Hobie Compass

[osoone]

My son just got his new Hobie Compass from Fastlane SD. Changed out the round hatch for the square and move the round hatch to the front. Added his fish finder. Now he just needs to get it in the water. SD Bay Saturday should be good.

[ProfessorLongArms]

Sweet looking setup!
I'm actually going down to OEX to test out the Outback and Revo this weekend but they don't have a compass in their rental lineup yet...

Curious if you had a chance to compare them with the Compass. That outfit is almost exactly what I'm considering (square hatch in the middle)

[Iceman]

Actually I just picked up my first batch of 2018 models this morning and have a Compass to demo this weekend

[osoone]

Give it a shot. I have the PA14, we will swap out this weekend and see how much of a difference it is. It better be a huge difference with how much more I paid.

[Hunters Pa]

Looks cool! Save the scrap pieces in case you need to do any plastic welding repairs down the line.

[osoone]

Originally Posted by Hunters Pa

Looks cool! Save the scrap pieces in case you need to do any plastic welding repairs down the line.

That's a great idea.

[PapaDave]

Nice setup. I may get one to take out on the boat to the islands, would be just about perfect for it.

[osoone]

Catches fish too.

[Buddhaa64]

Originally Posted by osoone

Give it a shot. I have the PA14, we will swap out this weekend and see how much of a difference it is. It better be a huge difference with how much more I paid.

How did the Compass end up comparing to your PA 14?

[Saba Slayer]

We had a Hobie demo day up in Oxnard last weekend at Channel Islands Harbor and I got to try the Compass. It's a kind of a mashup of the PA and the Outback.
The yak turns on a dime since the rudder is up in the hull and more towards midship that at the back of the boat... and you'd better be ready for that sharp turn if you really crank it over.
The seat is a simpler version of the Vantage seat we've all come to love for it's comfort....it has webbing and buckles to adjust the angle and the lumbar support. not as easy as the Vantage seat to adjust...but you can see that Hobie was trying to keep this new boat below the $2000 price point.
The Mirage drive is the older turbo style fins without the 180 device...again to make that price point. The 180 drive can be easily inserted and retrofitted. Adding the rectangular hatch and moving the round hatch to the front seems like a great idea. It's a pretty stable boat, although you do seem to sit a little higher than on the Outback...I didn't try standing in it (next time).
The lightness and the surf ability of this yak will help make it a popular seller.

[ProfessorLongArms]

Originally Posted by Iceman

Actually I just picked up my first batch of 2018 models this morning and have a Compass to demo this weekend

Curious if you had a chance to try it out since we chatted... I'm also interested to hear what you think about the rudder placement for surf launching (esp in rocky areas)... Seems like even with the recessed area, it could be vulnerable to getting beat up compared to the outback design.

[osoone]

Originally Posted by Buddhaa64

How did the Compass end up comparing to your PA 14?

It was good. I am used to the room in the PA14, but if I didn't know that it is great. The fin are not the turbo GT so my son was spinning out. He has now changed to the GT's. Going to go out again Saturday.

[Buddhaa64]

Originally Posted by osoone

It was good. I am used to the room in the PA14, but if I didn't know that it is great. The fin are not the turbo GT so my son was spinning out. He has now changed to the GT's. Going to go out again Saturday.

Awesome. Super intrigued by it. I demoed one the other day, but have never been in a PA or outback. It's nice to get a review from someone who has tried both. Thanks a bunch!

[TJones]

Originally Posted by Iceman

Actually I just picked up my first batch of 2018 models this morning and have a Compass to demo this weekend

[TJones]

[Iceman]

I was questioning the seat height. I still would hesitate surf launching it without a lower setting. Guys are doing in the PAs though, so sure it will be fine for most.

[aftahour]

Originally Posted by osoone

My son just got his new Hobie Compass from Fastlane SD. Changed out the round hatch for the square and move the round hatch to the front. Added his fish finder. Now he just needs to get it in the water. SD Bay Saturday should be good.

How was lifting the yak from the side. I'm thinking abut getting one a was wondering about grabbing or lifting the yak from the side.

[Mahigeer]

Originally Posted by osoone

Catches fish too.

Where do you put the bait on a kayak to catch fish?

[osoone]

Originally Posted by TJones

I am in a PA, so the seat looks low to me. It is about the same as when the PA in set in the low position.

[osoone]

Originally Posted by aftahour

How was lifting the yak from the side. I'm thinking abut getting one a was wondering about grabbing or lifting the yak from the side.

It is still a little heavy. The weights they give are with no rigging. I believe that is without seat and Mirage drive. I am a pretty big guy and I dont think I would carry this.