Hobie Mirage I14T

Size and Weight

The I14T is 14’ (430 cm) in length and 36” (91 cm) wide, making it ideal for two users of average or even larger size. The inflatable kayak weighs only 67.1 lbs (30.4 kg), but the fully-rigged weight is 111.4 lbs (50.6 kg). The I14T comes with a rolling carrying case that makes transportation very easy.

Capacity

The kayak’s overall carrying capacity is rated at 550 lbs (249 kg), which means that it is capable of handling two users of just about any size. Most users will find that the I14T is incredibly stable and is ideal for users who are looking for a recreational kayak that can go with them almost anywhere.

Features

The I14T is designed to function mainly as a recreational kayak, and is perfect for RV enthusiasts who want to bring an easy-to-travel kayak aboard their camper. The rolling carrying case is able to pack the kayak and its accessories into a manageable size that can usually fit in the back of most cars and crew-cab trucks. Inflation time is said to be around 20 minutes.

The kayak is powered by Hobie’s popular MirageDrive 180 that offers forward and backward capabilities, as well as Kick-Up ST fins that will literally kick back when coming in contact with solid objects beneath the water’s surface. The Twist-and-Stow rudder also has the kick-up capability, which gives users the ability to go into very shallow water that would otherwise be off limits to a foot pedal kayak.

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The I14T comes standard with two paddles, which most users recommend using due to the kayak’s wide turn radius.

The kayak is made with a 1000 Denier PVC hull that is resistant to most anything on the water, although some users have noted that they had to patch the hull from time to time with regular use.

The I14T is designed with three separate air chambers that can be quickly inflated. The locking valves help to ensure that no air will leak when users are on the water.

The I14T is said to be extremely comfortable as both users will enjoy their own Vantage CTi seat that can be fully adjusted to their own specific settings. The seat’s high backing and padded mesh material provide plenty of lower lumbar support, especially on longer trips.

The I14T does not have any of the usual fishing features that most kayak enthusiasts might look for, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pack a rod and tackle box with you. There is ample storage space on the bow and stern area with bungee cords that help secure any gear.

Performance

The I14T’s reinforced deck and wide hull design allow users to stand up without fear of tipping over in most cases. While the kayak does have excellent stability, users might find that it is quite a bit slower than most hard-shell kayaks.

With the I14T’s rudder system and MirageDrive 180, the kayak does offer good tracking and will stay on a straight course quite well. The hands-free propulsion system makes it a great kayak for anyone who wants to enjoy their trip with a camera, binoculars, or other items.

One of the main downsides of the I14T is that it lacks the agility of most Hobie kayaks and has a very wide turning radius compared to rotomolded models.