Features |  |
Every Mirage Sea Kayak comes with a wide selection of features - some standard and some which can be custom fitted to your specific paddling needs. Every one of these features has been developed after years of hands-on kayaking in all manner of water conditions, and by dedicated paddlers who know their stuff.
All features that can be found on the boats in the Mirage Sea Kayak fleet are locally made in Australia, and are fitted out and customised in-house. After-sales service on your Mirage Sea Kayak is also convenient with our workshop and showroom located on the NSW Central Coast just north of Sydney.
Integrated Rudder
Unique to the Mirage range is their reliable integrated rudder system. This is an exceptionally strong and low maintenance system that causes almost no additional drag to the boat. The sturdy construction is designed to take rough treatment in the water and on land. Each of the different integrated rudders can be removed and replaced, within a minute, with the other type of integrated rudder to suit the paddling conditions.
Standard Rudder
The standard rudder sits approximately 8cm below the keel line of the kayak and the large surface area gives great responsiveness, even in big following seas, surf landings and is ideal for areas where manoeuvrability is critical.
Flush Rudder
The flush rudder has a tapered bottom edge which sits flush with the keel at the leading edge to approximately 3cm below the keel at the trailing edge of the rudder. The Flush Rudder is ideal for still water paddling or competitive river paddling. Great in weed impacted paddling areas.
Storage Compartments
Long distance touring requires large storage capacity as well as access to essentials whilst away from the nearest land. The single kayaks have three watertight bulkheads that separate the kayaks into four sections of storage, cockpit, day-hatch and aft storage. The day hatch cover, which is offset to one side, can easily be removed on the water for access to food, drink and emergency equipment without the need to go to shore. The forward and aft compartments provide huge storage area and can comfortably hold all necessary camping equipment. Once closed they keep water out even in the most challenging conditions. All
hatches are recessed to add to the streamlining of the craft.
Footrest and Rudder Controls
Kayaking in rough seas requires the paddler to have secure footing to brace against whilst being able to comfortably operate the rudder pedals. Mirage kayaks utilise a fixed plate for the lower half of the foot whilst the hinged rudder plates are operated by the upper foot and toes. Adjustments can easily be made to the leg position as well as the angle of the foot on the rudder plates.
Electric Pump
Mirages can be ordered with a factory fitted electric bilge pump. The pump is located behind the seat with the sealed battery mounted separately in the day hatch. A waterproof switch is positioned in a recess beside the paddler's hip. Most Mirage owners only need to put their battery on charge every three to six months as it will empty the full cockpit area of water at least 13 times over. The electric bilge pump will allow a paddler to empty a full cockpit of water in approximately 4 minutes - a great safety feature.
Compass
Being designed as expedition kayaks, the Mirage requires a good compass for paddling in fog, open water crossings, long river paddles or coastal navigation. A high quality deck mounted ships compass can be factory fitted to a recessed mount on the forward deck for hands free navigation by the paddler.
Cockpit
The Mirage range of kayaks have keyhole style cockpits allowing leg entry whilst the paddler is seated, without being unnecessarily big. Coamings are deeply recessed to assist with waterproofing around the spraydeck. A full range of Spray Covers are available for the Mirage cockpits in both a fitted waist style and also a one-size-fits-all style with a waist draw string.
Two Sizes of Seats
Another advantage of a locally made kayak is the opportunity to have the correct seat size fitted. It is important for a paddler to be "connected" to the kayak and one of the key areas is in a correct fitting seat. Mirage offers a choice of two seat sizes, which fit across the entire Mirage kayak range, to ensure maximum comfort for the paddler at all times. Optional seat padding is available if desired (see below).
Comfort Combination
Some paddlers prefer the added comfort of a padded backrest & seat pad. Mirage offers the "Comfort-Combo" consisting of a thermo formed, foam backrest that is fully adjustable, depending on your comfort needs, plus a thermo formed foam seat pad to complete the Mirage 'Comfort-Combo' package.
Deck lines and Shockcord
Mirage Sea Kayaks have strong, large diameter decklines around the perimeter for ease of grasping even with cold, wet hands. Shockcord is attached fore and aft to retain deck items such as maps and a spare paddle. All lines are held in recessed deck fittings to avoid getting snagged or knocking unwary knuckles.
