SideKick Ama Kit by Hobie

The product performs great and is not difficult to install. The only two things that could be improved are the PRICE, somewhat high and the way the outriggers are adjusted. Not the easiest thing to do if you are on the water.

Just tried it out today for a couple of hours. I bought it to stabilize the boat as my golden retriever was riding with me. She did great and the boat was totally stable. Love that you can adjust it to the three different levels. I could get out of my seat and get in the hatches without feeling like I was going to tip. Also wanted to purchase this so I could take my two year old out without the fear of capsizing but haven't tried that yet. My only worry with this product is if I take it fishing I will pop it with a hook on accident which is why I only gave it four stars. They did provide a patch kit though unless you ever get a hole. Oh yeah and I had no problem with the install. I watched the video that is on YouTube for assistance. However, please note that I do consider my self a handyman.

I bit pricey, as is everything with Hobie (just to have the name on the side). There are a few other products on the market, that I noticed after my purchase, that seem to be the exact same yet less expensive and have a different name on the side. All that said, performs well and happy with my purchase...

There are others like this on Amazon for $100-$130. I said to myself, "you get what you pay for! Buy the nicer one!" And much to my surprise, the nicer one — NAME BRAND at that — is shockingly bad. Absolutely terrible product quality. Poorly drilled holes, glue inside doesn't allow locking pin to push through, the button releases on both sides broke the first test (like literally, the first time I took it out of the box), the pipes don't fit into each other smoothly. This is shockingly bad product quality from Hobie. I can't believe that a product manager somewhere in Hobie said that "Yep! Let's sell this one!" with a straight face. This is terrible.

I got this in the hopes it would make the boat a little more stable with a sail. I found this let me use the chair in the highest setting even when there were waves. It made the ride eben more enjoyable.

I really like this set up because I want to sail in my kayak. Now I haven't actually been in the water with them yet because one of the pontoons had a slow leak. No problems getting a replacement however. The seller is great to work with and Amazon have an amazing return policy. One of the reasons apart from Prime that I go to them first for my needs. I give this item five stars because of the easy way they install on my kayak. I have been told that you can stand up in the kayak with these installed. I'll let you know.Hopefully I'll stay dry.

Bought the AMA Kit for my 2012 Mirage Adventure . Anyone who has the Mirage Adventure, and wants to use the AMA Kit will require additional Hobie mounting plate kit. I don't have the Hobie part number for the pate kit, but it can be had for $20 online or at your local Hobie dealer. As with anything Hobie expect to open up your wallet, and the Hobie Sidekick AMA Kit is no exception. Don't get me wrong I love my Hobie yak, and wouldn't consider buying anything else, but as with anything you pay for that. For what the AMA Kit actually is, and what it costs might have you scratching your head. I like to keep everything uniform, and under the Hobie brand, I'm just anal like that. That being said I bought the AMA Kit for use with the Hobie sail kit. I'm a fisherman, and Hobie yaks can't be beat in the fishing department. I want to use the sail to aid in getting out to fishing locations with out the fear of catching a wind gust and having all my gear get soaked in the saltwater down here in southern Florida. The installation of the AMA kit is a breeze with the Mirage Adventure once you have the Hobie Mounting plate kit. The plate kit utilizes the existing mounting hardware on the yak that was intended to turn the Mirage into the Island sailboat. Simply install the plate by using the 2 provided screws to secure the plate to the yak, and then install the AMA mount to the plate with the other 2 screws. No drilling of the hull required, its literally a 2 minute installation. My only complaint is the cost of anything Hobie compared to anything and everything else on the market.

Really I just ignore the waves and fish with these attached.. Yes you have to drill holes in your kayak to fit these but the directions are clear and I can paddle without any obstructions, that is to say I don't hit the cross arm on the end of my stroke. It gives me the safety to have gear on my deck without the chance of a roll over and loosing my gear. They are not much of a drag as in water resistance. I set them to be out of the water for the most time. If you spend a lot of time fishing out of your sit on top these are the solution to loosing it all .