MD180 Kickup Turbo vs MD180 Turbo - Drive Difference

Hello, I recently purchased a 2020 Outback with the kick up fins. I also have a 2018 Compass that I just upgraded to MD180 Turbo with Arc cranks. I love the arc cranks! While doing the upgrade I noticed that the kick up fins are slightly shorter by a 1/4" or more. Also the metal fin rod is also shorter. I decided to take both out with both the Outback and Compass. I noticed a fairly large difference in the amount of resistance between the two drives. The newly made Arc drive seemed to be harder to peddle then the Kick Up Fin version. I tried adjusting and lubricating the newly made Arc drive but everything looks good. Can anyone verify that the 1/4" difference in height makes that big of a difference in peddling? It's noticeable enough for me to want to cut down the fins/rod to replicate the smoothness of the kickup fin drive. Wish I could have found the parts to make the kick up fin version but with this Covid bs it sure has made it hard to find parts.

Another thought is Hobie has figured out that the slight height difference can equate to a much smoother drive. The new Outback is butter smooth while peddling!

Matt posted the above on May 19.

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2019 Outback360 'Fish Retriever'
2016 i11s 'Go Cougs!'
2012 Oasis and 2012 PA12 (moved on but not forgotten...)

KU drive availability as a parts purchase is further delayed. Boat production has been bananas this season. Everybody wants one. We can't keep up.

Our warehouse looks like the grocery stores did a few months ago.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)