test paddled 3 models today and have some questions.

[sdjiricek]

Hello all

I've been a lurker here for awhile now and picked up a lot of information. It has come time to buy my kayak and I've already test paddled several models. The Malibu extreme, Hobie Outback Fisherman, and the Cobra Navigator and Marauder. I've ruled out the Extreme. Athough I love the layout and deckspace, it paddles and turns like a tank. I like the Hobie Outback Fisherman and I still have till near the end of the month to get the "Day at The Docks" special. It is however a little unstable, compared to the Cobra models, but fast as hell. It turns on a dime, almost too fast sometimes, but seems hard to track with the rudder. The Cobras were nice. They turned easily and were the most stable of the kayaks I test paddled. They paddled faster than the Malibu Extreme, were a dry ride, and turned fairly well. Given all this I have a few questions.

1. How much does the stability of the Hobie Outback fisherman increase when fully loaded with gear? I currently weigh close to 200lbs. but will obviously lose some with all the comming exercise.

2. The footwells of the Hobie Outback are very deep to accomodate the drive system. When fully loaded (I plan for a livewell) is there a problems with water comming up through and soaking the deck? It already seems that my feet will be wet for the whole time on the water. Has anyone with this model noticed any of these problems?

3. The front hacth of the Outback coupled with its' instability seems to be a recipe for an unwanted swim. have any of you with this model had bad experiences with this?

4. The Cobra Navigator and Marauders' center round hatch seem to be partialy eclpised by the softseats. What kind of problems has this caused for those with this model? It seems almost pointless to put that hatch there as you'd have to spread like a $2 whore to get anthing out of it.

I have yet to test the prowler13 and 15. Any analogies or comparisons to the 4 models I've tested would be much appreciated as I probably won't buy till the end of next week.