Hobie Cat Unveils Fun-Inspired 'Lanai' Kayak

May 2003- -- Hobie Cat, one of the most recognizable names in the boating world, introduces the Lanai, the latest in a series of sit-on-top kayaks that continues the company tradition of fun and innovation in watercraft. The Lanai is the smallest kayak in the Hobie line of traditional sit-on-top paddle kayaks. It is short enough at nine feet for the lightest-weight paddlers but stable and roomy enough for taller, heavier kayakers.

Six proven winners in Hobie's two series of kayaks return for 2003, offering choices of pedaling or paddling for entry-level to advanced kayaking. The Mirage Series models, including the Mirage Classic, Mirage Outback, and Mirage Tandem, are the only pedal-driven sit-on-top kayaks on the market. In addition to the new Lanai, paddling enthusiasts may also choose from

All Hobie kayaks are made to enhance fun for any age and skill level. "Our sit-on-top kayaks are easy to maneuver and have a lot of power and speed on demand. Since they are self-draining, they're virtually unsinkable," stated Hobie designer Greg Ketterman. "In the very unlikely event that they do flip over, they are easy to right. Kayakers can get immediately back on board with little effort or expertise, which is not the case with canoes or sit-inside kayaks."

Each Hobie kayak hull is constructed of recyclable and environmentally friendly seamless, rotomolded Super-Linear ll polyethylene. All have closed-deck designs with self-draining scuppers that keep the cockpit dry. Form-fitting seats ensure comfort. Other standard features include padeyes as well as carrying handles on each end that make transport easy from parking lot to beach or from boat deck down to water.

Tasteful color-coordinated graphics enrich the hulls. A variety of model-specific features and optional ADD-ONS are also available. Combined, all these things ensure that Hobie kayaks will be the basis for fun days of pedaling or paddling for fitness and exercise or for recreational interests such as fishing, photography, and bird-watching.

Hobie Mirage "Pedaling" Series
Hobie's patented MirageDrive pedal mechanism in the Mirage Classic, Mirage Outback, and Mirage Tandem is connected to two underwater flippers, much like penguin wings. Kayakers will enjoy the fact that they can propel themselves faster using the pedals rather than a traditional paddle. (The Mirage Tandem comes with two MirageDrive mechanisms for increased speed and fun.) Steering is controlled via a fingertip-controlled rudder system that can be rotated out of the way in shallow water, for transport or storage. The combination of the MirageDrive, rudder system, and the hull design ensures a stable ride and enables peddlers to cover long distances with no fatigue, even against the current or in windy conditions. A paddle (standard equipment) can be used in conjunction with the pedals, or can be used independently. A new feature on all three models for 2003 is a speedometer.

All pedal kayaks include the following gear. Two-piece paddle, deluxe high-profile seatback, scupper plug for drive well, speedometer, on-hull paddle storage, bungee tie-down, padeyes, carrying handles.

SOURCE Hobie Cat