Hobie Outback Care and Feeding
by Jim Wolfe

So you broke into every piggy bank you own and bought a Hobie Outback or Mirage, did you? Just love that drive system in this kayak, don’t you? Want to keep it awhile, right?

Then listen up as following are a couple of pointers in regards to keeping your new fancy kayak in good working order, especially your drive unit. And your drive unit is truly what sets this kayak apart from all the others. They paddle - we pedal. Big difference from a fishing platform point of view.

If you only use your Outback (and all if this info pertains to any Hobie with the drive units) in fresh water then you only have minor upkeep to perform. But if you use it in the salt then you need to use the whole maintenance program. I may have missed something mentioned in the owner’s manual, and if so someone please speak up and it will be considered for inclusion.

For Salt or freshwater use the following always applies-

  1. Every time after getting off of the water inspect your drive unit to make sure the rods in the drive fins have not been bent, especially if you struck an underwater object or have launched from anywhere other than a dock. Any pedaling when the fins are not clear of the bottom (no matter how soft the bottom is) can bend a rod. A bent rod will degrade the thrust a fin produces and create addition drag slowing you further. A bent rod can usually be straightened in a vice, consult your owners manual for instructions. Also look for any problems that may be starting with the cables and pivot points on the lower end of the drive unit.
  2. After every few trips check that the rudder control and rudder lifting cables are tight. If the rudder control cables are too loose, every wake will cause the rudder to swing side to side. Center up both your rudder and the rudder control handle and adjust the tension on the cables so even pressure is applied on each cable. This will tighten up the rudder controls allowing for hands free steering as the tension tends to keep the rudder at what ever position you left it in.
  3. Keep in mind that you have small holes in the back of your yak to accommodate the cables and rudder assembly, and in a heavy wake situation (especially if they are coming from the rear) you will likely accumulate some water in the hull. I keep a bilge sponge I got at REI for about $8 in my hull and make sure all water is removed before storing. For that matter I remove any water before transporting. These are heavy enough to lift onto a vehicle without adding any additional water weight. And if you have too much water in your hull when you try to lift it the water will shift making the hull suddenly heavier on one end and unbalancing the load.
  4. Always follow the manufactures recommendations as far as storage. These yaks have specific ways they can be stored without damage and not following the manufactures recommendations is just asking for a problem with hull deformation. And while these models have a built in UV inhibitor I would not recommend storing them in direct sunlight.
  5. Occasionally inspect your entire yak for any problems. Hull, screws, rivets, cables, your bungee's and the entire drive unit from top to bottom. Better to find the problem in your garage than at the launch or on the water.

The following are the additional maintenance steps are needed for using your Outback in saltwater:

  1. Always, without fail, rinse your drive unit off in fresh water and inspect for any damage or rust to the fins, cables and pulleys. And then (this is very important and I recommend it even if your Outback never sees saltwater) follow the manufactures recommendations and spray the drive unit liberally with a water-displacing agent, such as WD40. This ensures all parts of the drive unit (moving and otherwise) are protected, as simple rinsing with freshwater sometimes just pushes to saltwater further into the unit. I also use the WD-40 on my rudder assembly. The bottom line is that if you don’t take care of the drive unit you will be putting out another 4 bills to replace it. And an Outback without a drive unit is just another yak, only this one is not that pleasant to paddle. The hull has a 5-year warranty, the drive unit just one year.
  2. Always, without fail, rinse your outback off with fresh water after each exposure to saltwater. Pay special concentration to the knobs locking the drive until to the hull and the entire rudder assembly. Salt left behind will eventually create havoc with these parts. Also rinse your paddle, seat, and all other accessories you have.

Be it salt or fresh also remember to always engage the bungee that holds the drive fins flat when entering shallow water, and always pull your drive unit from the hull when getting ready to pull the yak out of the water. Do not allow the bottom of the drive unit to come in contact with rocks, sand or the edge of a dock. Beaching your outback with the drive unit still in place exposes the unit to damage as the full weight of the hull may be resting on the drive unit.
Also never mount your drive unit until your yak is in the water. In the water the drive is very sturdy but it is not really designed to take much in the way of airborne impacts, like hitting a curb or catching it on a part of the dock. They are well made but pushing the issue makes zero sense. Take care of the drive unit and it will take care of you.

I have found that launching from a dock is for me absolutely the best method of getting on the water. No sand to get everywhere and no chance for damage if done correctly. A dock with a 90-degree turn leading down to the water will usually not work for this method though. Presuming you have wheels for your hull, get the yak ready to hit the water at your vehicle and when ready wheel it onto the dock. Make sure your drive unit is not installed and is securely lashed down. I put mine under the front bungee. Pick a spot on the dock clear of obstructions and pull the wheels off of the hull. Then grab the front rope and swing the back of the yak (watch the rudder assembly so you don’t smack it on something) off of the side of the dock and simply push the yak gently off of the dock into the water. Tie up to one of the cleats, climb in and install the drive unit. Untie and go fish. Reverse the procedure when you are coming back in (don’t forget to pull and secure the drive unit before pulling the yak out of the water). With a little practice you will feel comfortable doing this with a fully loaded outback. At first I took darn near everything off to launch and recover, but now I leave my rods lashed down and everything onboard. including the cooler.

This is far from rocket science and are steps easily followed. Following these simply steps will lead to hours of enjoyment in your Outback. Failing to follow any maintenance procedures at all (especially with saltwater use) will lead to hours of frustration and much additional cost.

Enjoy your Outback and/or Mirage. I know I enjoy mine.

Jim Wolfe
SR Plastics/Tightline Fishing Products Prostaff member.