The kind folks at FastLane Kayaks in Mission Bay (San Diego), California gave me a thorough run down on the Hobie i Trek 11. If you have considered this boat, then you have had many sleepless nights contemplating whether to purchase the i9 or i11. My gut told me i11, so here we are.
The first challenge was to get it on the airplane to South Korea. The rolling duffle is much larger than you think and is considered an oversize bag. I didn’t have to pay an extra fee, because Korean Air combined the total weight of my luggage and it was still under the limit for four bags, as my wife was flying with me. But I was told that this wasn’t the normal protocol.
My first trip out was a little awkward. Fly line management was an issue and positioning the boat to make a cast took some getting used to, but by mid afternoon proficiency improved. I took the stripping bib from the Stealth Pro and placed it between my legs, and that does a good job of managing the fly line on the deck. The little cup holder on the side of the seat gets in the way, but is nice for holding flies and also functions as a rod holder.
Standing up is possible, but not practical. It is nice to stretch your legs. The boat tends to drift, and I have to adjust the rudder continuously. Also, the paddle is not readily available when standing. My back did get sore from the seated pedal position, and I had to purchase an inflatable lumbar support pillow. The speed makes up for all the shortcomings. The Mirage Drive is amazing. I was leisurely pedaling and having a conversation with an angler in a bass boat who was full press down on the trolling motor. It's great exercise too! Kayak anglers with electric motors are limited by battery usage, so you definitely can get away from the crowds with the Mirage Drive.
It takes me about 20 minutes to set up and get on the water, but nearly an hour to pack up. Folding up the i11 is a bear. I haven’t taken it on the salt yet, and that will be the true test of its value. Overall, I am happy with the purchase, and having the i11 opens up more water- leading to the speculation, dreams, and planning that makes fly fishing my passion.
