I ride a Stealth 14. It's the first kayak that I've owned. I did my homework on all of the top kayaks that I could afford used and waited for a deal that I couldn't pass up. I love the built in bait tank and storage compartments. It is very stable and I feel at ease and comfortable on it in the ocean. It is loooong and takes up alot of room so you have to see how much room you have to store it. It also weighs alot even before it gets loaded up. Every thing you read about the hatches leaking, especially the front one is true. I did read that the new models don't leak though.
Overall I love my Stealth because of the bait tank and stability.
Now you asked about the Hobie and peddling instead of paddling. I've never been on one and don't need to be to want one because I have seen them in action. They are fast and look easier to maneuver. The other day when I was fighting the wind hard in LJ a couple of Hobies went by me like it was no problem.
Bottom line is if I had the money I'd be peddling a Hobie but the whole time I'd be wishing that it had a bait tank like the Malibu.
