New Hobie??? Santa Cruz Kayak Raptor G2

[lovett88]

Just saw a short video on Facebook showing the new raptor kayak that will be able to use a mirage drive!?!?! Kind of a cool idea, but never been a fan of the raptors look. But to each there own. I'm just here to pass on the hype! Lol Here are some pictures from there facebook post

Also here is a link to there short video.
https://youtu.be/zzFfvR9xHdU

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[jet]

interesting

[imagine29028]

If there isnt a partnership...I see a lawsuit in their future.

[Memory Maker]

If there isnt a partnership...I see a lawsuit in their future.

I think someone said that the patent protection has expired

[Mark]

On-line searches about the Mirage Drive patent only confuse me. You'd think it would be easy to look up to get a specific date.

But there are several dates in play. I've seen 2000, 2005 and 2009.

I've seen 14, 17 and 20 years mentioned as the length of the patent.

More interesting, I've seen relatively recent Hobie literature with the notation "Patent Pending" in parentheses after Mirage Drive.

I believe that some of the confusion stems from the inventors filing patent requests for every nuanced change in the drive, like the shape of the fins for example.

To be a patent attorney...good money in that, no doubt.

However, could it be argued that Sante Fe designing a boat for a Mirage Drive is no different than Shimano using reel seats on their rods to fit other brands of fishing reels? Rod and reel makers both benefit from that relationship, just as Hobie would benefit here, selling more Mirage Drives. If that is the case, Sante Fe may be at work designing a Propel fit.