MirageDrive 180 + Kick-Up Fins: compatibility?

I've been away from the forums for awhile, and my son has been bugging me about the 180 MDs. Does anyone know if the MD180 + Kick UP fins are compatible with 2012 & 13 Revo hulls? We are still running our bombproof V2 drives in the Click and Go hulls (Revo 11 & 13 models).

Thanks in advance!

The drives are backwards compatible. The fins are not. You can not upgrade an older drive to KU. The spine hangs a bit lower in the hull to allow the KU fins / booms to clear the hull on full strokes.

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

Thanks Matt. Will the 180+ KU be sold separately before September time frame? Any idea whether
or not the power output and “feel” of the turbo fins on the 180s are
similar or different than V1-GT turbos?

I understand that performance of these KU fins is actually better than the earlier Turbo GT or 180 fins.

I do not expect to be able to sell the KU drives before September. Still having parts prioritized to boat production.

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

Mr. Miller:
i have a 360 PA12. Two grown daughters love to use it. We live on a brackish river just in from the Chesapeake bay and during this summer quarantine we are out there almost everyday, sons in law, grandchildren. we also have 4 other propeller type kayaks of other brands. I have purchased two 2015 PA14s for my daughters and sons in law to use.

A few compatibility questions:
1) can i buy the conversion spline and new turbo Fins and pull levers to make them 180s? youtube videos suggest yes. cost around $475.

2) could i buy a whole new MD 180 drive and drop it in? Costs advertised on web at $850-925.

3) any update on when whole new MD180 drives with Kick-Up fins will be available and what is MSRP?

Thank you.
MJL
Arctic Blue Camo PA12

Still unable to sell the KU drives as parts sales due to new boat production demands.

The 180 will drop right into the 2015 PA or any Mirage kayak (older boat would have to trim off the alignment pins).

The conversion is possible. Spins, masts, fins and shifters required.

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

Matt, any idea when the 180 KUs will be available?

Same question. 180 KUs?

Maybe in the fall. Production has been using up all available materials. They will not make me drives until they have full inventory available.

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

Any ETA on retail 180 + KU MDs yet?

Still not available to sell as a part. Boat production is through the roof. Nothing left for me.

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

Well, good for you as a company! I'd love to see annual sales breakdowns to see the percentages of different kayaks were sold. Not looking for absolute numbers, just percentages.

Now, there must be a way to make just a little more of these drives than is currently produced, no?

The factory is working hard on this. More POs for materials further out in the future. The supply chain is really messed up. Materials are hard to source Worldwide. Lead times are skyrocketing and containers are hard to get and hard to get delivered. Then there is labor here... harder to get.

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

I've been looking everywhere for this information. Broke my 180 V2 really well and thought it would be a good time to upgrade but I couldn't find any information on the KU Drive availability anywhere. Two months seems like forever, guess I'll be replacing the spline.

Any update on their availability would be greatly appreciated.

Matt,
I bought a new one from someone on ebay just now. If I need any warranty service,
can you help? I've been looking for quite some time now...