Hobie input...

[Craig jones]

I know that I have to work pretty hard to do 4 mph on my xtreme and they claim to cruise at 6 mph, thats about 50% faster.

[bajadog]

Rinse the drive with fresh water after use, and spray the chain
down with WD40. 2 years and no problems so far.

[FISHIONADO]

What's up Chuck? I bought an Outback so I could fish a couple weeks after my quad bypass in 2006, I didn't want to rip open my sternum paddling. The Outback is absolutely great for bays, not so good at La Jolla. I haven't tried them but the Revolution and Adventure seem better for La Jolla.

I was out about 2.5 miles miles one day when the drive came apart. A set screw had come loose and I didn't have a hex wrench with me. I was able to tighten it slightly with my long nose pliers and it would hold for about a 1/4 mile before coming loose again. I would suggest bringing the right size hex wrench for the drive and a phillips screwdriver and extra cord for the rudder cables. Otherwise the drive was very cool, I did 12 miles at San Diego bay about 4 weeks after my surgery.

But where would you put a 50# fish?

[Handymansd]

Originally Posted by FISHIONADO

I would suggest bringing the right size hex wrench for the drive and a phillips screwdriver and extra cord for the rudder cables.

I really do not like the idea of having to carry x-tra equipment in case my sleigh breaks down. I understand it may be prudent with the Hobies, but not necessary with other yaks. Hmmmm....

Originally Posted by FISHIONADO

But where would you put a 50# fish?

Dunno.....

Originally Posted by Zed

I thought you were a MTB'er, handyman.

Just a thought, but, if you paddled a more efficient yak, you might have a revelation. Then you can go pedal your bike.

That's ex-MTB'er... no one is as out of shape as an ex-MTB'er!

Originally Posted by Mike McFann

I admit that I was one of the catapalooza drive destroyers and it was all on me.

That is part of my concern... I am not always paying attention to things like that either, and to think I could probably ruin numerous sets before learning not to do it.

Thanks for everyones input! It is exactly what I was looking for..... some of my concerns seem to be founded, and others alleviated. Leaving me in my same, normal, state of confusion! But I have to admit that being able to visit the "9s" is definitely an attribute my current ride would be extremely hard pressed to do!

[steveooo]

Originally Posted by FISHIONADO

But where would you put a 50# fish?

I usually find that the bigger problem is figuring out how to effectively clean blood off the deck...

[FISHIONADO]

Originally Posted by steveooo

I usually find that the bigger problem is figuring out how to effectively clean blood off the deck...

Sweet!

[Handymansd]

I love that Picture!

[bigderel]

Disclaimer: I'm affiliated with Hobie Kayaks
Disclaimer to the disclaimer: I bought my Hobie before being affiliated

I'm 6'-4" and hover around 225 (235 come the holidays) and pedal/paddle the Adventure. Leg room is not a concern, in fact it excels in that department. Plenty of room. The pedal drive is great and I've yet to experience any problems other than a hex nut loosening once...easy fix. The beauty of the Adventure (as stated elsewhere in this thread) is that it paddles very well. I bring a paddle leash to secure the pedals when they're out...very handy since I primarily fish for bass and spend a lot of time in the kelp. I've spent a lot of time exploring Catalina and our local coastline and the advantage of long distance trips with the pedals is awesome. The pedals offer other advantages as far as repositioning while casting/fighting a fish, etc.

As for fishing for the pelagics, I can't offer you much input. If you're concerned about the extra weight of a 50# fish, I can say that a big cooler/livewell filled up + myself still works out just fine. If you're concerned about where to put it - the lap works out fine, you just have to paddle. As for paddling, I do it a lot when I'm out at LJ, etc. to switch things up anyway and to save my arms from atrophe.

Here's a little write-up I did on the Plastic Navy site...and if you have any questions about my experience with Hobie, I'll answer them without BiaS, PM me or throw 'em up here.

http://plasticnavy.com/forum/viewtop...c9cb7fedc25147

[Ed]

Originally Posted by steveooo

I usually find that the bigger problem is figuring out how to effectively clean blood off the deck...

Just wash it with water from the Yakgina...................

[PAL]

Just wash it with water from the Yakgina...................

Be careful about surf launching without the plug or the drive. It squirts!

[FISHIONADO]

I hope my posts haven't come across as anti-Hobie. I actually own two of them, the Outback and the Sport. I really like them for certain applications. My 12 year old would not be able to paddle out to the "spot" , but on calm days he can pedal the Sport out there no problem. I love the Outback for the bays but not for the open ocean. My Outback takes on water through the rudder cable holes in rough conditions, not enough to be unsafe, just a hassle to have to drain it after a trip. Not hating, just sharing an informed owners opinion.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by FISHIONADO

I hope my posts haven't come across as anti-Hobie. I actually own two of them, the Outback and the Sport. I really like them for certain applications. My 12 year old would not be able to paddle out to the "spot" , but on calm days he can pedal the Sport out there no problem. I love the Outback for the bays but not for the open ocean. My Outback takes on water through the rudder cable holes in rough conditions, not enough to be unsafe, just a hassle to have to drain it after a trip. Not hating, just sharing an informed owners opinion.

The nice people at Hobie/Fastlane Sailing Center gave me an opportunity to try every craft Hobie has to offer. Each vessel had great distinctly different features that made for a challenging descision. I made my descision 100% based on finishing out WCW on top. The local pattern has been set for over two months concerning catching local Yellowtail. On "sunny days" with little to no cloud cover the schools of Yellowtail (with numbers of 15 giant homeguards all above #30, to huge schools of fish in the #18-#25 class numbering around a 100 fish each) have been fairly easy to find while "sight fishing." I chose the Hobie Outback, at the confusion of the Hobie people as it's the least popular model of the three.
I would like to say how impressed I was with this kayak in open ocean conditions (as it's all I fish). I took it out with confidence logging over ten miles a day in some really nasty conditions. The most impressive thing about the "mirage drive" is how it handles the worst possible conditions. Being that the mirage system fins are always underwater there is never a glitch in ability to create speed. I found that you can go incredibly fast in ridiculous wind and chop. Being a 12' long and wide vessel you may take a little spray coming over the bow when "flying" along in big whacky swell with heavy wind, but the stability is equally great. Thus my descision to finish out WCW in this incredibly stable vessel. The Hobie Outback allows you to perch up on your knees with confidence or even stand up in calm conditions. This lighting difference from sitting down to up on your knees is "night and day". The difference between seeing all the fish swimming by laughing at you and consistently giving yourself an excellent shot. Even if you don't land that iron in the right spot and spook the school, you will atleast see Yellowtail in their natural environment like never before (a magical experience in it's self). As far as bringing in #50+ fish, don't worry, I had no problem and still beat everyone to the launch while drinking my celebratory cold one.