undecided

[dsafety]

Originally Posted by Billy V

On the plus side I launch at LJ without ever removing my paddle. The Mirage Drive lets me peddle straight from shore and blast through big waves at times.
-I really tested the hell out of it this week with a BIG Wave over my head.

It was a holy shit moment.lol

Like most Hobie owners I am more than pleased with my choice. The peddle system effortlessly gobbles up the miles and even after a full day of trolling, I am not tired. With a paddle boat, I suspect that it takes a long time to get into the kind of shape needed to spend a day on the water.

That said, Billy's comment about using the peddles for launching, (and I assume landing), interests me. I have always used the paddles and as a result, launching and landing is usually the lowpoint of the trip.

Last week my stock Hobie paddle broke while paddling in at the shores. Ron from Fastlane replaced it under warranty but gave me a puzzled look when I told him the I did not use the mirage drive while launching and landing. I think he thought I was nuts.

I thought that using the peddles in shallow water was a big NO-NO that could seriously damage the drive so I have never done it. Am I the only one who did not get the memo that this is OK?

Bob

[Handymansd]

Originally Posted by dsafety

Like most Hobie owners I am more than pleased with my choice. The peddle system effortlessly gobbles up the miles and even after a full day of trolling, I am not tired. With a paddle boat, I suspect that it takes a long time to get into the kind of shape needed to spend a day on the water.

That said, Billy's comment about using the peddles for launching, (and I assume landing), interests me. I have always used the paddles and as a result, launching and landing is usually the lowpoint of the trip.

Last week my stock Hobie paddle broke while paddling in at the shores. Ron from Fastlane replaced it under warranty but gave me a puzzled look when I told him the I did not use the mirage drive while launching and landing. I think he thought I was nuts.

I thought that using the peddles in shallow water was a big NO-NO that could seriously damage the drive so I have never done it. Am I the only one who did not get the memo that this is OK?

Bob

No No No... bad peddler! You may do it a few times and get lucky but why chance it?

I have seen more than one drive system trashed from landing or launching with them. There is a whole lot of torque on those fins, and when they strike the bottom, nothing good will happen, unless you uncover some hidden treasure of course.

[Mr GreenJeans]

I guess I'm in the minority here. I've been using the hobie drive to launch and land for the last two years without incident (except for the one time the drive failed when the mast came loose, but that is another post). I always launch in water that is thigh deep, and dismount in the same. If I'm not sure, I tuck the fins up against the bottom and take short pedal strokes.

[erinoo]

Same as you GreenJeans....Never a problem here, but it's ok to be over cautious if your unsure of your abilities.

[Billy V]

Originally Posted by Mr GreenJeans

I guess I'm in the minority here. I've been using the hobie drive to launch and land for the last two years without incident (except for the one time the drive failed when the mast came loose, but that is another post). I always launch in water that is thigh deep, and dismount in the same. If I'm not sure, I tuck the fins up against the bottom and take short pedal strokes.

We must have a similar launching technique.

As I walk the boat out into thigh high water I drop the rudder. When I'm sure its deep enough I unhook the mirage bungee cord and wait for the right wave.

-Then hop in and get "On the Peddles".
note--
I don't bother to slip my feet inside, I just place my feet on the peddles which ever way they are positioned and go straight through anything that comes at me.
This works in large or small surf.

Place your yak on a table and take a measurement of the full extension of the drive fins and transfer that measurement up against your body.
Once you are in the water that deep your Good to GO.
-Short stroke if there is any doubt.

------------------------
When landing.....

I always keep the Mirage Drive mounted in the boat, but I Use the Bungee to hold the Fins up against the Hull
-I use the paddle to return through the surf and hop out when I see 2 ft of water and drag it up on shore.