Reviewer:

Lee In VT

Rating:

3

Date:

9/25/2011

Review:

As I tightened down the set screw, rather than reaching an endpont of tightness, it started pushing the threaded insert out of the handle. This was partly my fault as I didn't have the set screw lined up the recess on the shaft. You need to fully seat the handle all the way down onto the boat hull for the set screw to line up correctly. Also, when you remove the old handle, the whole steering assembly just falls out into the inner hull. It's more a poor boat design issue; to wit there should be a retaining ring or nut to hold the steering assembly in place, not just the set screw of the handle. My boat is an older model, maybe that's different now. ACK was very helpful and prompt with their response, but a warning that this can happen might have saved me a lot of hassle time. My advice would be to reach in through the storage port to hold the assembly in place when removing the old handle. It's probably best done as a two person job but I was able to do it solo.

Reviewer:

H. Smith

Rating:

3

Date:

6/7/2010

Review:

The handle is a weak point on the Hobie Mirage. This is my third one. It fits fine, but the material is not so strong. On the positive side, the price from Austin Canoe and Kayak is reasonable and the employees are courteous, responsive, and ship promptly.