Posted by frances on December 10, 19102 at 23:00:14:

In Reply to: Re: Opinions on Hobie Mirage posted by Dave Blanchard on September 30, 19102 at 17:11:05:

Hi Guys, I've owned a Tandem Hobie Mirage for 3 or 4 years now -- glad to see there are others out there who have seen the light. They're worth every penny you spend. The gentleman with whom I keep company from time to time and I come close to 400 lbs together and we can use the Mirage --- granted it would do with less weight but was quite seaworthy and took us anywhere we wanted to go in the Elizabeth River around Tidewater Yacht. I've used it by myself up there for hours at a time, and my son and his brother-in-law used it up the White Oak River in NC. They couldn't go up to the head of the creek due to brush in the water, but they thoroughly enjoyed it.

I've taken kids of all ages and other women out, and all really enjoy it. I've only tipped it once and was quickly able to get back in. The parts are well made, and Hobie is great about guarantees and replacement parts. Wish I could find folks on NC coast who kayak or canoe with Hobies in with standard canoes/kayaks as I really enjoy it and can spend hours in it. I've never fished, but will try it. The rowing and pedaling is easy and I, at age 56, was able to keep up with and p dinghies in the harbors with no rowing and did not wear myself out.

: John - they work even better than advertised!!!!
: I've only rented ones so far, but they are great... I used it primarily for fishing, but they are easier to propel thru the water by pedal power than conventional kayaks are by paddling for light recreational use. They are not recommended for surfing or whitewater use, as the drive system protrudes quite a bit below the kayak and is easily bent. But, on a like or slow river, when you combine both pedal power and paddling on the Hobie (this does take some getting used to) you really fly with the combination of both. Steering is really easy with the rudder and turn knob located at your side. They are very stabile compared to Sit-in Kayaks, and much safer, should you really goofup and turn it over or fall out. You just reboard, like climbing out the side of a swimming pool.
: You should enjoy them a lot.

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