Mirage Drive 180!

boo yah!

I am most interested to see how well they perform in the regular forward motion, the fins look significantly smaller which in my mind has me thinking less surface area = less speed and torque from them... I could be incorrect in that assumption.

I am most interested to see how well they perform in the regular forward motion, the fins look significantly smaller which in my mind has me thinking less surface area = less speed and torque from them... I could be incorrect in that assumption.

I think it is important to remember that speed through a fluid is a key part of the 'how much force is generated' equation:  in this case, surface area near the boat has much less effect compared to surface area near the tips of the fins.  I am guessing they made some adjustments to the fins (maybe slightly longer or slightly wider at the tips) that will result is basically equivalent performance.  cheers, roger

Awesome! I hope the drive fits older Hobies


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Awesome! I hope the drive fits older Hobies

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yes, it is backwards compatible.  not clear yet is whether older drives can be retrofitted with the forward/reverse option, my feeling is no but I have seen conflicting info on that.  either way, they are going to sell a bunch of either 180 drives or 180 retrofit kits, one way or another:

I'm pumped for this!
This will be standard with 2017 fishing model kayaks, both single and tandem. Those kayaks will ship in late 2016. The stand alone drive will be available for sale sometime mid-2017.

oh hell ya!!!!!

Ok NOW I'm getting a new kayak...thanks Santa.

Now this is a game changer.   All those propeller driven kayaks claiming reverse is where it is at, won't have anything over a Hobie now.   

The reverse features increase the complexity of the Mirage Drive.  It'll be interesting to see if there are problems or failures with the new features.  Because being able to pedal in reverse isn't very important to me, I think I'll let others test out this new product for a couple of years.

Agreed! But if only they would do something like a breakaway mast is all I can think of. Ill bet everyone has bent their fin masts before... or will, eventually.

It'll be interesting to see if the new fin design is more effective and efficient than the current Turbo fin.  Unfortunately the design of the base of the new fin is different from the design of the base of the current fin, so it won't be possible to put the new fins on an old drive.

Another vid.



Other important features of the MD-180:

Fin and Mast Redesign:
-The all-new Fin design features great efficiency; stronger, more durable fins for even greater impact resistance; and a clean, new look.

-Available in both ST-length and Turbo Fins - there will be no change in the models that include the Turbo Fins as Standard Equipment.

-Turbo-Fin Upgrade Kits will be available this Fall through Parts and Accessories. It is not possible to put the new fins on an old drive because of the design changes made to facilitate reverse.

-The new Mast is a larger diameter, which provides more strength, with more resistance to bending on impact.

More stuff that could break,  but also seems more durable.

Lots of information on their marketing blog...

http://www.hobiecat.com/blog/hobie-introduces-miragedrive-180-forward-reverse-system,562/

The MirageDrive 180 will be standard with all 2017 model year Mirage kayaks, including the legendary Outback and award-winning Pro Anglers. MSRP will increase by $150 for single model MirageDrive kayaks and $300 for tandem MirageDrive kayaks. 2017 model year kayaks are slated to begin shipping in October 2016. The MirageDrive 180 is retrofitable to existing MirageDrive kayaks and is expected to be available as a stand-alone accessory by mid-year 2017.

-Sam