When you start kayaking, you have to find the right boat for your needs. But with all the different types and models of kayaks, it can be quite complicated and overwhelming.
If you’re here, it probably means you somehow come across the term Hobie kayak. Don’t worry. I also had no idea what it was until not a long time ago.
Although Wikipedia defines the word Hobie as a name or nickname, it’s useless because it doesn’t make sense in our context. So let me clarify what it really means in the world of kayaking.
What Is A Hobie Kayak?
Hobie is a company that makes high-quality pedal kayaks. So a Hobie kayak is a boat made by this brand. They use a unique foot-driven system called the MirageDrive that is present on all the Hobie kayaks. It consists of two pedals you need to push forward and backward to propel the boat.
Now that you understand what a Hobie kayak is, you probably wonder what makes this brand so popular. And if you’re curious like me, you certainly have many other questions about their kayaks. Thus, here’s everything you should know about them!
How Does A Hobie Kayak Work?
The Hobie MirageDrive propelling system is made out of two parts: Pedals & Fins. A Hobie kayak works by transferring your pedaling force into sideways movements of the fins. So by pushing the pedals forward and backward inversely, the boat will move on the water. You can also pull a shift cable to go reverse.
Since Hobie kayaks don’t require a paddle, they have a steering system with a stowable rudder. There’s a T-handle to drop/retract the rudder and a control lever to move it from side to side. It means you can easily maneuver the kayak with one hand.
Here’s a short video to show you how it works in action!
What Makes Hobie Kayaks Different?
The main difference between Hobie and regular kayaks is the pedals. A foot-driven propelling system is very convenient for freeing your hands on the water. Without a paddle, it’s much easier to take a picture, drink water, or fish while navigating the boat.
But Hobie isn’t the only company that makes pedal kayaks. Many other brands have models with a foot propulsion system. The only difference is the mechanism they used isn’t the same as the Hobie MirageDrive.
Most other pedal kayaks are powered by a bike-style propelling system. Contrary to Hobie models, the pedals will do circular movements just like on a bicycle. The pedaling force is then converted into the rotation of a propeller, which can make the kayak move.
So Which Pedal System Is The Best?
The MirageDrive is usually faster, quieter, and lighter. It’s also better if you plan to go kayaking in shallow waters or grass. On the other hand, the bike-style pedal system is more durable, cheaper, and easier to go backward instantly.
Both have pros and cons, so it generally comes down to what environment you plan to go kayaking in or your preferences. For today, let’s keep our focus on the MirageDrive system and see what benefits it has to offer.
Hobie kayaks will provide more speed with fewer restrictions than most other pedal models. The fins can be flat against the bottom of the hull by extending the pedals at their maximum. It’s very convenient to navigate in shallow sections without damaging the system.
Kick-Up Fin is another recent technology developed by Hobie that automatically folds the fins on impact. Then, they get back in place when you start pedaling. So it makes this propelling kayak system appropriate for shallow waters.
The pedal system is easily adjustable, portable, and doesn’t make a lot of noise. However, the MirageDrive has downsides too. First, it’s very pricey, and the durability isn’t as good as with other models.
You also need to pull on a cord every time you want to switch from forward to backward or vice-versa. The transition is relatively fast and simple but not as easy as with the bike-style pedal system, on which you can reverse practically instantly.
Another concern you might have about Hobie kayaks is the motion. Constantly pushing the pedals forward and backward probably won’t feel as natural, and you might not like it as much as the standard bicycle motion. Therefore, you should try both to see which one you prefer.
How Fast Do Hobie Kayaks Go?
The fins on Hobie kayaks will push more water than a standard propeller to increase speed. It’s impressive how fast you can go with the MirageDrive system. You should be able to reach up to around 4-5 knots (4.5-6 mph) rather easily. Compared to the average kayak paddling speed (2.5 knots or 3.5 mph), it’s fast.
But the MirageDrive isn’t only faster. It’s also more efficient. You can pedal a Hobie kayak much longer with less effort. Thus, it’s a huge advantage if you have to navigate over long distances or against currents.
Is A Hobie Kayak Worth The Money?
A Hobie kayak has many benefits, but it’s also more expensive than other pedal models. In general, most people will agree the MirageDrive technology is worth the extra money. The kayaks made by Hobie are high-quality and convenient. So you pay a premium to get the best experience possible on the water.
On the other hand, it’s not the right option for everyone. I would rather choose a paddle kayak than a pedal one, and some people might not be able to afford a Hobie. That’s why it’s essential to make sure it’s really what you need before investing in this type of kayak.
It will all depend on your needs and where you plan to go paddling or pedaling, I should probably say. For example, a Hobie kayak could be ideal for anglers to free their hands while fishing and navigate fast on the water.
However, I would not necessarily recommend this specific brand for beginners. Getting a cheap boat might be a better idea to make sure you enjoy the sport before making a significant investment.
People that like to keep things simple or don’t need many features on their kayak should probably stay away from the Hobie company. Their boats are great, but you may not want to pay the high price for something you won’t use at its maximum capacity.
Last Thoughts About Hobie Kayaks!
Finally, Hobie is a well-known brand in the world of pedal boats. They make reliable, innovative, and performant kayaks for us to spend more quality time on the water. With the MirageDrive propulsion system, they have revolutionized kayaking.
If you’ve never tried a Hobie kayak before, I highly recommend you do so. You might be surprised by how fast and convenient it can be. Then, you will be able to decide whether or not it’s the right option for your needs.
As long as you can afford a Hobie kayak and it makes your adventures more enjoyable, I think it’s worth the investment. Whether you choose this brand or another, it’s time to get ready and plan your next kayaking trip.
See You On The Water!