Kayak Love

all the ARSE dribble
User avatar
smithcorp
Occasional Visitor
Occasional Visitor
Posts: 5656
Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:13 pm
Location: Godzone

Kayak Love

Post by smithcorp »

I was sitting on the beach at Currarong on the South Coast the other day, trying to see norbs' house through the binoculars, when I saw a fellow wheel a double kayak down to the water's edge.

He fitted a mast with a sort of windsurfer sail to it, put a fishing rod into a holder on the side, pushed it out, reached under and pulled the wheels out on a little trolley that fitted upside down into the stern, hopped in, put his feet into some little pedals and pedalled out into deeper water, then set his sail and cruised out into the ocean!

I was amazed! What a craft! He came back a couple of hours later, sailing up to the beach, and I went over to admire it. It was a Hobie Mirage Outfitter, a two-seater plastic sit-on-top kayak with a pedal-drive system (amazingly sophisticated), rod-holders, stowable rudder with a little hand tiller on the gunwhale, a sail, normal paddle and all this amazingly clever storage all over the boat.

More info here: http://www.hobiecat.com.au/kayaks/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I immediately went to the kayak dealer in Nowra to lust after them and get glossy brochures to hold up with one hand at home and I am now sorely tempted. I've done lots of kayaking over the years, from racing flat water K1s and TK1s and twos and C1s and C2s, to sea-kayaking in a Mirage double that Bibi and i had before the kids came along, but these Hobie Mirage kayaks seem to have everything for the more relaxed man - pedal, sail or paddle, fish or just mooch about. I even found youtube channels for blokes who game-fish from these things miles out to sea!

Any ARSEs have experience with these things or own one?

smiss
User avatar
norbs
fucking right wing vegan lesbian
Posts: 24178
Joined: Fri Dec 17, 2004 6:01 pm
Contact:

Re: Kayak Love

Post by norbs »

Smiss, you buy it. I will charge you the smallest of medium fees to house it at my place for the 50 weeks of the year you aren't down here. :)
Sarc ; my second favourite type of gasm.
User avatar
bengatta
Ladies Motorkhana Champion
Posts: 5394
Joined: Tue May 15, 2007 6:03 pm

Re: Kayak Love

Post by bengatta »

norbs wrote:I will charge you the smallest of medium fees to house it at my place for the 50 weeks of the year you aren't down here. :)
30% of the profits smiss makes from it.... :)
They say, any day you wake up not dead is the start of a better day than it could be...

You don't need a parachute to skydive, you only need a parachute to skydive twice...

You're never too old to learn something stupid....
User avatar
norbs
fucking right wing vegan lesbian
Posts: 24178
Joined: Fri Dec 17, 2004 6:01 pm
Contact:

Re: Kayak Love

Post by norbs »

bengatta wrote:
norbs wrote:I will charge you the smallest of medium fees to house it at my place for the 50 weeks of the year you aren't down here. :)
30% of the profits smiss makes from it.... :)

Fuck you! And the Apple you sailed in on! :lol:

Actually, I will buy him a kayak, then charge him the initial cost + 30% per day to use it.

Oooh, I just got the shivers, I must have been channelling Steve. :nod:
Sarc ; my second favourite type of gasm.
User avatar
smithcorp
Occasional Visitor
Occasional Visitor
Posts: 5656
Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:13 pm
Location: Godzone

Re: Kayak Love

Post by smithcorp »

norbs wrote:Smiss, you buy it. I will charge you the smallest of medium fees to house it at my place for the 50 weeks of the year you aren't down here. :)
Make up the spare room fella! If I buy it I'll spend more than 2 weeks a year down here!
User avatar
richo
Posts: 3471
Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:45 pm
Location: The Shire, The insular peninsula .
Contact:

Re: Kayak Love

Post by richo »

Man why do you guys post things that i will now lust over????? That kayak is utterly sexual makes my sit on look like a shitbox !!

DO we know how much it is yet? I could google it but that's road to finding who sells them and then i will be visiting etc etc
[]D [] []v[] []D
User avatar
smithcorp
Occasional Visitor
Occasional Visitor
Posts: 5656
Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:13 pm
Location: Godzone

Re: Kayak Love

Post by smithcorp »

Richo - the one i have decided on (if I actually pull the pin) is this one - the Revolution 11. It's a single, it's light while still having all the good gear, and its a bit quicker and better for off-shore than the double or the other candidate single - the Outback. Retail is $2150 I think (sail and trolley are extra), but much cheaper on Ebay if you don't mind second-hand. A few seem to come up or can be bought from the classifieds section of kayak fishing forums (of which there are many i am finding).

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_nkw= ... m270.l1313" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
User avatar
smithcorp
Occasional Visitor
Occasional Visitor
Posts: 5656
Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:13 pm
Location: Godzone

Re: Kayak Love

Post by smithcorp »

richo - they have them here: Hobie Kayak Centre Sydney, 14/65-75 Capt Cook Drive Caringbah. 02 9531 1133. Just around the corner...

I'll be heading there when I'm back in Sydney to do some test-paddling!

Price correction - retail is $2390.
User avatar
EzyRider
Posts: 1258
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:19 pm
Location: State of inebriation.

Re: Kayak Love

Post by EzyRider »

Just FYI.. you all realise I work for a kayak/canoe company, and I'm the interstate delivery driver for these motherfuckers, right?

http://www.paddlepro.com.au/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just sayin'..
Middle Pack Racing Watch your mirrors!

Norbs on Germaine Greer: "..that crusty old slag can tongue kiss my quivering sphincter muscle, fuck her and the pretentious boat she fucking sailed in on."
User avatar
norbs
fucking right wing vegan lesbian
Posts: 24178
Joined: Fri Dec 17, 2004 6:01 pm
Contact:

Re: Kayak Love

Post by norbs »

EzyRider wrote:Just FYI.. you all realise I work for a kayak/canoe company, and I'm the interstate delivery driver for these motherfuckers, right?

http://www.paddlepro.com.au/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Just sayin'..

So if you forget to roll the back down and hit a bump........oh, i dont know, say around Nowra. :p

They sell Nookie! Is it cheap Ezy?
Sarc ; my second favourite type of gasm.
User avatar
Vilante
Master artist
Master artist
Posts: 9336
Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:32 am
Location: Sydney - Australia

Re: Kayak Love

Post by Vilante »

My Dad has wanted one for fishing for AGES!!

It's his 60th this year. Can you do me a deal Ezy? :)
User avatar
EzyRider
Posts: 1258
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:19 pm
Location: State of inebriation.

Re: Kayak Love

Post by EzyRider »

Have a look at the Paddle Pro site and look for the Rambler.. we deck them out with all the fishing gear, from rod holders to anchors. I'll check some prices and get back to you with what I can do ;)
(I can probably even deliver it :P )
Middle Pack Racing Watch your mirrors!

Norbs on Germaine Greer: "..that crusty old slag can tongue kiss my quivering sphincter muscle, fuck her and the pretentious boat she fucking sailed in on."
User avatar
kwijibo
Squatting Squirter
Posts: 2821
Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2005 6:21 pm
Location: Adelaide

Re: Kayak Love

Post by kwijibo »

Kayak fishing has become really popular in the last few years. A lot cheaper than maintaining a boat I guess :)
User avatar
richo
Posts: 3471
Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:45 pm
Location: The Shire, The insular peninsula .
Contact:

Re: Kayak Love

Post by richo »

smithcorp wrote:richo - they have them here: Hobie Kayak Centre Sydney, 14/65-75 Capt Cook Drive Caringbah. 02 9531 1133. Just around the corner...

I'll be heading there when I'm back in Sydney to do some test-paddling!

Price correction - retail is $2390.

Yes i know this place as i live very close to it...
[]D [] []v[] []D
User avatar
richo
Posts: 3471
Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:45 pm
Location: The Shire, The insular peninsula .
Contact:

Re: Kayak Love

Post by richo »

kwijibo wrote:Kayak fishing has become really popular in the last few years. A lot cheaper than maintaining a boat I guess :)
Ahh yes i,m paying $505.00 per month for a 22ft marina at the St George Motor boat club ..
[]D [] []v[] []D
User avatar
Vilante
Master artist
Master artist
Posts: 9336
Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2006 9:32 am
Location: Sydney - Australia

Re: Kayak Love

Post by Vilante »

EzyRider wrote:Have a look at the Paddle Pro site and look for the Rambler.. we deck them out with all the fishing gear, from rod holders to anchors. I'll check some prices and get back to you with what I can do ;)
(I can probably even deliver it :P )
Awesome dude, let me know :) Might be a bit out of the price range but definitely worth seeing if we can do it :yes:
User avatar
smithcorp
Occasional Visitor
Occasional Visitor
Posts: 5656
Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:13 pm
Location: Godzone

Re: Kayak Love

Post by smithcorp »

Had a test paddle of the Revolution 11 at St George Sailing Club at Taren Point yesterday. I dropped into the Hobie Shop at Taren Point to have a look and line up a test and the bloke there said he'd take me straight down. I didn't have any boardies or a towel, but I whipped my shoes off, jumped in and had a great float about.

I was initially planning to have a play with the Outback and the Revolution (Outback is very stable and some forum folk had described the Revolution as 'tippy') but in the end I just tried the Revolution and I didn't find it tippy at all. Very stable, didn't get to sail, but tried paddle (paddles fine, the boat has little foot rests on the sides to brace against and tracks fine if you lean slightly forward) and pedals (easy as once you get used to it and the kayak gets along fine by pedalling). The rudder has lines to let it down and stow it up, and your left hand controls a little tiller.

I tried it in the little slop and boat wash that was out there and it is remarkably stable front, side or back on and its quite manoeuvrable with the standard rudder (a larger sailing rudder is an option). I tried the standard fins for the pedal drive (little sense of resistance and goes along fine) and the larger turbo fins, which give you a good burn in the thighs and the boat goes about 20% quicker. The pedal drive is interesting - it fits into its slot with no effort and locates itself perfectly and two clips unship it for removal. As you approach the shore you lift the rudder by means of a line, and then put the drive fins into the parked position of one pedal forward and the other back, and a bungy hook keeps it there, so you can beach without banging anything up.

It's not a dry kayak - you get a wet arse from water sloshing up from the drive well.

Overall, I was well impressed.

smith
User avatar
smithcorp
Occasional Visitor
Occasional Visitor
Posts: 5656
Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:13 pm
Location: Godzone

Re: Kayak Love

Post by smithcorp »

Christened the kayak on the weekend - a quick lone trip on Saturday afternoon then a longer paddle/pedal/sail on Sunday with the family. Launched at Connell Point on the Georges River and played about with the kids in the back (such a stable kayak, no problems with me and a little kid) and then tried out the sail by myself. Great fun but it requires quick reflexes to ease the sail when a gust hits. It feels like it would be easy to capsize under sail.

Hobie make little outriggers for it, which apparently help.

Some pics:
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
User avatar
norbs
fucking right wing vegan lesbian
Posts: 24178
Joined: Fri Dec 17, 2004 6:01 pm
Contact:

Re: Kayak Love

Post by norbs »

Should I make space in the garage? :)
Sarc ; my second favourite type of gasm.
User avatar
richo
Posts: 3471
Joined: Fri Jul 15, 2005 11:45 pm
Location: The Shire, The insular peninsula .
Contact:

Re: Kayak Love

Post by richo »

smithcorp wrote:Christened the kayak on the weekend - a quick lone trip on Saturday afternoon then a longer paddle/pedal/sail on Sunday with the family. Launched at Connell Point on the Georges River and played about with the kids in the back (such a stable kayak, no problems with me and a little kid) and then tried out the sail by myself. Great fun but it requires quick reflexes to ease the sail when a gust hits. It feels like it would be easy to capsize under sail.

Hobie make little outriggers for it, which apparently help.

Some pics:
We must live quite close to each other ...

Does the drive make the kayak faster than paddling, could you troll (fishing trolling not the other) using the pedals?
[]D [] []v[] []D
User avatar
smithcorp
Occasional Visitor
Occasional Visitor
Posts: 5656
Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:13 pm
Location: Godzone

Re: Kayak Love

Post by smithcorp »

You can probably pedal as fast or faster than you can travel under paddles. People have reported doing 11 kmh under pedals. On Saturday I pedalled as much as I paddled. It paddled quite well, and the pedals with the longer and wider turbo fins are quite a workout for the old thighs, so you can paddle for a rest. You can definitely troll from it while pedalling, lots of people do.

It comes with rod holders (two at the back in the 11 foot one, 4 in the 13 foot) and more can easily be added. The big deck on the back can accommodate an esky, or a milk crate; and Hobie makes a live bait tank that fits there too.

Drop me a PM if you'd like to look at it, or have a paddle in it.

smith
User avatar
w00dsy
The Senna of Hoppers Crossing
Posts: 24457
Joined: Wed Mar 02, 2005 2:41 pm
Location: incognito

Re: Kayak Love

Post by w00dsy »

this chap called Smith knows no bounds, a man of land, sea and air. He is the Mercedes of men.
User avatar
pixelboy
Posts: 8063
Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:07 pm
Location: Shitney

Re: Kayak Love

Post by pixelboy »

You should take it fishing sometime!

http://media.smh.com.au/system/ipad/kay ... 35688.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
eek
User avatar
norbs
fucking right wing vegan lesbian
Posts: 24178
Joined: Fri Dec 17, 2004 6:01 pm
Contact:

Re: Kayak Love

Post by norbs »

w00dsy wrote:this chap called Smith knows no bounds, a man of land, sea and air. He is the Mercedes of men.


You're right!


Image
Sarc ; my second favourite type of gasm.
User avatar
smithcorp
Occasional Visitor
Occasional Visitor
Posts: 5656
Joined: Sun Dec 19, 2004 9:13 pm
Location: Godzone

Re: Kayak Love

Post by smithcorp »

I'm even more photoshopped than Mercedes.

Hey Pix - that's an amazing story isn't it? When I was researching these kayaks I watched his youtube videos and others - crazy stuff. I thought I might try a bit of a fish from it (perhaps in a more restrained way), but I haven't fished for 25 years and nobody seems to sell fishing line wrapped around a cork like I used in the old days!
Post Reply