Hobie Turbo Fin Installation

Been working on installing turbo fins on my Hobie Mirage drive.  The old fins came off just fine, although one fin is cracked clear through at the pin hole from front to back.  I can try to show a picture of it later but right now the issue is getting the old rods out without damaging the peddle drive.  I was just wondering if anybody has had any experience with this problem and could offer up some helpful advice.

Right now its outside under cover getting sprayed with WD40 while I regroup.  Next step may have to be a vise if all else fails.  If you've been through this and can offer some help I'd appreciate it.  Thanks.

Have you checked out the Hobie site? I have seen some youtube videos on what you are doing now.

If I can find it I will post it here for you.

Rodney

Hey Amb,

Is the problem that the rods won't "lefty loosy" out when you use a wrench to un screw them from the drive?  I hold the peddle arms between my legs and use a long handled wrench at the top of the mast to "un screw" them. Hobie uses a light lock tight so it can be tricky. A little liquid wrench might work.

I have literally removed and installed dozens of turbo fin kits and would be glad to walk you through it if you want on the phone.

Give me a call at the shop any time.

Derek
Kayak Shed
877-725-2925

Hi D rock - yea they really don't want to unthread, bad.  Been soaking them with WD40 most of the day.  If that don't work I may take you up on the phone offer.  I really don't want the boat down any longer than necessary.  I just have to hope in the mean time that I don't get too frustrated.  I appreciate the offer.  Thanks - Alan

These rods ain't coming out.  Not without some professional help.  Next Adventure or Kayak Shed here I come.  Nice to have Monday off to get stuff like this taken care of.

These rods ain't coming out.  Not without some professional help.  Next Adventure or Kayak Shed here I come.  Nice to have Monday off to get stuff like this taken care of.

They can be a real PITA !. a large pair of vise grips and some leverage.Put the pedals on the floor, step on them. Put thedrive between your legs and wrench on it till it feels like the drive is gonna break and they usually snap loose(hopefully not snap).. Not sure what size tool you are using, but a normal size wrench that will fit the tiny flat spot is not gonna do it.

Hope this helps...

Heat loosens LocTite. Use a heat gun on the rod, close to the socket. The heat will travel up the rod and loosen the LocTite. Don't be in too big a hurry - the rod will loosen. And don't get crazy and try to use a torch or anything like that.

AMB,

Swing by Next if you are in Portland, I will be around until ~5 and would be happy to take a crack at those for you.

50/50 ATF/Acetone is better than any commercial penetrant.

I have to say that there are some really good people on this forum.  All the offers of help with my Mirage drive have really impressed me.  Folks I havn't even met were willing to offer up help and I am really grateful to all of them.  My thanks to everybody who offered help.

The parts had come from Kayak Shed in Hood River and D rock offered help.  It's an easy drive from my place and when I got there it was like they were waiting for me.  I met SnoPro, DrSteelhead and D rock, all interested to check out the peddle drive.  John the owner checked it out too and while I had lunch he took the thing home and fixed it.  Just like that!  My peddle drive, complete with new Turbo Fins, was waiting for me when I got back.  Now I can't wait to get the boat out and try the new fins.  Way to go Kayak Shed.

It's nice to know that there are good people out there willing to lend a hand when you need help.  This group is full of those type of people.  I'll be glad to return the favor if I ever can.  Thanks everyone - Alan

And that is why I have bought three kayaks from the Kayak Shed....excellent customer service sells kayaks!
Alan, very nice to meet you today .
DSC

The people at Kayak Shed are phenomenal. They take customer service to another level.

I've even know D-Rock to deliver an Outback to the ORC at the last minute.  Not sure who ordered it....

The Kayak Shed Rocks!

Nice to meet you Alan.

Be mindful of the no wake zones with your new turbos.  

You guys have a great group there in Hood River.  I was raised in LaGrande and Heppner so your area isn't totally new to me.  The Columbia River Gorge is beautiful, and can be some of the best fishing to be had.  Between the salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, and walleye I bet you stay pretty busy.  I always thought it would be fun to drift the Columbia over what used to be Celilo Falls and watch the depth finder.

Have any of you guys worked the area below John Day Dam for walleye?  I'm just wondering how a kayak would do in that water.  LaPage park looks like it might be a fun place to check out too.

Warp speed ahead.  Now my Hobie's turbo charged.  Good luck on the water you guys!  Have fun!