Hobie introduces a tandem version of their easy-sailing trimaran pedal kayak, the Mirage Tandem Island.

Oceanside, California – February 2010 - Since the one-person Hobie Mirage Adventure Island was introduced during the summer of 2006, the demand has reached a crescendo to complement it with a tandem version. Hobie is well-known for listening to their market. The proof can once again be seen with the introduction of their Hobie Mirage Tandem Island. It is a powerful but easy-to-use two-person, combination sailboat, kayak, trimaran and fishing boat. The Tandem version will be enjoyed by any two people seeking that kind of diversity, from competent sailboat racers to dad and son out for a relaxing day of sailing and fishing. Both boats are made in the U.S.A.

The core component of both Island models is a kayak featuring the proven and patented MirageDrive™ pedal system. Add a sail and they convert to a sailboat, stable at any speed. A set of akas and amas (think Hawaiian outrigger) out to each side transforms them into trimarans. Remove the sail, akas, and amas, and they both become fishing boats with built-in rod holders. Whatever the preferred choice of the day, these boats can be used by anyone at any level.

Aka and ama mechanisms on each side retract making it easy to maneuver up to a dock or raft up to a larger boat, facilitating embarking or disembarking as well as transporting. They can also work well for transporting surfboards to those favorite spots. The boomless, roller-furling sails are designed with ample sail area for high performance and is completely manageable from the cockpit with a pull of the line. The efficient square-top sail holds more power at the top in light wind but also spills power in heavier wind, making it easy to control.

The Island’s MirageDrive self-centering and padded pedal mechanisms are connected to turbo fins that work much like penguin wings. Steering is controlled via fingertip-controlled rudder systems. Oversized Twist and Stow rudders can be lifted and turned to lay flat on deck when not in use, whether in the water, on top of the car or on a trailer, or in storage. Rudder steering lines are made from Spectra, the world’s strongest fiber, up to 15 times stronger than quality steel of the same size. The combination of the MirageDrive, the rudder system, sail, and the hull designs ensure a stable ride, and enable sailors to cover long distances with little or no fatigue, even against the current or in windy conditions. Specially designed, optional speedometers fit into the MirageDrives to indicate exact speed, eliminating speculation.

Constructed of recyclable and seamless, rotomolded Super-Linear ll polyethylene, both boats have a closed-deck design with self-draining scuppers that keep cockpit seats dry. Twist and Seal lid hatches stay with the boats, open and close effortlessly with a simple turn of the handle, are highly water resistant, feature a smooth nonskid surface, and have a compression O-ring. New Deluxe Padded Seatbacks feature inflatable lumbar supports. Stainless padeyes and carrying handles on each end make transport easy from parking lot to beach or from a boat deck down to the water for the Adventure Island. An optional cart is recommended for transporting the Tandem Island on land. Both models are offered in two color packages, including Golden Papaya and Red Hibiscus with color-coordinated sails and molded-in hull graphics.

• Length: 18’ 6”
• Hull Width: 30”
• Width with Amas In: 48”
• Width with Amas Out: 120”
• Hull Weight: 116 lbs.
• Rigged weight: 190 lbs.
• Mast Height: 18’
• Mirage Drive Weight: 6.6 lbs each
• Capacity: 600 lbs.
• Standard Features: Two MirageDrives with Turbo fins. Two Deluxe padded seatbacks with inflatable lumbar supports. Roller furling mainsail. Two-piece carbon fiber mast. Deck-mounted crossbars. Easily retractable and removable amas. Snap-release akas and carry bag. Fully retractable, built-in kick-up center board. Large Twist-n-Stow rudder. Two 2-piece paddles with on-hull storage. Harken blocks. Extension-ready dual steering tillers in front and rear cockpits. Dual rudder retract and deploy controls for front and rear cockpits, Dual sheeting controls for front and rear cockpit sail control. Two molded-in rod holders with caps. Rear cargo compartment with Bungee® tie-downs. Large rear cargo compartment to accommodate Hobie Livewell. Large covered bow hatch. Three 8” Twist-n-Seal hatches. Four mesh stowage pockets. Four cup/bottle holders. Dry bag. Gear bucket.
• MSRP: $4,699
• Color: Red Hibiscus hull with red and silver sail or Golden Papaya hull with papaya and turquoise sail.

hobiecat.com/TandemIsland