Hobie Mirage Compass Duo

Size and Weight

Since the Compass Duo is designed to hold two anglers, it is naturally going to be a bit larger than other Hobie models. The kayak is 13’6” (411 cm) in length and 35” (89 cm) wide, which is only one inch wider than the original Compass design. The deck height is 13.5” (34.2 cm), which is just enough to make sure that both users are comfortably above the water, even when nearing the maximum weight capacity. While the Compass is known for being fairly lightweight, the Duo is also on the lighter side of most other tandem kayak models with a total fully-rigged weight of 127 lbs (57.6 kg).

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Capacity

The overall capacity of the Duo is 475 lbs (215.4 kg), which doesn’t leave much room for gear if both users are above average size. There is ample storage space for each angler to carry plenty of rods, tackle, and other gear for a day on the water. When paddled solo, the Compass Duo can be packed down with a considerable amount of gear for a longer trip.

Features

The Duo features one set of MirageDrive GT pedal fins per user. These fins have the “Kick-Up” capability, meaning that they will retract when coming in contact with submerged objects that would otherwise damage and break the propulsion fins.

The rudder system also has the kick-up feature, which allows users to take the Duo into relatively shallow water without the fear of damaging the expensive kayak. The rudder can also be easily deployed and retracted using a string lever system that’s located behind the front seat.

The mesh seats are slightly wider than those on other Hobie models, which is preferred by some users. Other anglers report that the seat lacks the same comfort found in more premium Hobie models as the Duo’s seat does not have the ability to recline past its normal position.

The boat can be steered from the rear seat with a compass style handle located on the left side of the kayak. The Duo comes with only one paddle, which is a bit of a disappointment to users who want to have the ability to remove both pedal systems and paddle the craft together.

The Duo offers four rod holders, two behind each seat, that are positioned to allow for trolling, or for easy storage of a gaff or net. The kayak also features four H-track accessory mounts for placing rod holders, fish finders, cameras and more on either side, front or back. The Duo also features a transducer mount and through-hull cable plugs for easy installation of fish finders.

Each seat offers an oversized cockpit area with a large foot platform for standing. While it is not recommended that both users stand at one time, some users report that the Duo has more than enough stability for both users to stand at the same time in calm water.

The Duo features a mesh-covered storage area at the front and an oversized storage area in the stern. Each user has an 8-inch twist and seal dry storage compartment directly in front of the seat in the cockpit area.

Performance

While you might expect this kayak to be faster since it is powered by two different MirageDrive GT pedal systems, most users report that it is actually quite slow compared to other tandem kayaks. However, the Duo makes up for its sluggish nature by offering outstanding stability for both users. The Compass Duo is also said to lack the agility of other kayaks in the Hobie Mirage lineup, but adequately utilizing the paddle along with the foot pedal system will boost this kayak’s turning and maneuverability in most circumstances. The Duo also offers decent tracking for a tandem kayak thanks to its hull design.