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PostPosted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:19 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:08 pm
Posts: 2
Hello...new to the forums here and new to kayaking. I'm interested in purchasing a Hobie Mirage i9s. I like to fish, so I'm looking for ways to get out onto the water without purchasing a boat.

Anyone care to share their thoughts/experiences with the Hobie inflatable i9s? There's a used one at a local store here that I have on hold until this Thursday. I'm taking it out on trial run Thursday after work.

My initial thoughts on the i9s:

Size: I like how compact it is. Small, easy to transport/inflate/deflate. I don't own a truck, so I like the idea of not having to use a rack/thule.

Durability: Appears to be very tough.

Drive unit: Love the idea of pedal not paddle to free up my hands to fish.

Does anyone know how easy it is to install accessories? Specifically, a fish finder and rod holders.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much.


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PostPosted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 8:44 am 
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Joined: Fri Aug 07, 2009 10:57 am
Posts: 26
The i9 is a great kayak. Bought mine in March 2012 and have been on the water in it about a dozen times. Someone on the forum discribed the i9 as a water Jeep, a conclusion I share. The i9 is stable, durable, portable, easy to inflate/deflate and sailable. The Mirage drive is incomparable as a way to power a kayak. Rod holder is offered by Hobie and very easy to install and very useful. I recommend the i9 user think like a backpacker, carry only what's really necessary, and those items you do carry should be simple, compact and light weight.


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PostPosted: Tue Jun 19, 2012 12:52 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 2:08 pm
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Thank you for the feedback. I was drawn to it for those same reasons. Durable, lightweight, portable, easy to inflate/deflate, minimal. I'm taking it out in 2 days...cannot wait! It'll be her maiden voyage. Here are a few pics I took. :D

Image
Image
Image


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PostPosted: Wed Jun 20, 2012 1:41 pm 
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Joined: Mon Jul 04, 2011 7:12 pm
Posts: 184
Location: Columbia, MD
If size/weight/portability are primary concerns then i9s is a good choice. I prefer the i12s for fishing. Holds more gear & is more at home in bigger water IMO.

I'd be pretty limited in what I could carry in an i9s. Aside from below deck storage, the i12s is pretty comparable to an Outback.

Just my 2 cents worth.


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PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 9:51 am 
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Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2012 11:04 am
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@jtbgator: Where's the store where that beautiful kayak is displayed? I'm looking for a place where I can see and touch before buying.


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PostPosted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 11:06 am 
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Joined: Thu Feb 23, 2012 5:03 pm
Posts: 56
Location: Seattle, WA
You wont be disappointed - the inflatables are just incredible boats. I have two i12's and have done a tiny bit of fishing with them. Just be careful with sharp hooks! If you are fishing, the i12 has a forward sealed hatch that's pretty nice for keeping things tidy, but is still easy to set up with one person. I have a bunch of videos / photos of the i12's on my site from different trips I've taken, linked below.

_________________
"Never mistake a clear view for a short journey." - Cowboy Proverb

Graduating from adventure junkie to dealer. Get your fix at http://www.fasterfarther.com


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