The Adventure Island starts with a standard Hobie Mirage Adventure sit-on-top kayak, then adds twin outriggers and a sailing rig. At 16.58 feet overall, with a 9.5-foot beam, a displacement of just 185 pounds, and several ways to propel it, the result is a remarkably approachable small trimaran—an absolute joy on the water, the Hobie Mirage Adventure Island is impressively approachable.
Design and Construction
The boat has a rotomolded polyethylene main hull and larger amas with reverse wave-piercing bows. For docking, the larger amas tuck parallel against the rotomolded polyethylene hull. Their folding arms snap onto the hull in an instant and can be extended or folded while underway.
This outrigger arrangement gives the Adventure Island a self-limiting character that makes it nearly impossible to flip. When the boat catches too much wind, the main hull leans and buries the downwind outrigger. That automatically slows the boat and turns it safely upwind.
A pivoting centerboard, rather than a daggerboard, prevents lateral slip. The 130-pound main hull is also light enough to hoist with the plug-in wheelie cart.
Rig and Handling
The sailing rig uses a free-standing, rotating mast around which the fully battened, roller-furling sail wraps. The manufacturer describes it as a roller-furling, vertically battened mainsail that provides lift.
Period tests describe earlier configurations with a 15-foot mast and 54.5-square-foot sail. A later assessment describes a stiffer, two-piece carbon-fiber mast carrying more sail area, along with Harken hardware, Delrin plastic bearings at the mast base, and Spectra cord rudder lines.
The controls are simple enough for one person to manage. A tester operated the sail’s two lines with one hand and the rudder with the other, going from full sail to zero in about five seconds.
The Mirage Adventure is the fastest kayak in the Hobie lineup. Combining pedals and sail, testers reached up to seven knots and averaged four or five. In 7 to 10 knots of wind, they pointed close to the breeze at up to 5 knots.
MirageDrive and Performance
In addition to the sail, the Adventure Island carries a forward-and-reversing MirageDrive 180 with Glide Technology and patented Kick-Up Fins. It provides paddle-free propulsion when the wind dies, and ST Fins come standard.
The flexible polyethylene hull undulates over small waves. Testers found that this flexibility also helps the boat cope with larger waves and keeps the ama bows from burying too quickly when running at speed.
It isn’t a dry boat. In any breeze or chop, one tester advised wearing a bathing suit. The manufacturer also positions the Adventure Island as an exceptional bluewater-capable fishing platform, with built-in rod holders.
Seating, Stowage, and Equipment
Multiple hatches and on-deck stowage suit multi-day adventures; one review counted three hatches. The Vantage CT seat allows quick and easy adjustment of both recline angle and height. Testers described these seats as more elevated than their predecessors, lightweight, quick-drying, and infinitely adjustable, with good lumbar support.
An accessory trampoline kit adds walk-around space between the amas. A cup holder rounds out the cockpit comforts.
Known Issues
The rudder-control lever drew criticism from one tester, who found it stiff and lacking mechanical advantage. It worked best when set to one position and left there for a while.
The Verdict
The Adventure Island is a clever fusion of sit-on-top kayak and trimaran. It trades cabin comfort for open-air versatility under pedals or sail, a combination few small craft can match. Its rotomolded hull and snap-on amas make it forgiving and portable, while the free-standing furling rig and MirageDrive give a solo sailor two ways to make way.
It may be wet, and its rudder control may be stiff, but the Adventure Island remains an approachable, nearly unflippable companion for coastal sailing and bluewater fishing.
Pros
- Self-limiting outrigger design makes it nearly impossible to flip
- Rotomolded polyethylene hull with dock-friendly, tucking amas
- Pedal drive and furling sail allow travel with or without wind
- Elevated, quick-adjusting Vantage CT seating suits multi-day use
Cons
- Rudder-control lever is stiff and offers little mechanical advantage
- Not a dry boat in breeze or chop
- Open sit-on-top layout provides no enclosed shelter
