Just moved to Olympia from AK

Way to score a good deal.

Thanks micahgee

I was most worried about the mirage drive thinger, as it looks costly to replace. But it worked great, didn't squeak or anything, didn't look rusty or anything. And, she was 63 years old i believe, so I don't think she ever really put to much torque on it in use.

Nick

Excellent!  Very happy you were able to get this kayak.  I think you will enjoy it mightily. 

Those rudder controls can be a REAL pain, so you might want to go to a hobie dealer and have them do the replacement.  If you want to try yourself, the part you need is this:

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/3325/Hobie-Mirage-Rudder-UpDown-Line-Kit-Universal.html

I broke one of the control lines and ended up splicing in a short length of replacement line rather than trying to run the whole thing.   Seems to be holding well, but I will probably fix it good and proper in the off season.

Yes its costly to replace, I would definitely recommend leashing it. I just use nylon rope tied to a carabiner, which is then clipped to the hull. Very cheap insurance for a 500 dollar item!

Yes its costly to replace, I would definitely recommend leashing it. I just use nylon rope tied to a carabiner, which is then clipped to the hull. Very cheap insurance for a 500 dollar item!

+1. Nylon rope and a carabiner. 

Those rudder controls can be a REAL pain, so you might want to go to a hobie dealer and have them do the replacement. 

Hrmm, I was hoping it might not be too difficult, and try to do the repairs myself. Does anyone have an idea how much a dealer charges to do a full rudder control cable replacement? I'm sure it is up there in cost.

Dunno, but the kayak is perfectly usable as-is.  The up/down is more for convenience. Its the left/right control you really need. i.e don't let it keep you from fishing!


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I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?htkasg

Give Dan at Hobiecats Northwest a email/call. Kevin, their tech rep is very skilled. www.hobiecatsnorthwest.com

And officially now, welcome to the cure!!

+1. Nylon rope and a carabiner. 

And WD-40 water resistant silicone lubricant.  Spray everything that bears on something else. 
And turbo fins.
Make sure you have spare rudder pin(s).

I'm new to the site as well - I am up in Tacoma near Pt. Defiance.

Welcome to Washington Nick!! Check out the farmer's market in Olympia - Lots of good stuff. Hit me up sometime and we can get out in the bay or over to Chambers.

Will do one I get things in order
Thanks for the tips! I haven't got a reply from hobie yet on dealer cost of the strings replacements.

Well, Keven @ Hobie cats nw quoted $90 for labor, so I'll order the part and give it a shot on my own. (It's also an hour drive away) Thanks for all the help guys!

Nick

Cool. Let us know how ya do.

Over a month later....

Finally moved into our new house.
Finally got the outback into my new garage from my buddy's barn.
Finally got a chance between unpacking tons of boxes and what not, to take a look at the ruder.

After looking a little more closely at the lines, decided only to replace the up/down cables. The steering cables had nowhere near the wear of the up/downs. And the down rudder line was broke and fraying bad. Took me about 45 mins, with just a few tools that are pictured. Gonna leave the extra line dangling for now, until I make sure everything is 'tuned' right for steering on the water. Hopefully this weekend I can get out to long lake and get it in the water for abit. The 'second set' of turbo fins havent come in yet. Thanks for the help and advice on parts and what not!

 Still in the process of setting up the house though. I'll try to start getting out after work or on weekends.

Uh, btw does anyone need a seriously old and used, but tried and true washer and dryer on the cheap?