hobie vs trident 13

[MrM]

I had a T13. I loved it. Great kayak, fun to paddle and great in the surf. I upgraded to an Outback a few months back and will probably never go back to a paddle kayak. I'm not saying that the Trident was somehow flawed in any way, it was a great ride. But the Outback is just a whole new level of a kayak.

Hands free fishing is just so much better. Looking back, I can't believe how much time I spent paddling back and forth and not actually fishing...


Trident Pro's- Easier to move around. Lighter. Better in the surf. More storage below deck (Rod Pod!!!)
Trident Con's- Less time fishing, more time paddling.

Outback Pro's- You'll fish more. You'll enjoy being OTW more. It's simply more fun.
Outback Con's- Lots of hull-slap in the water. Not so good with storage of rods if you do a lot of surf launching. It also costs much more.

[GregAndrew]

To tell you the truth, it is truly an individual choice based on your wants and needs. Living in SD is a special situation with a protected launch at LJ and a couple of big harbors to choose from, there is little need for a surf launching kayak. The exception is if you want to be able to launch at other locations with less than desirable conditions. There are other notable exceptions: like fishing rockfish is probably better on a Hobie and fishing in the kelp for Calicos is probably easier on a paddle kayak. I can tell you for sure that, as incredible as it may seem, you can fish and paddle at the same time. And just about every person that tells you you need a Hobie to hold your rod while pedaling has a rod holder on each side of their kayak and one hand on there rudder control.

[ful-rac]

Greg just buy a PA....so you can have the best of both worlds.

[tacmik]

[QUOTE=MrM;200381]I had a T13. I loved it. Great kayak, fun to paddle and great in the surf. I upgraded to an Outback a few months back and will probably never go back to a paddle kayak. I'm not saying that the Trident was somehow flawed in any way, it was a great ride. But the Outback is just a whole new level of a kayak.

Hands free fishing is just so much better. Looking back, I can't believe how much time I spent paddling back and forth and not actually fishing...


Trident Pro's- Easier to move around. Lighter. Better in the surf. More storage below deck (Rod Pod!!!)
Trident Con's- Less time fishing, more time paddling.


Outback Pro's- You'll fish more. You'll enjoy being OTW more. It's simply more fun.
Outback Con's- Lots of hull-slap in the water. Not so good with storage of rods if you do a lot of surf launching. It also costs much more.[/Q

I do take exception to less time fishing and more time paddling. I have never had a problem keeping up with other people on their hobies with my t-13. Yes, there are times when a hobie is better just as there are times when a paddle kayak is better. I will take a T-13 in the surf anytime over a Hobie and when fishing the boilers next to a jetty, try backing up in a hobie, just doesn't work. It all comes down to what you prefer and the pros and cons of each.

[Oxbeast1210]

Thabks everyone for taking the time to answer my questions . Im going to stick with the trident for now but im anxious to see the new ourback. I hear it has a vantage style seat and a flat deck..... anyone heard anythinf?

[ful-rac]

Outback with a vantage seat...?

I guess you never know....never thought there would ever be a PA17....

[FlyFishinYakr]

Was thinking about replacing my '13 Outback for a '14 just for the scupper transducer. But every time I buy something, a newer Model/Style/Version comes out! I was hoping HOBIE would make a major improvement (like a Vantage style seat) to the Outback to warrant an upgrade (though I was expecting them to take a couple more years)!
If/when HOBIE comes out with an Outback with a Vantage seat...I'll be one of the first to order one ! Will solve my back problems and modifying my aftermarket seats to increase Lumbar support!!!
FFY.