Drive identification

Im about to purchase my first Hobie, the budget only allows me to purchased a used one at this time.

The seller said this kayak is about ten years old, and doesn't know what if any modifications
Have been done on the drive. All I can tell you is that one of the chains
Is broken on the drive. The kayak itself looks in very good shape.

From the photo I'm attaching, is it possible to identify the drive. And if so made the parts for it still available

Thanks, and sorry I only have the one photo available at this time. Price wise the kayak is a very good deal, if the parts are still available

Hobie stocks most parts for past Drives. Find the serial # on the bottom of the hull near the stern (hard to see) -- the last 2 numbers denote the model year. Drives from the model year 2009 and newer (version 2) are more robust than older versions (V-1), but they all work well if in good shape. You can identify them by the shape of the drums. Use this pic as a guideline for which one you have.



Regardless, you should be able to get new cables for them.

Welcome to the forum!

Thanks for posting the photos. It made identification fairly easy. I have version 1.

From my reading, I know upgrades are or were available. But I didn't catch what the big differences was between
Ver1 and ver2 and from what I read it wasn't clear how far to the present model
The older models could be upgraded.

Yes having reverse just by pulling a cord would be nice, but if it's possible at what cost

Thanks again for posting

personally I wouldnt bother with a V1 drive as it is possibly worn out and the parts are not as readily available. I did this and ended up virtually rebuilding it to a GT drive. The boat could be older than stated and itself have weaker design flaws..The value on these very early ones are way lower.

What model hobie?