I have another suggestion for the docking question: Assume thad we had a fixed (when under way) Ama/Aka assembly with two Aluminium tube Akas. Those would be fixed to the central hull by means of two accepting tubes glassed into the main hull. You could fix the Aka/Ama assembly in the tubes with hand knobs. For docking, just loosen the knobs and shift the Ama/Aka assembly relative to the main hull, so that one Ama sits right flush with the hull, and the other one sticks out further to the open water side. Probably a bit lighter than having hinges or similar folding hardware. What do you think?

Best regards,
Mario.

You mention that the 21′ can be made as a SOT, can the same mod be made to the 17′? How are you going with the plans as I cannot make up me mind between these Yaks and your Black Bay series. I would love some more information so I can make up my mind and start building. Mark, Cairns Australia.

I have a mold of the recess for the drive and can make the ‘cassette’ part to graft into any boat to enable the drive to be used.

Aloha,
pog
http://www.onnopaddles.com
paddleshop@hotmail.com

Yes, the amas could fold forward as you describe with a bit of welding on the aluminum aka tubes to install pivot points. That would be an outstanding modification to the base design that would really enhance the utility of the boat when out fishing.

There is another design mod in the works that does away with the aluminum tubing and substitutes a box beam gull-wing aka assembly that is held in place with hand knobs and quick release pins. It does not have the folding utility that you describe, but it does add a style and use function by getting the akas up and away from the water’s surface, reducing drag significantly.

Mirage drives can be hard to come by sometimes. It’s all up to the various independant Hobie dealers as to their willingness to sell just the drive. Personally, I think that is fairly short-sighted as a sale is still a sale, in these economic times.

It’s plenty easy to search the Web for a dealer who is into making money, so cast the net a bit wider and just pay for the shipping.

The cutomer of mine who built the two man Mirage powered Strider had to get his drives from a North Carolina dealer when he was on vacation from his home in Australia. He just took them apart and stuck ‘em in his baggage for the trip home.

Try this resource I found on the Internet:
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/254/Hobie-Mirage-Drive.html

Looks like a drive can be had from them for $450 with free shippping.

Let us know how it turns out for you.

Chris

Brian

Cool boats .. Thanks for the link to my rudders.

I have installed the Hobie system on several surfskis. Still have the mold to make the parts.

Hope all is well.
A hui hou,
pat