How to Inspect an Older Hobie

I'm planning on looking at a 2007ish tandem Hobie to have as a second kayak for my girlfriend, friends, and family. It only has one mirage drive, but I'm planning on buying the other drive eventually depending on how it works with just the one. Does anyone have experience running a tandem with only one drive?

Also, what would be good to look out for besides any obvious cracking in the plastic?

I'm new to Hobie kayaks so it's a bit scary, but I'm on a low budget for this second kayak and for $800 it seems like a fair price as long as it is in good shape.

I really appreciate any advice!

Thanks!

Check the drivewells very carefully.  The older Hobies (at least the Adventures, Outbacks and Revos) were notorious for developing drive well cracks.  Those can be extremely challanging to repair effectively.  I think they changed the design and resolved that issue around the 2011 or 2012 model years.  Personally I'd hold out for a 2012 or newer Hobie.

our Oasis runs just fine with one drive, a V2 with turbo fins, even with 2 adults on board, I can move us ~4mph no problem by myself.  all alone on the boat I can push it to 5 or 5.5mph but can't hold that very long......

Hey guys,

Thanks for the advice. I didn't buy it but the owner took it off Craigslist and I can try it out in the water this weekend and buy it if I want to.

There is no cracking around the drive wells or anywhere else, except for one of the circular black drive locks was cracked in half and half of it is missing. Since it only has one mirage drive, it would be in the back so that isn't a big deal to me.. everything else is in good shape. It basically looks like it has been sitting around too much. There is very little wear, but the fabric on the seats and some of the strings just look faded and old.

I think for a second yak, it might be a good choice for me, so I am going to keep thinking about it. 

Does anyone have any insight into rigging the older hobie tandem kayaks for fishing, as far as rod holders, etc?

Thanks again for any help!

Does anyone have any insight into rigging the older hobie tandem kayaks for fishing, as far as rod holders, etc?

Thanks again for any help!

biggest issue for me has been the transducer for my sonar.

1- rod and gear holder behind the rear seat was easy to build and works great.
2- rod holders and sonar mount on each side just in front of the rear seating position
3- transducer hanging down over the edge, adds some drag at speed, it pivots up out of the way for that so not a big issue for me.
http://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-316-18-TRA1-NB

cheers, roger

Does anyone have any insight into rigging the older hobie tandem kayaks for fishing, as far as rod holders, etc?

Thanks again for any help!

biggest issue for me has been the transducer for my sonar.

1- rod and gear holder behind the rear seat was easy to build and works great.
2- rod holders and sonar mount on each side just in front of the rear seating position
3- transducer hanging down over the edge, adds some drag at speed, it pivots up out of the way for that so not a big issue for me.
http://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-316-18-TRA1-NB

cheers, roger

Thanks so much for this post, Roger. I talked the owner down to $600 and I'm picking it up tomorrow. I'll definitely be stealing ideas from your pictures. Thank you!

Wow, $600 for an Oasis!? Great deal.

If you're going to buy a second Mirage Drive (retail >$500) you may want to try building a trolling motor setup for less than 1/2 that cost:



It's a fun and easy project.

Does anyone have any insight into rigging the older hobie tandem kayaks for fishing, as far as rod holders, etc?

Thanks again for any help!

biggest issue for me has been the transducer for my sonar.

1- rod and gear holder behind the rear seat was easy to build and works great.
2- rod holders and sonar mount on each side just in front of the rear seating position
3- transducer hanging down over the edge, adds some drag at speed, it pivots up out of the way for that so not a big issue for me.
http://www.rammount.com/part/RAM-B-316-18-TRA1-NB

cheers, roger

Thanks so much for this post, Roger. I talked the owner down to $600 and I'm picking it up tomorrow. I'll definitely be stealing ideas from your pictures. Thank you!

cool, if you want anymore info or pictures on what I have done just PM me...roger