Marco,
Go to the Hobie site…find the video of the tug O war…The designer of the Mirage system…an averaged sized man around 160 Lbs…uses a solo Mirage equiped Kayak to pull two signifigantly larger men backwards in a Tamdem Kayak…and they are Paddleing full out to try and stop him…he drags them backward quite easily!!!..I’d say trips up river would not be a probelem…so if you peddled slowly enough…yes It should hold you in a steady current just fine…
This should take you to it…
[url=http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/miragedrive.html:2194c]http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/miragedrive.html[/url:2194c]
Yep it works…the tug o war Vid is near the bottom of the page…this is what pretty much sold me on it!!!
[This message has been edited by billknepp (edited 20 March 2006).]
Bill,
THANKS AGAIN. That video was is a GREAT sales tool. Consider another Hobie Mirage S_O_L_D. Kilt two birds with one stone too. Now I know how to lose a few pounds fast. Just have to find two chumps in a yak willing to paddle against me. Slim city here we come.
I think this is also the one that one of our Autralian Fishing Writers (Rob Paxivanos - Spelling unsure ATT) used to reel in a Marlin after hooking it up from a game boat
“Fishing’s an Art form, an Art form worth your learning”
Craig
Congrats on your new yak! Sounds like you got a good deal.
The extras you got (the wheels, cooler, etc) are optional on some versions of the Outback (depends on whether you buy just the Outback bare bones or get the “autographed fishing version” which normally costs more…or add the fishing package (minus the autograph from some celebrity I never see on TV) to the bare bones for the same price as the pre-rolled fishing version.
That latter approach is how I got mine in part because it was what the shop had in stock and I didn’t want to wait after having tried one of their demo models on the water.
I raced a guy in a 16’ touring yak and kept up until his arms gave out (he was a rookie paddler and I was a rookie peddler). He was impressed enough he asked if he coulde try the Outback and was grinning ear to ear in it.
I’m planning to put a couple Scott rod holders along the sides behind the seat so I can carry my fly rods easier (and more securely). I’m also looking to put a better way to attach an anchor back there…a quick release that will let me toss the line overboard in a hurry if needed so the yak is instantly untethered.
As for a whistle…your voice will carry POORLY (and wear out quickly) if you run into real trouble on the water. Get a “Fox 40” or equivalent and tie it to your PFD on a string long enough to get it to your lips. That way, you’re not fumbling in pockets or wondering where you left it when you need it. They don’t cost much… more info here:
I forgot to mention. If you can find a local kayak safety/intro class - TAKE IT. They should include teaching you how to do a self rescue in case you dump yourself out (fairly difficult to do in an Outback unless you stand up without using outriggers). It’ll also teach you basic paddle strokes (more than just forward…how to move sideways, backwards, etc…things those pedals won’t do for you).
Oh yeah, one of the best additions to my Outback was an 18" wooden canoe-style paddle. I use it one-handed to push away (and paddle backwards) from shore, docks, etc.
It’s a lot easier to reach behind the seat and grab it (while keeping my rod in my hand) to back up a bit instead of making a full circle (which isn’t always an option) ot instead of using the two-handled paddle that comes with the Outback.
They don’t cost much and they’re darned handy for fine tuning your position.
I do see one thing I like of your Yak there …Ummm Geezer…nope not comfy useing your handle…LOL…I see your NOT!!!..A Geezer that is!!! …
And that’s the stern anchor…I gotta find a way to add one to this Outback…not sure how with the rudder system…I do have the rigs I saved fore and aft from my Canoe…
Got my rudder system installed tonight!!! works great…(without having actual water testing) just yet…was a bit tricky…with the tension of the rudder lines already conected and pre set…
But all’s ready except my need for a launch permit…Funny I’ve owned and used two other Non Powered water craft…without ever knowing I needed a permit to use PFBC Property and ramps…Just assumed since they did not need registration…they were good to go…Still learning I guess!!!
