Product Improvements

It continues to amaze me that Hobie is always looking for ways to improve their products. They've recently upgraded their Mirage Drive masts -- again. the composite pic below shows the development of the mast series (Turbomasts pictured) since 2006:



Starting on the left, first generation masts had crude depressions for the Allenhead lock screws. The hole on the bottom is for retrofitting to the old stainless sprockets, making the masts reversible, depending on the application.

The second version was shortened by 1/4". This removed some of the stress on the Drive and improved performance potential for the fins by allowing more room to "wind up" or twist up the mast for more forward thrust. The notch was also "improved". There were at least 3 evolutionary variations of this mast.

Next saw the introduction of the "V2" mast -- threaded with a slot in the bottom for a screwdriver. This almost always required at least one set of Visegrips and usually resulted in burring on the tip and sliding surface. Looking closely, you may see the the improved tip bevel.

The newest mast is notched on the sides for a wrench, replacing the less efficient screwdriver. The tip is rounded off to deter fin poke throughs upon striking underwater objects. The surface is now electropolished. This removes small burs, scratches and sharp edges; polishes the surface and enhances corrosion protection. It typically removes about .0002" from the surface, allowing an easier insert and threading into the sprocket. It looks like Hobie has expanded this process from the new C&G system.

Hobie could have stopped on the third mast version if not the first. Improvements like these don't sell products (at least not directly) , but show a continued commitment to excellence -- better functioning, easier installation, better durability, attention to detail. You can see an evolutionary improvement and continued refinement in most of their products that is obviously inbred in their corporate philosophy. It's almost become their trademark. Fantastic!

Great post, and way to go Hobie for your quality improvements

Just when you think it can't get much better it does.

How much are these new shafts, and I suppose they will work with the ST Turbo fins?

As this is a "running" change. Factory and dealer inventories may still have the older version. We currently have newer Turbo, but older version standard masts (11/17/2009).

There are Standard and Turbo length versions of threaded masts. Same part numbers as shown in the catalog:

81163001 Standard Length Threaded Mast (in the US $14.95)

81198101 Turbo Length Threaded Mast (in the US $16.95)

See a dealer for pricing in other regions.

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

I'm not amazed that Hobie seeks to upgrade it's product, better products means less problems, improved products, and fewer warranty issues. Companies that don't die......................ck

_________________
Never argue with an idiot, they will just drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

Thanks Roadrunner

Without this forum and your excellent reviews I'd miss half of the new products & upgrades.

While true, Hobie didn't have to upgrade the V2 mast, it did need improving if you ever wanted to remove the masts without tearing them up.

That was a suggestion I made back in April about a notch or hole in the mast to make installing or removing the mast easier.
The rounded end and finished surface are also big improvements.

Demonstrating that Hobie does listen, and more importantly, upgrade their products.

Yakaholic

Thanks Yak! As I recall, you also suggested moving the (old style) mast alternate groove 90 degrees to strengthen the retrofit installation for stainless sprockets (relevant to this topic), among many other ideas and troubleshooting tips. Hobie obviously pays attention to these suggestions as well as problems we experience from time to time. Another good example is the revised Pro Angler steering drum that forum members helped Hobie identify (and which the company is making available to all PA owners at no charge).

No doubt, the forum has been a tremendous 2 way benefit to the company as well as Hobie owners. In fact (and I've been wanting to say this for a long time), the success of the forum rests largely on the shoulders on one of its founding members, Apalach.

Looking back, one can see that Dick virtually carried the forum in its early years. His reviews are legendary; his pioneering work with images took us right to the scene of the action; his innovations (like his famous "lobster pod" amas) were hugely influential and probably inspired the Sidekicks and ultimately the Adventure Island. Most of all, his friendly, positive demeanor established a high standard for the forum. For many of us he was hugely influential as we eagerly looked forward to his next reviews. It would be easy to go on but we wouldn't want to give him a big head!

In a larger sense, I think Hobie's style of improvements draws a certain type of clientele who are more willing to try something new, take risks for expected benefits and are in fact, innovators in their own right. What a great partnership!

I agree with what Roadrunner said, but being only active over the last 3 years, It's been both of you two, Yakaholic and Roadrunner (and others) first over on KFS forum, and then here on Hobie's forums that continue to make the forums what they are!

Thanks guys!

_________________

Hobie Island Sailing since 2006