The Hobie Mirage Sport Kayak is the best solution when it comes to a small kayak that has superior quality over most budget-limited anglers. The kayak only measures 9 feet and 7 inches long and is suitable for those of you who own small cars and like to fish in small waters and who need an easily maneuverable and agile vessel.
An advantage of this kayak is that despite being small it comes with a lot of storage space which, together with the MirageDrive 180 pedal system makes the boat agile enough and quite stable. Unfortunately, the kayak doesn’t have thigh pads included and some of you might find the cockpit tight and uncomfortable. Also, the boat doesn’t come with a skid plate and thus the kayak is very vulnerable to dings and scrapes.
Buid Quality
Hobie kayaks are known for their superior craftsmanship. The materials used for Hobie kayaks are way more superior to other materials used by most of the kayaks from the market. The Mirage Sport is also made from rotomolded polyethylene like all of Hobie kayaks. The colors of the vessel vary from Papaya Orange to Seagrass Green, Ivory Dune, Hibiscus Red, and Slate Blue. Unfortunately, Hobie isn’t renowned at offering a skid plate, and Mirage Sport also doesn’t have one.
Storage Capacity
Although the boat is only 9-feet-and-change it can provide a surprising amount of space for storage and depositing. The twisted-seal hatch that is included in the cockpit is perfectly suited for storing all kinds of small tools and things. The kayak also has a mesh pocket that is situated on each side of the cockpit.
The bungee-equipped cargo area is also large enough to store some belongings. The large compartment that is meant for larger equipment is located in the bow. The two flush-mount rod holders are also included. Mirage Sport Kayak also has a paddle keeper and an important drink holder.
Comfort
Being small, the kayak isn’t recommended for large anglers, and thus it is more suited for medium to small-sized paddlers. Nonetheless, being of a much smaller size doesn’t guarantee you being too comfortable in the kayak. The cockpit is not that long and thus tall anglers can also feel a little cramped while piloting the vessel.
A good thing is that the kayak comes with footwells as well which are perfect for those of you who would rather paddle than peddle. It also has a Vantage CT seat which is adjustable in four ways and features a mesh back that helps to keep your back cool even in hot weather.
Stability and Maneuverability
With an almost 30-inch-long beam, the boat might not seem to be that stable, but rest assured that the kayak performs very well. The more experienced anglers can even stand while fishing, although the bigger the fish the more recommended it is to sit down. While the craft only has a max capacity of 225 pounds it can still be used to store all the necessary gear someone would need.
When it comes to maneuvering the boat, you will be pleased to hear that the kayak is easier to maneuver on even the most crowded waters. The Mirage Sport is one of the most nimble crafts of this kind and while it isn’t the fastest kayak on the market it can still reach great speeds. The MirageDrive 180 pedal system allows the paddlers to rest their leg muscles and also use the muscles to power the vessel. The kayak is also good at tracking and that’s because of its tri-hull design that also has a twist-and-stow rudder included.
While the small size of the kayak might fool some people about the weight, as most of you will believe that the kayak is fairly lightweight, that’s not the case with Mirage Sport. The boat weighs 78 pounds fully rigged and might pose some challenges for a single person to carry. Although some of you who are strong enough won’t have any trouble carrying the kayak. The real problem comes when the kayak needs to be taken out of the water as it’s a must to be in your best physical condition to do that. A good thing is that the vessel has handlers at the stern and bow which makes it easier to carry around.
Conclusion
The small kayak’s size makes it more suitable for anglers that want a small watercraft that performs as well as a premium kayak does. It is not that good of a choice for big and tall anglers as it will be very uncomfortable. The pint-sized paddlers will find the kayak one of the best acquisitions of their life. The Mirage Sport Kayak is surprisingly stable for its size. The kayak is a small, nimble, and capable craft that offers quality at a great price.
The Hobie Mirage Sport Kayak is great for both newbies and veterans and of course, everyone in-between. If you are looking for an upgrade to your old kayak or you are just getting the taste of kayaking, then there is no better choice than this kayak.
The price might scare some of you who are not familiar with kayak prices but it’s an acquisition that will last the test of time. Durable, fast, easy to paddle, and with tons of onboard storage, the Hobie Mirage Sport Kayak is one of the most versatile boats on the market. The only note we can give to this kayak is A plus.
Specs:
- Brand: Hobie
- Model: Mirage Sport
- Check price at austinkayak.com
- Type: sit-on-top
- Color(s): Red Hibiscus, Papaya Orange, Ivory Dune, Slate Blue, Seagrass Green
- Length (ft/cm): 9’7”/292cm
- Width (in/cm): 29’5”/75cm
- Height (in/cm): N/A
- Kayak Weight (lbs/kg): 61 lbs / 29 kg
- Weight Capacity (lbs/kg): 223 lbs / 102 kg
- Hull Material: Rotomolded Polyethylene
- Transducer Compatible: Yes
- Number of People: 1
- Salt Water Friendly: Yes
- Peddles: Yes
- Tracking Enhancement: Rudder
- Adjustable Seat: Yes
- Rod Holders: 2
- Adjustable Foot Braces: Yes
- Paddles Included: Yes
