re-reading, I might be concerned about this boat. It has been stripped of some parts and has no MirageDrive. This may be a warranty "replaced" hull. One that should have been destroyed.

The rudder would have been the original style (not Twist-n-Stow) rudder parts are available.

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

Matt, anyway to tell if it could have been a warranty "replaced" hull?

If you can get the serial number we can compare to our database.

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

Thanks, I'll see if I can get it.

a replacement drive is going to be around 500.00 so unless you are getting a heck of a price on that yak it may not be worth it.

I wouldn't get near a stripped hull or incomplete boat. They don't come that way from the manufacturer and are virtually never sold that way from any legitimate source. That's an advertisement for a leaky or defective hull. Most likely you would spend at least $800 to refit it (plus whatever you pay for it) only to find out that it has a fatal problem. Some drivewell leaks don't show until the pressure of pedaling the Mirage Drive opens them up, and cannot be repaired.

If you think about it, there is no reason to part-out a boat that is still serviceable. Caveat emptor.