All-new Hobie Mirage Lynx blends kayak into low profile hybrid

Highly portable, lightweight kayak with MirageDrive 180 propulsion system is perfect for touring, exploring and fishing on the go.

OCEANSIDE, Calif. — Kayak fishing fans who like to travel light are going to love the latest addition to the ever-growing Hobie fleet. The all-new Mirage Lynx kayak is a sleek, lightweight and rugged platform designed specifically for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who want the flexibility and versatility to load and launch their vessel with minimal effort on a moment’s notice.

Hobie, the leading manufacturer of premium kayaks and watersport products, looked to minimize weight and maximize fun with Lynx’s truly unique design. With a hull weight of just 45 pounds, the 11’ long by 36” wide Lynx boasts a 350-pound capacity while being easy to transport, rugged, fast, and exceptionally stable. A hard-shell spin-off of Hobie’s proven inflatable 11 design, the Lynx features ACE-TEC construction for rigidity and durability, a removeable rudder system for optimal steering control, and a premium MirageDrive 180 propulsion system with Kick-Up Fin technology that affords maximum control with forward and reverse pedaling, even in shallow water. A V-hull entry, wide bow, and innovative waterflow tunnel system combine to ensure ultimate maneuverability allowing kayakers to push back into lilies, stick-ups, reeds, mangroves and shallow pockets inaccessible to others, while keeping hands free to execute that perfect cast or frame up the ideal photograph.

“This really is a fun and practical kayak,” says Morgan Promnitz, Hobie’s Director of Fishing Development. “In addition to touring and exploring, it’s a great option for pursuing inshore species such as redfish, snook, sea trout, stripers, bluefish, summer flounder and other sporty or tasty fish species, especially in back bay waters. Freshwater anglers will also find it an ideal platform for chasing bass, trout, walleye, pike and panfish. It’s absolutely perfect for anglers who take a minimalist approach and bring along only a couple rods plus a tackle bag. Still, if you want to load it up with gear, it comes H-Crate-ready and has additional bow storage with Bungee tie downs. This boat also sports scupper holes for a live well or live bait tank and comes ready to install fishing electronics and a Power-Pole® anchor system. The Lynx is easy to transport and that is what makes it so exciting to me; you can slip it off your vehicle and carry it under an arm like a surfboard or use one of our kayak carts to get it to the water’s edge. Load one on top of another for transport because the flat profile allows you to stack several Lynxes on your roof racks!”

Intelligently designed for both user comfort and battling the elements, the new Mirage Lynx has a low profile for added stability. Its elevated and breathable mono-mesh fabric seat improves visibility while keeping kayakers cool, comfortable and above the spray in a moderate chop. A seatback storage pouch makes it easy to keep important items like car keys, wallets and cell phones in a dry bag within reach.

The new Mirage Lynx platform also includes molded-in tracks for mounting accessories, an EVA standing pad, and ample cargo room that can be utilized for a variety of applications. The Hobie H-Bar standing support can easily be added for maximum stability. For the ultimate package, effortlessly add more accessories by upgrading to a Hobie H-Rail mounting platform with integrated, patented RAM® Hand-Track™. Hobie’s optional Sail Kit and Bimini Sunshade can also  be added using the accessory mount. Aside from its feathery light weight, additional features like ergonomic handles and loading pads make transporting the Lynx hassle free.

The Hobie Mirage Lynx retails for $2,699 and is available in Two-Tone Golden Papaya and Dune. To purchase, consumers can use the dealer locator feature at www.hobie.com to find the authorized Hobie dealer closest to their location.

Incorporating just what you need and nothing you don’t, the all-new Lynx is purposefully designed to keep things fun and simple.

Isn’t that why you started kayaking in the first place?