I bought a 2021 Hobie Outbback, as soon as they were available, from West Coast Sailing, in PDX. Don't get me wrong, I love this boat!

In 2014, I purchased a used '07 Outback off Craigslist. The drive on that one is still going strong. No replacement of parts, and virtually zero maintenance.

Can't say the same for my 2021. It has been fairly high maintenance, and I've replaced numerous components in the relatively short time I've had it. The boat is still under warranty, but for expediancys sake, I just bought and replaced them myself, wasn't too difficult or expensive. Since I've had it tho, the sprockets have gradually lost teeth. While still functional, it's gotten to the point where there are not enough left for me to risk a day at Fogarty with. I need a new spine ($325+), since no one seems to sell just the sprockets.

I contacted Hobie first. They said no problem, covered under warranty. Just contact an authorized dealer. I called West Coast Sailing, since I had bought the boat there. When I explained the situation, the guy on the phone sounded extremely irritated, for no apparent reason, and said he'd send me an email to get the process started. Close to a week later, still no email.

I then googled Hobie dealers, turns out there was one less than a mile from me. Oregon Paddle Sports, in Eugene. I went in, was greeted with enthusiasm, and had the process started in minutes. They're kind of hidden, probably get little to none foot traffic, but a quality business. I told them about NWKA, and it seems very likely they will be donating a gift certificate or product to help sponsor AOTY, supporting charities like HOW and CASA in the process.

So, if you're in the Eugene area, shopping for gear or need warranty work, check em out!

I bought my revo 13 at OPS. They seem like good folks.

You can have my spine.

I will never buy another Hobie product.  They were going downhill before they sold out.

So although Hobie did approve to provide me with a warranty covered spine for my drive, it is backordered. Not sure when it'll arrive.

 I did a few days on the water in my 07 Outback, which I hadn't personally used in probably a couple years. It really made me appreciate how much more comfortable the Vantage seat on my 2021 is. Then I did a day with my 07 drive (no turbo fins) in my 2021 hull. The wind came up bad, and at one point I was pedaling about as hard as I could, yet was hardly moving due to the wind.

I related this experience to OPS, and though it is not standard practice for them, they were awesome enough to loan me a 180 drive. They continue to impress and be extremely helpful and kind.