From a Paddler's Perspective

Josh, your enthusiasm for your Hobie is infectious, but I think it only fair to offer some reasonable counterpoint: 
 
The first third of your review, or rant as you put it, is that the Hobie is hands-free (except when paddling it). As for tying on a lure while on the move, that a true, but relatively minor consideration.  
 
Your second point claims that Hobies can mount rods (and troll) with the mounts in front of the pedaler in plain sight. Truth is many paddle kayaks also use a forward mount position, often on the console, and with the same advantages.  
 
Personally I frequently troll with my rod inserted down the front of my life jacket, wherein I can feel even the smallest touch, bite or weed. No real advantage for the Hobie. 
 
Your third claim is that with a Hobie you don\'t have to waste \"a second or three\" storing your paddle after a strike. So who stores the paddle. If I am not paddling my paddle remains \"at-the-ready\", in my lap (the famous technique of Ken Dougherty, author of Kayakfishing, the Revolution). If I am trolling, my momentum sets the hook, and when I feel this has been adequately accomplished, I simply drop the paddle in my lap (at-the-ready position), grab my rod, and have fun. The paddle remains ready for adjustments as needed. No real advantage for the Hobie. 
 
Your fourth point is that the Hobie can \"chase\" a powerful fish to avoid being spooled. I\'ve never had this need. Perhaps the Hobie is too bulky to be towed, but most good performing paddle craft are easily towed by large fish. And whether you chase em or get towed by em you still end up \"god knows where\". Indeed, it is common to force the larger to tow you as a form of fish fighting drag. 
 
Do note that proper fighting technique will allow any kayaker to adjust the drag force to the fish. This is done by using the rod as a lever and forcing the fish to pull you sideways, forward or any angle you desire. No advantage for the Hobie.  
 
Your fifth claim is your most important, ie that Hobie offers an \"alternate means of propulsion\" in an emergency. In paddling, we call that a spare paddle. You have also fallen prey to Hobie\'s marketing claim that \"legs are bigger and stronger\". This assumes that paddlers are forced to use (weaker) arms.  
 
Truth is good paddling is a whole body effort. It starts with a good foot push, and travels up the leg to the hips, and is followed by a powerful rotation of the torso. The arms and shoulders are barely used, and then only at the end and transition of the stroke. 
 
In truth, paddling uses almost all the muscles of the body, not just the legs, and does so with a significantly lower center of gravity. Add to that the inefficiencies of the Mirage Drive (from 50 to 70% power loss), and it is no wonder that skilled paddling is really quite superior. 
 
Now your observation that the Mirage Drive is a mechanical device subject to more than its share of failures is true. And this is just compounded by the Turbos which seem to increase the failure rate. 
 
What you have not addressed in your rant are the disadvantages of the Hobie, as any good review should. Allow me to add my observations: 
 
1. Hobies break down, and it\'s not when they are in storage, but at sea. When they do you are forced to paddle a bulky, fat, slow and not terribly seaworthy kayak with a cheap and heavy paddle, perhaps leaking, and for long distances. Not good. 
 
2. Hobie don\'t go in reverse, can\'t move sideways, can\'t do a quick 180, spin in circles. All useful in fishing.  
 
3. In bad seas if you are about to be dumped by a breaking high wave or wake coming at you from the side, in a paddle boat your response is quick, easy and effective - you brace with your paddle to the side and avoid a rollover. In the Hobie - you dump. 
 
4. Fish often run under and around the kayak. Snagging lines on the Mirage Drive is common - some owners have reported that the lines have actually sawed grooves in the flippers. Paddle kayaks don\'t have that problem. 
 
5. Fishing requires lifting, loading, transporting, lifting, lowering, carrying and launching your kayak. And that\'s just one way. Hobie\'s are very heavy and unmanageable. Most experienced kayakers crave kayaks that weigh less than 50 lb, closer to 40. A heavy tub is a disincentive for a quick yak. 
 
5. Hobies - however creative - are still evolving works in progress. At KFS (a large commercial website), there are over 500 posts by the Hobie rep addressing the inordinate number of breakdowns due to equipment failure, maladjustment, design shortcomings and/or lack of quality control. Paddle kayaks are far more reliable and ready to go fishin. 
 
Anyway, that\'s a bit of counterpoint. I do feel reviews must be complete and cover both the advantages and shortcomings. Personally I own 12 kayaks, have tested and reviewed Hobies but have never been impressed enough to buy even a used one. 
 
Thanks again for your viewpoints.