On the topic of the Compass coming with the MirageDrive GT, I asked on the Hobie YouTube announcement video if there would be an option to upgrade to the MirageDrive 180 at purchase time and got this reply.

"Hobie will be shipping all the Compass kayaks with the MirageDrive GT but it's worth asking your dealer if they offer a plan to swap to drives. The MirageDrive 180 fits right into the Compass plug & play!"

Oh well, maybe dealers will see the need and offer it to keep it from being a deal-breaker for those considering other pedal kayaks at lower price ranges than the Hobie kayaks that come with the MirageDrive 180 from the factory.

I'm still surprised that they don't just off all the kayaks with either drive and just adjust the price by the $150 difference in drive value...

On the topic of the Compass coming with the MirageDrive GT, I asked on the Hobie YouTube announcement video if there would be an option to upgrade to the MirageDrive 180 at purchase time and got this reply.

"Hobie will be shipping all the Compass kayaks with the MirageDrive GT but it's worth asking your dealer if they offer a plan to swap to drives. The MirageDrive 180 fits right into the Compass plug & play!"

Oh well, maybe dealers will see the need and offer it to keep it from being a deal-breaker for those considering other pedal kayaks at lower price ranges than the Hobie kayaks that come with the MirageDrive 180 from the factory.

If someone was interested in doing this I'm pretty sure the Kayak Shed would be willing to make the swap. John and his team are pretty great up there. I'd suggest just giving him a call if you're interested.

I like the looks of this boat. My kayak fishing mission for this year was to fish with my 3 year old and we've been using the I11 for our father and son trips. Although it's a pretty good platform, hooks and a 3 year old on the inflatable make me nervous. I'm thinking the compass may be a good option, lots of room in the rear and looks nice and stable. Kayak Shed also looks like they may now have them in stock...hmm...

https://www.kayakshed.com/product/hobie-compass-mirage-drive-kayak/

Just seeing this thread now.  I had a chance to pedal and paddle the Compass at the release in Wisconsin.  It's a great kayak.  I own Pro Anglers and an Outback and it has elements of both with a few restrictions.

We had one in the RAM Mounts booth and it made it easy to rig with built in tracks.  Yeah, it doesn't have a sailing mast, side pockets or a front hatch.  You have to drill your own holes to run wires (but at least they give you the hardware screw in caps to do so).  The seat is fixed but it's a comfortable position - somewhere in the middle of the low and high option on an Outback.  The seat lacks the boa style adjustment and instead has adjustment straps on the sides.  My hips are a bit wider than most, so the seat is wider than the Outback/Revo.  Still comfy. 

I took it out on the water and it paddles and pedals great.  Rudder and hull design reminds me of the Pro Angler.  It turns great and the rudder tucks up underneath - no locking to secure.

Think of this is a blank canvass for your rigging.  At $500 difference, you can make up for it in accessories.