Hobie Mirage Passport

[J Francho]

All the talk lately is of Hobie's top of the line Pro Angler, but did you know there are more affordable options from Hobie?

 

I fish out of a Compass, but the Hobie Mirage Passport is even more reasonable, and packs many features that you expect from Hobie.  The recessed hull is pretty cool for beaching without removing the Mirage Drive.  They also included their bullet proof twist and seal hatch.

 

Anyone of our members get some seat time in one?  Looks like a sweet small water boat.

 

 

 

[Bluebasser86]

Dang, that's getting to the point where I could look pretty serious at one for what they're asking for one of those. 

[Hook2Jaw]

I'm not a fan of the thermoformed hull, and that rudder is a nightmare.  I've sheared the rudder pins on a 2010 Outback twice, but that was surf landing in waves.  The Passport features the exact same rudder.

 

That said, I've sat in the seat for a few seconds and it seems comfortable enough.  I think the 10 1/2' hull would make for an able slow river craft, or inshore boat that doesn't feature 9' tide swings like I have in Georgia.  It would also be an excellent pick for ponds and electric only lakes.

 

I think it's also an excellent pick for shorter adults and children.  I just wouldn't aim this thing into swift water or large water.  It's a much better choice than the Perception Pilot and Pelican Catch 130HD, simply because of the proven drive.  I've seen tons of problems out of the competitors boats in this price range.

[J Francho]

I don't think surf is what this boat is for.  This is BassResource, after all ;).  Ponds, creeks, small lakes...this is a nice little craft that gives you pedal drive in a reasonably priced package.

[Hook2Jaw]

I know, but one of my big reasons for switching from a boat to a kayak was the ease of using it in the fresh and salt, and the challenge associated with both.

 

It's a good little water craft.

[Skunkd]

Looking at this boat for the wife for those times she'll come with me. Usually I'll let her take my Outback and I'll paddle my trusty Heritage Redfish 14. We'll occasionally hit the salt and its a nice reminder of why I got the OB. I'm definitely spoiled now with the peddle drive and rudder. Will be curious to see how the thermoformed hull does vs the rotomolded hull in terms of hull cracks. For $1400, seems like a good value.

[J Francho]

While I prefer a rotomolded boat, there have been durable thermalformed boats.  It's all in the quality of the materials and manufacture.  I wouldn't compare a thermal boat from Hobie or Wilderness to some off brand found in department stores.  Same for rotomolded boats.

[Koz]

In reading the description it states: "Mirage Drive Classic; a tribute to the original Hobie Mirage Drive."

 

So then it's not the Mirage 180 drive with reverse that comes with it for that price, and to me the Classic Drive implies there is no reverse.

 

For me, the whole idea of getting a pedal drive would to be able to jog as needed hands free when fishing. If I have a pedal drive I don't want to have to put down my rod, pick up a paddle, then put the paddle down and grab my fishing rod again. Heck, if that's my option I'd save money and just get a paddle only kayak instead.

 

No doubt it's a great price, especially for a Hobie. But I think that a pedal kayak for fishing must have reverse.

[J Francho]

They do work in reverse on the Compass, if you flip the pedal drive.  I've done this when the breeze is driving me into shore.  Typically, I am standing, so I just grab one of the pedals, and give a few flicks to get into better position.  I would bet you can do the same on this boat.

[Skunkd]

Seems like they’re selling the Passport as more of a recreational yak than a hardcore fishing yak. I bought my 2017 OB to fish the salt and never touched the 180 drive once while on the ocean. This year, pretty much all my fishing has been freshwater and I’ve used the 180 a ton. It’s not as intuitive as a prop drive but works just fine. I think that for $1400 the Passport is a good option for people looking for a peddle yak with a proven drive system. If reverse is on your “ must have” list theres lots of great choices out there now for peddle yaks. 

 

[Koz]

5 hours ago, J Francho said:

They do work in reverse on the Compass, if you flip the pedal drive.  I've done this when the breeze is driving me into shore.  Typically, I am standing, so I just grab one of the pedals, and give a few flicks to get into better position.  I would bet you can do the same on this boat.

I watched a few videos on YouTube and they stated that you would need to upgrade the Mirage Drive in order to have reverse.

 

Looking on Amazon I see the Mirage Drive v2 available for $530 and the Mirage Drive 180 for $938 so I assume the upgrade would be about $400.

[J Francho]

Or you can just flip the drive around.  That's free.  I'll have to make a video of me doing it.  It's not the ideal solution, but it works.

[Variable]

The 12' version would be very appealing if I hadn't recently bought a Compass.

 

 

[Koz]

Here's the answer that I received from Hobie:

 

Quote

Thanks for reaching out to Hobie. You are correct that the Passport comes standard with MirageDrive Classic, which does not come with the 180 reversing option. You can work with your local dealer on a possible upgrade opportunity, but that would be entirely up to the dealer.

 So you would either need to buy a separate Mirage Drive 180 or try and work out a price for an upgrade.

[Smalls]

Honestly, if it didn’t have the Hobie logo on the side, I think most people wouldn’t give this kayak a second glance. 

 

Its a good price... for a Hobie. But other than the Hobie drive system, which is their outdated one, it’s a pretty featureless kayak in my opinion.