Hobie Drives

About every 60-90 miles.

I know from previous posts that you push your boats pretty hard.

Oh, no doubt. I'm positive they weren't designed for a 260lb former competitive powerlifter cranking the peddles for miles against heavy current hours on end. I view it as absolutely necessary to consistently catch Chinook in the Puget Sound though. I'd rather sell the boat when the warranty is up and buy a new one with a new warranty. This thread was just a warning to look out for as your Hobies get up there in age and/or mileage. Maybe Hobie will make a heavy duty version one day as the sport continues to gain popularity and more people push the limits of their boats. A boy can dream.

Maybe Hobie will make a heavy duty version one day as the sport continues to gain popularity and more people push the limits of their boats. A boy can dream.

I think it's a cost/benefit deal for Hobie. I too haven't had any major issues with probably 250+ hours on my GTT drive, but I am not pushing it with heavy current and wind as often as you either. I think if anything they should create a "bulletproof" type kit that would make a lot of those components harder to break, especially the pedal arms. I know I did manage to break a rudder pin once and was happy that it broke rather than breaking the plastic in the boat itself so I am sure there's some thought put into having certain components break rather than causing extensive damage to the boat itself, with the drive that's hard to say.

Why sell the boat for a new warranty ? Can't you buy a new drive and have that come with its own warranty ?

Why sell the boat for a new warranty ? Can't you buy a new drive and have that come with its own warranty ?

Not sure if Hobie just warranties the drive. It's over $900 anyways, might as well try to sell the boat at a decent price and get a new one.