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Adjust your Mirage drive!
http://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=34166
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Author:  TDK [ Sat Feb 26, 2011 2:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Adjust your Mirage drive!

I was doing a little maintenance on the Pro Angler in anticipation of the warmer weather and, while I've been diligent about keeping my Mirage drive clean and lubricated, I hadn't done any significant adjustments on the cables since I bought the boat a year ago. After re-reading Roadrunner's helpful post on adjusting the drive http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=12578, I found my cables to be bad loose. They were not in danger of falling apart, but they were way out of adjustment. I should have known, as I found the drive felt sloppy and had a clicking sound on my trip a few weeks ago. Following Roadrunner's post, the adjustments were easy to make and the drive just feels tighter and better operating in my hands. I'm certain it will be better in the boat. After a good lubrication, I'm ready to hit the water. Maybe tomorrow! Do yourself a favor and take the time -- do it carefully and slowly the first time -- to get your equipment in optimal working order for the 2011 season.

The time is near, so take care of your gear!

TDK

Author:  Liquid Surf_FWB [ Tue Mar 01, 2011 1:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Adjust your Mirage drive!

I can't agree more, if you are in the area we always offer a free tune up for Hobie Mirage customers. It is worth doing at least once a year. And remember too tight can be just as bad or worse than too loose. Come by and see us in one of our three stores here in Florida if you are in the neighborhood.

Author:  TDK [ Tue Mar 01, 2011 9:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Adjust your Mirage drive!

Liquid Surf_FWB wrote:
I can't agree more, if you are in the area we always offer a free tune up for Hobie Mirage customers. It is worth doing at least once a year. And remember too tight can be just as bad or worse than too loose. Come by and see us in one of our three stores here in Florida if you are in the neighborhood.


I tried to be careful not to overtighten, but I wasn't sure how much pressure to use when squeezing the cables/chains to determine the amount of play. Roadrunner's post indicates just a little movement, but I wasnt' sure how hard he was squeezing. Suggestions?

Thanks!

TDK

Author:  Liquid Surf_FWB [ Wed Mar 02, 2011 9:45 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Adjust your Mirage drive!

Unfortunately, there are no known quantitative measurements for this tension. I use the "squeeze technique". I pinch both sides of the same cable, too tight wold be barely having them give when you squeeze, too loose it squeezing and having them feel loose to the touch. But try to take this into account. Cable tension will not eliminate all the play in a mirage drive, wear inside the drum can't be compensated for. Check to see if you have some "wabble" around the drum shaft or space. You may just be trying to solve a problem that can't be solved with cable tuning.

Author:  TDK [ Wed Mar 02, 2011 10:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Adjust your Mirage drive!

Liquid Surf_FWB wrote:
Check to see if you have some "wabble" around the drum shaft or space. You may just be trying to solve a problem that can't be solved with cable tuning.


Thanks for the tips. The cable/chains were way too loose -- probably natural after the first "break-in" season. I think I have them set about right as I can move them the suggested amount with moderate pressure from my fingers. Thankfully, there's no wobble at all around the drum. The drive felt really good on the water last weekend. I do wonder about regreasing the drum and other drive parts that I can't reach without taking the thing apart. How often is a complete tear-down recommended?

Thanks!

TDK

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