
Combining the Hobie Mirage Drive within an innovative hull-the Hobie Mirage Inflatable i12s with its patent pending design will redefine how the world views inflatable kayaks. This 12 foot single is perfect for those who are short on room and storage. It packs nicely within its own rolling travel bag, so it can fit in the trunk of your car, on your boat, in your RV-you can even take it on the plane for your next vacation. Optional accessories include; sail package, cup holder, rod/accessory holder and plug-in cart. | ||||||||||||
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| Reviewer: | Ali in Long Island, NY. | Rating: | 5 | Date: | 06/25/2012 |
| Review: | Excellent service from ACK. Customer Service answered questions about the kayak beforehand via phone. Shipping was prompt and super fast. I bought the Hobie i12s Sundance Yellow for the express purpose of taking my Wheaten Terrier out on the water with me. The dog loves to swim and gets in and out of the boat throughout the duration of our run. Needless to say its a soaking wet experience but thats to be expected. The dog ALWAYS has a vest on him, the kind that has a handle up top, which allows me to lift him out of water. This brings me to two important features of the boat: Stability: At the time of this writing I weigh 215 pounds and the dog is 43 pounds - the boat is stable as can be during this get-doggie- back-on-board maneuver. It would take concerted effort to destabilize this vessel. Rubber construction: The dog isnt lifted straight up in the air as much as he slides up the rounded, inflated sides. I cannot imagine doing this on a hard shell. As a rule I bring him up from the left side since the paddle is stowed at the right. Here are some other observations: *PROS*: Takes about 3 to 4 mins to inflate with the provided pump. About a minute each for three sections. Deflates by the time I am done putting away the accessories. Mirage drive works like a charm, even when going against the tide on standard fins. Excellent stability. I feel confident that the boat would do just fine in choppy water. Rubber material is tough enough where scratches from a Wheaten Terriers paws are a non-issue. The boat has built- in sockets for Hobie Kayak cart and it literally takes 10 secs to plug it in. *CONS*: Trying to pack this thing up in the included bag is not easy. I simply transport the folded but unpacked boat in the back of my dog mobile, aka subaru station wagon. One minor thing: Making the blades a brighter color on the otherwise all black paddle would help increase boat visibility for others. Its a well designed, well engineered and attention grabbing boat. Pleasure to own, would recommend in a heartbeat. | ||||
| Reviewer: | LBA42 | Rating: | 4 | Date: | 12/29/2011 |
| Review: | We have had a 12ft hard body Mirage for several years. I bought the inflatable as a second kayak so my husband and I can go out together. WE have both tried it now and agreee that it is much more stable than the hard body but not as fast. The we carry the hard body and our inflatable dingy fully inflated on the aft deck of our lobster boat. We live in southern California and travel to Catalina Island frequently. We did not have room for another hard-body so the inflatable was the answer. It is very easy to inflate and set up. Our only complaint is that it is really very difficult to fold and pack into the carry bag making storage a bit of a problem. I am very satisfied with the kayak itself but disagree with the suggestion the it is easy to transport. At 53 lbs without the peddles and other asserories included transportation is a challenge. We would like to be able to stoe it on the boat but it takes up a lot of room. | ||||
| Reviewer: | rtymer | Rating: | 5 | Date: | 08/11/2010 |
| Review: | My wife and I have a 9 and 12 inflatable and are absolutely awesome. The engineering is incredible in the construction of the hull, mirage drive and rudder system is terrific. I use the 12' Hobie and upgraded to the Turbo Fins, larger Rudder and sail kit. The only advancement I would like to see Hobie include is a cleat for the main sheet. It gets tiring if sailing for over 2 hours. Everyone that has seen us pedal or sail is blown away at the technology of the mirage drive. I have adjusted the Turbo Fins to "tight for sailing and loose for pedaling. As earlier stated if you use the pedals while sailing is is awesome, plus you get a great workout. I never give reviews but in this case I was compelled. This is a kayak you will never sell. A+ for engineering, construction, durability and just plain fun. Enjoy!!! | ||||
| Reviewer: | Kim in Howell, NJ | Rating: | 5 | Date: | 06/01/2009 |
| Review: | Awesome !! Everyone stops to ask about it. Very fast and easy to inflate and deflate. Fold up not bad at all. Need the wheel attachment, makes life easier. Great storage compartment. Love the steering. My 10 year old can sit right behind me. I need another one !!!! | ||||