Hobie Inflatable Pedal Kayak (i12s): First impressions

For quite some time I been looking into different watercraft which can be transported without the use of a car. I looked into float tubes,stand-up-paddles boards small dingies, gheenoes, and kayaks both hard and inflatable.

my criteria of a perfect craft would be as follows:

-croc/shark proof 

-stable enough to stand and cast/land fish 

-able to float in 6" fully packed 

-relativity fast, capable of getting to magnetic island in reasonable time 

-durably enough that I can be banged around on rocks and mangroves 

-capable of offshore on good days 

-portable without a car towed on a bike or taken into the bus 

-stealth, quiet, minimal hull  

-comfortable enough to spend a whole day on the water

-flyfishing friendly!!! 

Now realistically there is no supercraft out there that can accomplish all these things so I had to break it down to my uses which are flats fishing, inshore fishing, and still water river fishing. I also needed a craft that I could take to these places with out the use of a car. I quickly decided that a kayak would be the only solution. I did some research and came across a line of pedal kayaks produced by Hobie. I loved the idea of hands free kayaking and being able to use my feet to pedal rather than paddle. Originally I really liked the the Hobie pro angler especially the new pa12 with all the cool features it comes with. I figured I'd get a bike cart, strap her down and I'd be good to take her to the river\ocean. Not even. That thing is a beast!!! Which I discovered on a trip to the Sunstate Hobie showroom just north of Brissy. To my surprise I really liked the inflatable i12s kayak. I had read abit about it before but was not convinced that it would  be suitable for fishing until checking it out in person. This thing is tough!! Sharp hooks bounce right off it and should one puncture no worries. The i12s has 3 air bladders and can be repaired in 2 minutes flat. Simply take out the repair kit, dab alittle glue and throw on a patch. One week later I bought the darn thing.



Upon opening the package my first thoughts were damn this thing is heavy. Also I was disappointed that the travel case was little more that a tarp with some straps and wheels attached to it. Once I finished unpacking all the accessories I blew it up in just under 3 minutes. everything was very solid.

For the maiden journey a took her down to the river and launched from the bank. My friend Colin came with but we soon realized that it was not made for two people. Colin got pretty wet and the boat was sluggish  I also figured out that I needed to tighten the bolts on the mirage drive so they wouldn't rub on the screws of the side. The next trip was much more successful  I learnt how the boat handles and where its strengths and weaknesses lie.

The good:
-amazing stability!!!  I can stand and cast all day without worrying about falling in
-quick
-tracks very well
-steers great
-mirage drive is very effective in open water and can be flutter kick (very small strokes) when in shallow water so it drafts well. it can also be removed completely with out a problem
-more than enough storage my me needs
-plug in wheels are amazing and allow me to carry the kayak a km or two comfortably
-twist and stow rudder works great and is an awesome feature
-very tough bottom layer protects from everything other than oysters which tear through fiberglass as well
-seat is very comfortable
-mirage drive petals are great
-hands free fishing!!!

The bad:
-mirage drive gets caught in weeds and it gets annoying having to take it out and put it back in
-the wind really pushes the kayak. an anchor is needed for fishing and a sea anchor for drifting.
-fly rod storage will be needed

Mods:
No fishing kayak is complete with out acouple diy mods. Since the i12s is inflatable you cannot drill into it which presents an issue with attaching an anchor trolley and rod holders, two mods that I feel every kayak should have. I have built an attachable stripping basket but it digs into the water a bit and makes cruising awkward. I'll defiantly be fixing this shortly.I have also been toying around with the idea of a ice box poling platform and a push pole.

In conclusion the Hobie i12s is a fantastic fishing vessel. it does have its limitations but most can be over come with custom diy mods. I look forward to doing a follow up post in a week or two.

twist and stow rudder (up)         pull green tab to put rudder down(up)          steering wheel(up)

place mirage drive into slip (up)                       plug in wheels (up)                                      

                     



                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              dry storage (up)