Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Bruce · Oct-26-12 12:21PM

I am toying with the idea of buying a Hobie Revo 11. From all of the reviews I've read on-line, it seems to best suit me and my preferences. However, the one thing I'm concerned about is its ability to handle shallow water. I mostly fish the Upper Potomac in the Lander area. Does anyone have experience with the Mirage drive system in this type of setting....shallow water, rocky bottom, etc. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated...Bruce

Osprey · Oct-26-12 1:23PM

I'm not familiar with that part of the river so I don't know how much is shallow. I can say this about the mirage drive, standard fins stick about a foot below the yak. Turbo fins add another 6" to that. The thing about the fins, hobie includes a bungee inside for clipping the fins in the up position. The revo is a narrower yak and should be easy to paddle where you need to. Redfish has revos, so he can give you more info. You might also go to snaggedline.com and ask your question there, lot's of hobies on that site.

Redfish12 · Oct-29-12 2:59PM

Revos are great for open water, however, for banging around on the rocks in the river a mirage drive can be a challenge. Hobie's come with plugs for the mirage drive well for when you want to paddle only and at least for me with the revo 13 I can toss my drive in the front hatch pretty easily. So that's an option to be able to do rivers and still have an advantage on open water. The revo 11 is fast. Not sure how big you are but I'm 6'1" & 200lbs and I have a pretty wet seat. I fish rough water so the scupper plugs are not an option for me. It's the design of the revo, your butt is below the water line. Makes for a stable kayak though!

Ernie · Oct-29-12 3:49PM

Personally, I would never use the mirage drive while on an UP float. Like Michael said, put the big plug in and float away with the use your paddle. Being butt wet while on a float is normal.....

But the mirage drive can be used in areas that you may not be floating where there is plenty of water (like Algonkian or even Lander). There, you can always raise them or feather them in shallower water.

It's the rocks in the rapids that are an issue.

Get the yak...totally versatile!

Bruce · Oct-30-12 9:29AM

After hearing your replies, I have follow-up questions. If I remove the drive and put in the plug, will it be less "river worthy"? Will it leak water or be less maneuverable? On the other hand, if I pull up the fins and lock them against the hull, how far will they extend below the hull and will this be an issue in shallow water?

Thanks,
Bruce

Redfish12 · Oct-31-12 12:12AM

A little water may still come in but I assure you that if you are paddling in the river there will be water coming in the boat. Leaving the fins in is an option but if you're banging on rocks you really don't want to risk damaging the drive. They fold flat against the hull so you can paddle in inches of water but some of those rapids can be really shallow and it may still be a problem. I've never paddled that section so I really don't know how much water is up there.

Last edited by Redfish12 (Oct-31-12 1:06AM)

Ernie · Oct-31-12 12:48AM

I agree with R12. You will always get a little water in the yak when doing a float.

Perhaps Andrew can chime in at some point, I think he floated his PA once.....

Pacemaker Fishing Forum

#1 Oct-26-12 12:21PM

Hobie Revo 11

#2 Oct-26-12 1:23PM

Re: Hobie Revo 11

#3 Oct-29-12 2:59PM

Re: Hobie Revo 11

#4 Oct-29-12 3:49PM

Re: Hobie Revo 11

#5 Oct-30-12 9:29AM

Re: Hobie Revo 11

#6 Oct-31-12 12:12AM

Re: Hobie Revo 11

#7 Oct-31-12 12:48AM

Re: Hobie Revo 11

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