2010 Hobie Adventure review

Got my new Adventure and there's some of the changes for 2010. Some of them cross over to other models like the seat, paddle, and MD and others don't. First what's common to all.

The seat seems to be a little bit taller than before but most noticeable is the self inflating lumbar pad. Think Thermarest sleeping pad. It's super cush and the pad extends a few inches out at full inflation. I didn't really notice it making a huge difference to me but it's most likely because of my height so it probably sits too low in my back. They've also changed the way the seat is fastened and use expanding wedge plugs under the seat. There are some rings to tighten the plugs and work great. Nice addition Hobie!

The Mirage Drive has a few new additions most noticeable is the pads on the pedals. They're foam and do a great job gripping so your feet don't slide off the pedals. Normally it's not that big of a deal but when you get tired you'll appreciate the pads. They've also added some short lengths of bungee to the back of the pedal to keep the pedals from flipping upside down. It's a real simple and most importantly, light solution.

The standard paddle has been updated and has a fiberglass shaft and nylon blades. It's a real nice paddle.

Now to the Addy's changes. The only real difference I noticed on the hull is the peg behind the seat that connects to leash in the seat back. It keeps the seat back in the right position, up. Also on the Adventure they've added a drain plug on the bottom corner of the keel to drain easier. It's really not in the best place but I never use the drain plugs so no big deal.

Z

Nice review Zee!


WOWZERS!!!! They put the drain plug in the right place!!!! Finally!!! That is waaay too cool! I do use the drain plug and the last position was just plain bizarre.

That seat looks pretty sweet too, I really like that expanding plug. Gonna have to figure out how to retrofit that one.

I finally paid the ransom and got my replacement drive in yesterday and it is a much improved unit over the '06 model.  
That bungee counter-weight is slicker than snot too and I look forward to the padded pedals.

That plug seems like a really bad spot to me.  Really exposed.  Is it strong enough to hold it's own if you dropped the kayak on it?

That plug seems like a really bad spot to me.  Really exposed.  Is it strong enough to hold it's own if you dropped the kayak on it?

Hmmmm, now that you mention it, that is a questionable placement. I liked it because it would be great for draining the boat. On the other hand it be great for filling it up if it's knocked out

 I think it would be pretty hard to drop the yak on the plug because of the way it's recessed in there. The only part that could get messed up is the tip of the tab portion of the plug. Kinda hard to see in the pic. But if you could find a way to hit the plug I think it would end up mushed as opposed to cracked since they're made of polyethylene like the rest of the yak.

Z

I am excited to get out and fish one of these!

I am excited to get out and fish one of these!

Me too!!  Just took delivery of mine a week ago (red) but conditions here have prevented me from getting out.  Depoe Bay CG says restrictions are 16' and under.  To bad the Adventure is 16' and not 16' 3"    Starting to lay down so maybe Sat or Sun.

Was hoping the X-Wing http://www.malibukayaks.com/gear_xwing.asp would fit it but looks like the battery compartment goes in the same place as the drive so I'll be looking for other alternatives.  Thinking I need to get on the water to get a feel.  Anyone else with a similar system is welcome to comment.  I need the fish finder closer to me eyes so I don't have to wear glasses.  Thinking about mounting it in the beverage holder.  Zee or FFTupperware can you email pics of how you have yours set up?

Thanks  Greg

Mine is mounted in the mast hole.

Probably not the place you want yours. But check around on the web. Especially in the Hobie forums. There's plenty of other people w/ Addy's that have set up their FF's differently.

Z

  I'm not so sure of the placement as well.  On my outback that area is pretty scratched up from loading onto my truck.  I've had to add some hot glue as a buffer or skid.  The campershell on my ruck is pretty high and the angle gets pretty steep when I load it up and onto the racks. Sometimes the back end drops and does get dragged a little.  Now, with a 2 person load, the chances of dropping are a lot less. so maybe it'll be a non issue.
  In a way I'm glad Hobie decided to put the drain where it should be though, maybe the plug could have been a little higher (Just to keep it out of the rocks, sand gravel whatever when beached?