mmiller wrote:
Same chains... yes, available.
Hi Matt - here is some feedback for your engineeers in reference to drive unit sprocket issues:
I moved the turbo flippers to an old stainless steel sprocket drive (my spare drive unit) and moved the regular flippers to the composite sprocket drive.
The turbo flippers worked well with the stainless steel unit. That worry feeling about composite sprockets splitting (based upon experiences) went away.
Then I did a fast start to catch a boat wake and heard the dreaded POP noise. The chain skipped a link in the sprocket - the exact same problem I had with the regular masts, even when the chains are very tight. The shafts must bending a little or the chain must be positioned such that it catches on a gear when overly stressed allowing it to skip. Maybe that is where the "Click" noise comes from when pedaling with a stainless drive unit.
IMHO, if Hobie is considering production of those original stainless steel parts without consideration of reinforcing those parts to meet the demands of the turbo masts, you're likely to have another wave of drive unit issues - chain jumping gears.
For cruising at a steady pedal pace, the stainless steel drive unit totally eliminates the possibility of sprocket splits - it is rock solid in that respect. I'll be leaving the turbo masts on the stainless steel sprocket meaning - no more broken sprockets. Yea! Sure wish I didn't have to pedal so delicately though.
The majority of your buyers probably use their pedal kayak a half dozen times and never use it again meaning a standard mast with standard composite parts are perfect for them.
Please remember the rest of us who consider the Mirage similiar to a bicycle - an endorphin addicting vehicle that gives us much pleasure.
Bless Hobiecat for helping to stop me bicycling sucidially down the highway and street graveyards. I really would like a Mirage bicycle that I can stomp down on the pedals without worry of something breaking or slipping.
When you upgrade your drive unit design to provide strength, quick change of mast capability, and use reliable parts, you won't be able to produce Mirage kayaks quick enough due to product demand.