2022 Kickup Fins Failure

I recently purchased two 2022 Hobie Compasses from a dealer near Bradenton Fl. We have been down in the keys peddling against ocean current. As I was pulling my daughter on a SUP my front fin fell off and stopped me from peddling. The front arm broke free and couldn't recover due to not having a flipper on that arm. I was peddling as fast as I possibly could. It was a pretty hairy situation because we were going under a tight bridge with a really big current. Luckily no one was hurt but I am dumbfounded as why the flipper would fall off like that? We've used the kayaks about 8 times now and the flippers have flutter kicked in sand but I wouldn't think that sand would rip the top of the flipper. Really concerned that without extra reinforcement in the flipper loop at top this could happen when I am 8 miles out on the reef. Is this an issue with the flippers and if so is this something Hobie is working to fix? I was thinking that if there were a small washer at the bottom of the fin rod the drive could recover itself. Another idea would be to make the flipper loop at top stainless with a wire that was embedded into the rubber fin. I ordered turbo fins and another replacement fin but this issue has me really worried when my kids and wife are on the kayaks.

First... you can pedal on one fin. You should also carry your paddle. This type of failure is rare as far as I know. The warranty should help you here.

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

What happened was the front fin fell off and for some reason the shaft 'broke away' and stopped the back fin from going to the opposite side. I could only half kick the drive. Between doing that and paddling we were able to get across safely. We always have paddles on the boats. I just registered the boats yesterday. How do I start a warranty claim? Do I have to go through the original dealer? We fulltime rv and are all over the country. I already purchased the new fin and a set of turbo fins since we only have a week left and I want to get back out on the water.

You can work with the closest dealer to file a claim.

https://www.hobie.com/dealers/

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

@mmiller

have a 2017 AI with V1 mirage
1 fin fell off the post so had to remove and reinstall V1 fin while pedaling
should I upgrade to V2 fins?

I have a set of Turbo fins that I purchased last year that seem to be separating at the seam where the fin meets the hard plastic rod tube (not really certain how to describe it more than this).

Has anyone else noticed this separation?

I just checked my other drives with the standard Kickups and they are sealed tight at this joint.

Right side of the fin(s)? That is normal. The right is not bonded like the left side of the fin. This allows twist.

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

Unfortunately it appears to be happening on both sides of the fin

There is an inner structure that connects the fin to the mast sleeve part. This should not be a failure issue, but take a few photos and send them to [email protected] for review.

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

Perfect. I fired off an email asking for review.

Thank you!

2017 MD180?

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

MD 180 SN299307
it was weird, it has the gray adjust knob, not the clevis pin to replace fin so V1 not V2
turbo fins, missing gray pin on 1 side but doesn't seem to affect

bought AI from former owner who bought from Tackle Shack in Tampa Fla., very nice for just "gunkholing" on local canals and mangroves off Caloosahatchie, which is pretty shallow most places, a bunch of "shoal markers" in river
sailboat on its side on a sand bar
powerboat listing on its side 1/2 sunk 10+ years "here there be shallow water, slow down!"

I'm more wondering if i should upgrade the drive

Yes, get the V2 mast and fins. We do not support the V1 any longer.

81501112 MD180 V2 BOOM-MAST-TBO FIN KIT

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

thank you