Oceanside, California – July 13, 2011 – Hobie Cat® showcased their Mirage Revolution 11 this morning at ICAST. In the evening they walked away with a prestigious New Product Showcase Best of Show award in the Boat Category. ICAST is the largest sportfishing trade show in the world. The single most important feature for exhibitors and attendees alike is the New Product Showcase awards competition. Two years ago, Hobie took overall “Best of Show” with the introduction of their Mirage Pro Angler and is honored that buyers and media member judges once again recognized Hobie’s innovation.

The Mirage Revolution 11 and its companion paddle model, the Quest 11, are shorter versions of the popular Mirage Revolution 13 and Quest 13 designed to fit a whole new range for Hobie. With the same angler-friendly design, these shorter, lighter models cut through the water like knives through butter. They will be sure favorites for anglers just wanting to stalk fish in compact, lightweight and maneuverable fishing kayaks. The Mirage Revolution 11 is powered by Hobie’s patented MirageDrive® pedal system while the Quest 11 accommodates those who prefer to paddle. Fitting a niche , they are first of their kind integrating the feel of longer touring kayaks with shorter more maneuverable river kayaks. They are proudly made in the U.S.A.

Both boats are fast and nimble, track straight and have a sharp turning radius. The cockpit areas include a large front hatch for storing plenty of gear as well as a center eight-inch round hatch. Two molded-in rod holders make trolling easy. Hobie’s Livewell can be added into the trunk areas and can accommodate additional rod storage and live bait fishing. These kayaks will be favorites among anglers looking to fish shallow, fast moving water. But it does not stop there…they are equally as proficient in calm water and ocean waves. There is no learning curve on either boat. They do not use gas and they go places that powerboats cannot like rocky shallows, up narrow creek channels and over prop-snagging vegetation.

A series of fishing-friendly accessories makes it possible for anglers to customize and fit their own preferences. Hobie’s Livewell has a high-flow, self-priming Attwood pump, a six volt sealed gel cell battery, adjustable drain and the capability of holding up to eight gallons of water. A Plug-In Hobie Trax “2” Cart with pneumatic wheels provides for easy rolling of heavy loads over rough terrain or soft sand. Turbo Fins can increase boat speed . New from Hobie….the first ever Horizontal Rod Holder Kit that lets anglers in most kayaks, Hobie or otherwise, store rods along either or both sides of their vessel. This keeps rods safe and secure and snag-free when fishing around docks or under heavy brush. Many other accessories can be added such as additional rod holders, fishfinders, Stake-out Pole or Inflatable Life Jackets.

MODEL SPECIFICATIONS

Both kayaks are offered in a variety of color choices including Caribbean Blue, Red Hibiscus, Golden Papaya, Ivory Dune, and Olive.

They are constructed of seamless rotomolded polyethylene hulls and are designed with open-deck construction. Two-piece paddles with fiberglass shaft and deluxe, padded back-support seatbacks are included with both models. They are easily transportable in the back of a pickup truck or on a roof rack. And, of course, both boats meet the National Marine Manufacturers Association certification requirements for flotation.

 HOBIE MIRAGE REVOLUTION 11

The defining feature on the Mirage Revolution 11 is Hobie’s patented MirageDrive. The self-centering padded pedals are connected to two underwater flippers, much like penguin wings; and are locked and unlocked from the kayak with the Click and Go system. Steering is controlled via oversized fingertip steering handle on the left side, making it easy to cast, hook, and land fish while maneuvering to that secret spot.

•  Length: 11’ 6”
•  Width: 29”
•  Hull Weight: 47 lbs.
• MirageDrive Weight: 6.6 lbs.
• Capacity: 300 lbs.

Additional Standard Features: Oversized forward hatch. Two eight-inch Twist and Seal hatches. Two mesh-covered stowage pockets. Two-piece paddle with fiberglass shaft, On-deck receptacle with cap for optional accessories post or sail mast, dive flag, or nav-anchor light. Deluxe padded seatback with lumbar support. Two molded-in mid-boat carrying grips. Gear bucket.

MSRP: USD $1749

HOBIE QUEST 11

•  Length: 11.1’
•  Width: 29”
•  Hull Weight: 47 lbs.
• Capacity: 300 lbs.

Oversized forward hatch. Two eight-inch Twist and Seal hatches conveniently located. Two-piece paddle with fiberglass shaft. Adjustable foot braces for paddling leverage. Two mesh-covered stowage pockets. Two molded-in mid-boat carrying grips. Gear bucket. Replaceable skid pad.

MSRP: USD $949

For a wide array of additional accessories and parts, log onto hobiefishing.com and click on “Fishing” then “accessories” and also check out the link for the latest “Hobie Kayaking/Fishing Parts and Accessories Catalog”

Since 1950, Hobie has been in the business of shaping a unique lifestyle based around fun, water, and quality products. From their headquarters in Oceanside, California, Hobie Cat Company manufactures, distributes, and markets an impressive collection of watercraft worldwide. These include an ever-expanding line of recreation and racing sailboats, pedal-driven and paddle sit-on-top recreation and fishing kayaks, inflatable kayaks, fishing boats, and float cats, plus a complementary array of parts and accessories.