ElementAI
In all honesty, the guy that suggested that Hobie kayak owners spend more time fixing them then going out in them didn't know what he is talking about. Take it from someone with 5 mirage Hobies in the barn, inculding 2 Islands purchased in Oct of 2006.
Both Islands get truck-topped everywhere, be it the boat ramp a few blocks away or a vacation spot hundreds of miles away.
I go out an average of 2wice a week or more. My average sail is about 20 miles per outing and I have been know to skip work and even meals to spend more time on the water.
Being an early adopter of the new Islands - even pre-ordering - there were issues. There were a few design modifications that were needed. For each Island Hobie gave me: a new rudder, new mast collar, new up/down handle, and finally a new complete up/down line system. These were all improvements, and are now in use on the new Islands.
In my almost 5,000 miles of sailing in all kinds of weather I have managed to break 2 rudder pins and a few cotter pins (using older steel sprocketed drive). I also broke a rudder - but that was because I modified it. Very minor stuff
I get on the water and go. 5min washdown and spray drive with WD-40 afterwards. Drive needs some periodic adjustments and worn parts replaced - but no big deal. The 2 drives I use on the Islands are both over 6 years old.
I sail often with some companions. One has a Wave, one a Bravo, and one has a Sunfish. They all eye the Island with envy on how easy & fun it is to sail and respect for how well it is engineered.
My wife, who thought she would never-ever sail, easily mastered the Island and we now sail all over the place.
On days with no wind I take out the Island as a kayak (Adventure mode - no sails/amas ect) - or I take out one of the Hobie Sports for fishing.
Anytime I want to get my "grin on" I load up the Island for a day in 15knt winds.