Hobie Mirage i11S Inflatable Kayak Review

The Mirage i11S Inflatable from Hobie features a MirageDrive 180 pedal system, so you won’t need to paddle.

Its low-profile design is simple and striking and it has a rigid inflatable drop-stitch hull which allows for the highest level of inflation.

If you want hands-free ease and convenience, this deluxe design, which is light in weight and very portable, may be the inflatable kayak that you’ve been looking for. It’s a good choice if you want a fishing kayak with all of the bells and whistles.

While it’s not a budget model, it does offer significant bang for the buck, thanks to its quality construction, high-tech pedal system and comfortable seat. It’s a sit-on-top kayak which is designed for a solo paddler. It’s good-looking, functional and fun.

Hobie Mirage i11S Inflatable Kayak Review: The Details

The Look

This inflatable boat is sporty, with a bright and unique, mango-and-slate finish. A moss-and-smoke version is also available, which has a more subtle look, thanks to its earth-toned color palette.

The Mirage i11S is a modern vessel with a lot of visual impact. It features a black seat, black lacing and attractive Hobie logos. The vibrant color palette of the mango-and-slate (bright yellow and blue-gray) model means that it will be easy for other boaters to spot out on the water. Brighter styles tend to be safer choices, as they are just so simple to see.

The lines of this sit-on-top kayak are pleasing to the eye and curve towards gently-tapered ends. The low profile of this kayak gives it the look of a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) or surfboard. It may actually be used as a SUP, which is quite a plus. The Hobie Mirage i11S definitely has a high-end, designer look.

This model is eleven feet and three inches in length. That’s 3.4 meters. Its width is thirty-nine inches (1 meter). When it is fully-rigged, this model weighs in at sixty-four and half pounds. It appears solid and substantial. It looks and feels durable and well-made.

Specs

• Weight: 64.5 pounds when fully-rigged
• Dimensions: 11’3″ length, 39″ width
• Capacity: 400 pounds
• Pedal kayak drive: MirageDrive 180

Accessories

The Hobie Mirage i11S Inflatable Kayak comes with a rolling travel bag. The dimensions of the bag are thirty-six inches by twenty-five inches by twelve inches.

Hobie: The Company

Hobie is a well-known American company which has been in business since 1950. Based in California, this company manufactures a diverse array of watercraft which are sold all over the world. Hobie designs include kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, sailboats and other fishing and recreational vessels. Parts and accessories are also available. This company may also be known as the Hobie Cat Company.

Features

One practical feature of the Hobie Mirage i11S is its Vantage CTi seat. It’s a good seat with a supportive backrest, which means that you’ll be able to fish (or just cruise along), in a lot of comfort. This seat is adjustable, so you’ll be able to access ideal fit easily.

This inflatable kayak also features an integrated rudder system, which allows for right-hand or left-hand steering. You’ll be able to enjoy fingertip control of this “twist and stow” rudder. Deploy or retract it quickly whenever you want to.

Crafted with care from updated materials, via cutting-edge construction techniques, this model is made from 1000-denier PVC which is strong and resistant to damage.

Pedal power will be yours to enjoy when you use this kayak’s Hobie MirageDrive 180 system, which is equipped with glide technology. This model also comes with ST bluefins. These powerful and detachable fins flex underwater while a passenger pedals the kayak. They take on the shape of a propeller blade and scissor back and forth. This scissoring action promotes an efficient and smooth ride.

This model’s drop-stitch floor counterbalances air pressure and provides superb rigidity.

If you want to use this kayak as a stand-up paddleboard, you may add an optional skeg fin.

When this kayak is deflated, pack it up in its rolling bag. You may take it anywhere…even on an airplane.

Hobie Mirage i11S Inflatable Kayak Review

The Positives

This kayak is versatile. Use it for fishing or for recreational kayaking. If you want to use it as a stand-up paddleboard, you’ll be able to. Many kayaks don’t double as SUPs, so this feature is impressive.

As well, this model looks great and it’s built to last. Its performance features, including its innovative pedal drive system, will make it easy for you to glide through the water without paddling. Also, the comfy and supportive seat is a key selling point. It’s a deluxe seat.

This kayak is easy to get in and out of. It comes from a brand that is established and trusted.

The Negatives

This design isn’t a sit-in kayak and this means that it isn’t right for everyone. Sit-in kayaks protect users from getting wet. You are likely to get wet in a sit-on-top style. Also, sit-on-top kayaks aren’t appropriate for certain activities, such as sea voyages and whitewater kayaking.

This kayak is a high-end style. It may be out of financial reach to some consumers.

Overall Verdict

Via Amazon

The Hobie Mirage i11S Inflatable Kayak is easy to use. You won’t even need a paddle! It’s also comfortable and its superb hull ensures the perfect degree of inflation.

Stable and designed to offer good maneuverability and tracking, this premium inflatable kayak from Hobie is designed to offer great performance for years. While it will be an investment, we think that it’s a smart and safe investment.