Demonick's Kayak Fishing Pages: Hobie Mirage Revolution Bar Mount Installation

For the general features, advantages, and disadvantages of the Hobie Mirage Revolution see the general features page.

Forward bar mount installation

As described earlier, due to the hull design and the space requirements of the Mirage drive, the HMR has limited storage and places to mount accessories. To remedy a tranverse bar was installed just forward of the drive location.

I have some advantages that others may not have, I am of average height, and my legs are somewhat short. As such, the pedal adjustment on the mirage drive leaves enough room for a bar mount between the maximum forward pedal travel and the forward bulkhead. In the center of the forward bulkhead is a mast mount should one want to sail the HMR. I positioned the bar such that the mast mount was clear. If one were to not care if the mast mount was obstructed the bar could be mount another 2 inches forward.

1. The proposed location of the bar on the Hobie Revolution Mirage. The bow is at the bottom. The inverted triangular hole at center top in the photo is the mounting location for the mirage drive. The round black plug in the center protects the sail mast mount. The bar has not been installed, and is simply laying in place.
   

   
   

2. Here are the parts comprising the mount. The bar is 3/4” schedule SDR 21 PVC. It is 1” O.D., with 1/16” walls. The bar is 27” long and extends about 1” beyond the outside profile of the boat.
   The black mounts, uppers and lowers, are the plastic Hobie Side Kick mounts with a 1-1/8” I.D. These are for mounting the Hobie Ama Outriggers. The short sections of slotted PVC are collars to make up the difference between the PVC bar’s 1" O.D. and the mount bracket’s 1-1/8” I.D. Using the collars results in a very tight fit.
   Stainless steel hardware and cutting board backing was be used to mount the system to the boat.
   The Hobie Side Kick mounts are $2.50 per piece, for a total of $10 for all 4 pieces.
   

   
   

3. Here is the bar installed. On the left is a "RAM-235U UNPK W/2 U-Bolts for 3/4” to 1-1/4”. To this will be attached the extension arm, and the FF/GPS unit as described elsewhere on this website. On the right is a Scotty round bar mount – No. 245 1-1/4” for the Scotty Rod holder. As this is for a 1-1/4" bar a collar must be used to make up the diameter difference.
   

   
   

4. Interestingly 1/2" schedule 40 PVC fits almost perfectly into the 1” SDR schedule 21 PVC. This will allow the creation of a telescoping bar extending well beyond the boat. Drill retaining holes and with a stainless steel clevis pin this could be used as a very light weight downrigger, camera mount, whatever.
   

   
   

5. Here is the updated aluminum bar. Note the bow bungie lashing has allowed repurposing of the stock right side hatch bungee (barely visible - lower right-of-center). The new purpose is to hold the right mirage drive foot pedal forward when not peddling to keep the flippers tight to the hull. Finally the power plug can be seen just below the left side of the bar.