Mirage Drive options

[Cowpokey]

I was looking online, and see that buying a "whole" mirage drive, there's only $30 difference between one with Turbo fins vs Standard fins. The only option I see from shops when buying a new kayak are to spend $99 for the turbo fins. I haven't seen anyone offer an option to swap out the standard drive for the turbo drive, why is that?

[scorpioreno]

I was chatting with Dennis at backyard boats, and he told me ,if i'm not mistaken, that the turbo fins were a standard with the new Hobies. Mine came with the turbo fins. I can't recall if it was added into the cost of the boat.

[MD Dore]

It's my understanding that turbo fins are only standard with the PAs. I had to pay extra to add them to a 2014 Outback.

[Cowpokey]

It's my understanding that turbo fins are only standard with the PAs. I had to pay extra to add them to a 2014 Outback.

That's the way I've seen it for them also. I'm planning to buy a 2014 when I get settled back in MD this spring, still in Korea for a little over a month. Hopefully one of the dealers or someone that works at a dealer will chime in on this thread.

[CB kayak 02]

That's the way I've seen it for them also. I'm planning to buy a 2014 when I get settled back in MD this spring, still in Korea for a little over a month. Hopefully one of the dealers or someone that works at a dealer will chime in on this thread.

The turbo fins are an upgrade for all drives except for the pro anglers. Dealers are not supposed to sell the boats without the mirage drive. Hobie has many guidelines that they require dealers to follow and I believe this is one of them. So buying the mirage separately doesn't work, unless you lose yours or buy a used model that doesn't include the drive.

[Redfish12]

Talk to Dennis at Backyard boats (dennis AT backyardboats DOT com or 410.263.2900. He will have a special running for the Baltimore boat show this coming weekend that includes turbo fins and the sailing rudder. You may be able to reserve one of those deals.

Get home safe!

[RxForFishin]

Just an FYI, it is incredibly easy to install the turbo fins. I'm not sure if a dealer would charge anything for the install but if they do, save yourself the money and DIY.

[Cowpokey]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, I won't be back in time for the show this weekend, but IIRC there are shows in the area all through the spring. Hopefully they run some specials for each of them.

I'll get in touch with BYB when I get back.

[Yak Fish]

I believe the hobies should come standard with the turbo fins and the sailing rudder. They are so much better and for the price you pay, you should get the real deal.

[Mark]

I assume that since turbo fins have more surface area than standard issue fins they require more effort to pedal. Am I correct? I have only pedaled regular fins so I don't know.

Is their advantage speed, range or both?

[Yak Fish]

I assume that since turbo fins have more surface area than standard issue fins they require more effort to pedal. Am I correct? I have only pedaled regular fins so I don't know.

Is their advantage speed, range or both?

Yup, more surface area and slightly harder to pedal. I can pedal all day long with the turbo fins so it's not a huge difference in effort but you can go faster and further.

[Nitefly]

When I bought my Outback at Backyard Boats, Dennis installed the Turbo fins and Sailing Rudder for me. I had to pay extra for them, but the installation was free and only took Dennis a few minutes. I didn't even try the standard ones, but keep them as back ups.

[scorpioreno]

This is the vid that Hobie puts out about the different style fins. At the 1:15 mark they exlplain the fins that come standard with the PA boats and the Island series.

http://youtu.be/9LfP5eN44Ns

[FRED driver]

The only reason to stick with the standard fins would be if someone had very weak legs and had trouble with moderate resistance in the water--the turbos make a big difference in range over the course of a day and should probably come standard on every kayak (as well as the sailing rudder--key for maneuvering). Only caution with the turbos: don't try to accelerate really aggressively from a standstill. I reefed on mine pretty hard once and sheared the pedal shaft from overloading (and have heard of others doing the same). An easy fix but not on the water.