Damn, feeling a bit foolish for my recent Hobie Compass purchase. It appealed to me in the store as a more nimble platform than my tugboat OT PDL106 and I have been intrigued by the Mirage drive hype. After using it a few fishing trips I am having serious buyers remorse about the following:
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That narrow bow is a double edged sword. Yes, it cuts thru the water nicely but there is no room in the cockpit area for any fishing stuff or to pull in a big fish onto the floor. I’m talking things like a minnow bucket, cutting board or tackle box. I have added side pockets to hold basic tools like fish grips and pliers.
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the seat is really low and you can’t slide anything up under it from the front. Seat risers won’t help as the front seat bar will still block sliding any kind of lure box up under it.
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Hobie seems to buckle and dime you for accessories that seem to come standard on other kayaks. Paying for and installing the front hatch – jeez. Side pockets – come on. I need a Hobie adapter plate to mount a power pole?
So it IS more nimble, and the Mirage Drive is interesting except having to yank stiff levers to switch from forward to reverse isn’t very fluid. It has made me appreciate Old Town’s design and features even if it is a tug boat.
Posted by TaintMcG
1 Comment
Hobie does sell it as the diy platform. If you want something more rigged, go with the Outback. I do like my compass, but it’s rigged how I like it. It’s a great offshore hull, and the square hatch between my legs is great for storage. I do out tackle boxes under the seat, but I lift the mesh seat to do so. I could switch the round hatch to the front, but I like the leak proof no hatch front for the ocean.