Hobie Cat Forums

I noted that the Mirage replacement insert part (when not using the Mirage drive) has a leak around the small peg, where it has developed a crack at the base of the peg. I am looking for suggestions on how to repair this. I would like to be certain that it does not become to large to fit into the hull fittings which hold it in place.

Thanks! Pete S.

PeteS:
I drilled a couple holes in mine and filled it with great stuff foam, it's hardly any heavier, but seems more sturdy now, if filled with foam theres no place for the water inside, just leave the crack. If you don't want to get that elaborate, a solder iron may help fix the crack, just re-melt it shut. Hope this helps.
Bob

To expand on Bob's idea, remove the cheapo hollow plastic tabs and insert an old mirage drive drum shaft or 1/2" solid core/steel rod. Fill the plug with slow-rise polyurethane foam. Goop or epoxy the openings.

You could add some weatherstripping around it to enhance the seal of the drive well. You should end up with a solid, better working accessory.

Or you could just pay retail and spend too much on replacing this lousy plug, which is built to fail.

_________________
"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."
- Ayn Rand

Good suggestions! Thanks

Pete S.

Forgot to mention. The plugs, at least mine, do have some foam blown in them when you get them from Hobie, so you will not be filling the whole void.

Using hot glue to fill the cracks in and around the drum shaft might also be an option.

_________________
"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."
- Ayn Rand

Ideally, Hobie would ship them like this:

_________________
"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."
- Ayn Rand

You can also use the grey plastic rod that all Hobie kayaks ship with for securing the Miragedrive in the drivewell.

??? Got a picture Stringy?

_________________
"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."
- Ayn Rand

This is what I’m talking about Nohuhu. The miragedrives are cable tied to this rod for delivery.
Most Hobie dealers probably throw them out.


Being the right size and strong but light, it makes a good replacement for the plugs pins.


While on the subject adding a bung to the plug allows you to secure it to the kayak and drain it or add water for ballast eg when soloing a tandem




I like what you have done using the old drive shaft.
It reminds me of an early mod I did so I could add a daggerboard and ballast when soloing my Oasis. Filled with a mix of leadshot and tile cement it weighs 7kg. Layers of shaped Poly cutting board holds the DB in place.

That was one of my favorite mods of all time.

TI owners pay attention!

_________________
"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."
- Ayn Rand

I stopped using the Hobie Mirage Drive plug all together. My posts were bending and when stowed under the seat it took up a lot of room.

Instead I made a new plug from closed cell foam. This plug is formed to the shape of the drive well. Slightly oversized so that it stays in by compression. A slight gap at the forward end to allow water to drain out. Because it does not have pegs it fits better under the seat taking up much less room.

I cut a slot into the foam that accepts the dagger board. Only problem is that the foam is soft and the board tends to lean under pressure. When removed the slot closses.

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Paul
DogsLife
2011 Adventure Island (Little Dog)
2010 Tandem Island (Big Dog: "We keep a leg up on the competition")
2001 Wilderness Systems Woodsman Kayak 14.5 (Blue Dog)

http://dogslifeadventures.blogspot.com/

These are all excellent ideas. Glad I asked! Has anyone managed to make a tiki bar out of this insert? This is the only mod I have not seen.

Stringy's "bung" model could double as a flask...

_________________
"You can avoid reality, but you cannot avoid the consequences of avoiding reality."
- Ayn Rand