I'll say; your problems are over!

The best tool to fix a problem? Sometimes it is a checkbook.

I think we'd all like to hear what you think of the 180. It looks like a serious piece of engineering to me.

Early on, Hobie 180s were having issues with the pulling cords to change directions. Tony Sebren has a YouTube video out on how he modified his 180 drive if this becomes an issue for you.

What lake are you going to drop it in first???

Brad

First impressions.

It's much lighter
The pedals are a better shape
Looks like they have fixed the pull cord issue--very strong nylon/plastic
I've leashed it (wish the hole for the leash was a bit bigger--had to modify my cable leash with a carabiner)

I will most likely drop in on Bachman first (closest and no stumps)

Then, I was thinking Ray Roberts or another lake just north of there

Sounds like somebody wanted a new drive and just needed an excuse.

I debated repairing the original drive, and still might do so for a learning experience
V2 spine $30
V2 rear sprocket $20

Those new drivers are nice. Yeah I would fix the old drive then sell it. They still go for a nice chunk of change and you can get a few bucks back.

Or keep it as back up.

Recall that last camping trip to Crockett you were doing in the field repairs on that drive...thought our trip might be over early bcs that dang drive was busted.

Seems now that I think about it you have had to make more than a few on the water repairs to that thing. Glad you got the new one. You will dig it the most.

yeah
i never trusted that machinery
way too fragile in a lake & the river would destroy it

Took the new drive out on the water this am
It's more responsive and more efficient than the V2
I was very impressed with shifting into reverse; it's a smooth transition, I was expecting clunky/harsh
The fins are shorter, but more rigid. I like shorter--less chance of bottoming out. The rigid fins really push water enabling faster acceleration and higher top end speed

The new fins also improve the handling of the kayak--more rigid=better keel function=shorter turn radius

Again, wish the hole for the leash was larger and more out of the way relative to the center cable; but leashing and unleashing was easy with the carabiner.

No problems with the new and improved fwd/reverse shifting pull cables

Was also impressed with how fast you can go back n reverse--almost as fast as going forward and steering in reverse was better than expected

An impressive review and it sounds like Hobie has really worked some initial bugs out of the 180; so, not only giving it the reverse capability but also making a generally better drive altogether.

Brad