undecided

[esdees]

The main deterrent from the pedal boats is the price, but each person is different. It's been said many times on this board: "Try before you buy"

Most people can go further with the pedal system, but you lose deck space. Do you have any injuries (knee, shoulder, etc) that would affect your decision?

I would talk to the guys at OEX. They sell all the main brands of kayaks and will let you try them out. I believe the Oceanside store is the only one that has hobies. If that's out of the way for you, Fastlane Sailing (Mission Bay area) sells hobies and will let you try them out.

Give them a call and see what they say.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by esdees

The main deterrent from the pedal boats is the price, but each person is different. It's been said many times on this board: "Try before you buy"

Most people can go further with the pedal system, but you lose deck space. Do you have any injuries (knee, shoulder, etc) that would affect your decision?

I would talk to the guys at OEX. They sell all the main brands of kayaks and will let you try them out. I believe the Oceanside store is the only one that has hobies. If that's out of the way for you, Fastlane Sailing (Mission Bay area) sells hobies and will let you try them out.

Give them a call and see what they say.

Patrick pretty much said it all, and he's a non-bias guy giving you his honest opinion, sound advice. I'm not sure if Patrick has ever fished off a mirage drive system though, I never asked him. I fished off of three different kinds of paddle kayaks before making the switch, and you can't sum up the difference by price alone. I developed nerve damage from chasing bird schools like a maniac for years, but I know a few hardcore fisherman that don't have this problem, I think. The feel, speed, and maneuverability, are completely different from a standard paddle kayak. I'm not bias either, pros and cons to both, and it remains to be determined which one is right for you. I'm not a salesman in anyway, just a hardcore fisherman, but without you telling me about your desired specific use (lakes, bays, 3mile-40mile range), in conjunction with your experience level, and target species from tiny to giant, plenty of variables. I will also point out that you don't neccisarily lose deck space with a Hobie. The deck of the Hobie Outback is wide open, with plenty of flat spots for customized options, not to mention it comes pretty tricked out. Another thing to think about since you're not paddling, your deck space doubles in size already, and obviously your hands are free to do as you wish. Adjust your rods, cast the iron in hot pursuit of breaking fish while chasing them down, tie knots, read a book, the list is endless. With a paddle kayak, you will be constantly picking up your paddle (a few hundred times a day), to alter your position, whether a great distance or micro adjustments. when ocean kayak fishing the variables are current, wind, multiple lines that can tangle, other kayak anglers, drunk power boaters, big hungry sea lions, whales etc. The point is, you are almost constantly having to make adjustments, and I quit cursing when I got the pedal kayak. When ever I have a possible tangle situation (100 times a day), floating rubbish that needs to be avoided, or the need to move slightly, it's awesome to make a few twinkle toe effortless kicks with my feet, instead of many strokes with the paddle. For the first few weeks on the Hobie, I almost found something new I loved about them everyday, and this is still going on after almost six months. From pulling giant fish away from structure, and stopping the nightmare from unfolding, to increasing my range by leaps and bounds without the fear of fatigue, to simply picking up my rod as the bait get's nervous right before that Yellowtail or White Seabass quits staring him down and commits. I don't know of any fisherman that would argue "that when the fish slams your bait or iron, and starts ripping line is the best part," atleast it's my favorite part.

All this said, for years when someone on the beach asked me how to get started, I simply told them "find something that floats, and take advantage of the worldclass sportfishing that is right off our coast". I have three paddles that seem to lose their value to me everyday, and forgot to bring one on three out of my last five trips. So feel free to barrow one, try out what you have, listen to the salesman about your "specific questions", and the kayak that is right for you "will sell itself". Maybe you will end up fishing on the one you have this season, or buying a better paddle kayak soon, your choice to make. Reguardless, all this will do is make you appreciate the pedal kayak more if you ever decide to make the switch, "like moving from Montana to Southern California, you will appreciate what you have more than the locals that take paradise for granted".

[FISHIONADO]

I found that while pedaling the Outback requires constant adjustments to the rudder to prevent drifting off course. One hand is always on the rudder control, or off just long enough to drink from my beer and then I need to make a correction. I would call it one-hand fishing not hands-free. I adjusted my rudder cables so there is no slack. I can see why some people love the pedal drives, but I still prefer paddling. After having a mirage drive fail on me two miles out I would never go further than that on an Outback and would always have a paddle with me. The Revolution and Adventure would make me more comfortable because I could paddle those longer distances, the Outback is too wide and tall to paddle efficiently, maybe a 260cm paddle would help. Not arguing, just adding another opinion.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by FISHIONADO

I found that while pedaling the Outback requires constant adjustments to the rudder to prevent drifting off course. One hand is always on the rudder control, or off just long enough to drink from my beer and then I need to make a correction. I would call it one-hand fishing not hands-free. I adjusted my rudder cables so there is no slack. I can see why some people love the pedal drives, but I still prefer paddling. After having a mirage drive fail on me two miles out I would never go further than that on an Outback and would always have a paddle with me. The Revolution and Adventure would make me more comfortable because I could paddle those longer distances, the Outback is too wide and tall to paddle efficiently, maybe a 260cm paddle would help. Not arguing, just adding another opinion.

I agree that with the Outback you can't just cruise as if on auto-pilot, more near constant micro adjustment like 1/8" to the left and then back right, just like when driving straight on the freeway in a car. After I learned to not "over adjust", I loved the handling (2008 model). The other Hobie models are another story, as the pointed bow acts like a forward rudder or a fin on a surfboard, and requires much less adjusting, almost built in auto-pilot. In my own opinion after trying all the options, the Outback would be my choice for La Jolla, and other areas where you are never more than a couple miles offshore. If I remember correctly, Dave had a pin slip out, that would of required to simply have an allen wrench (I keep one on my key chain and have never had to use it after over a hundred miles now). Dave, please correct me if I'm wrong. I think the Outback is the most versatile, with so much stability you never have to think about it fighting giant fish, or throwing a 9' jig-stick as hard as you can, not to mention it's the best option for sight fishing (my favorite), and allows you to move about the cockpit without fear. Changing clothes, or getting on your knees to urinate, and getting a higher perspective to see fish that you can't see sitting down. I think opinions from as many people as possible, are nothing but a good thing in helping a fellow angler make his decision, so thanks Dave.

[trob]

josh that was a pretty damn good response......

[pchen911]

I bought 2 hobie outbacks over the years on 2 different occassions, and I ended up selling them both. Went from paddle to pedal, now back to paddle again. I really tried to give it a fair shot.

Older hobies have a problem with drivewell cracking and leaking on you and the fix they give you is pretty much useless... and has horrible primary stability.

Newer hobies are better with stability, but still, more gadgets to keep track of, things to go wrong, to complicate the whole process..especialy on launching and landings. Heavy as a pig on land and water. Plus alot less deck space to play with.

I am now back on and OK P15 and really much happier with it than with the Hobies. I still own 2 Cobras, 2 Ok kayaks, and a couple of other brands, but got rid of the Hobie Outbacks.

There really is something to be said for paddles... it feels alot better and lets you do alot more fine tune adjustments on positioning.

And yea, I had the same problem as FISHIONADO.... My Hobies tracked horribly with the rudder. As "hands free" as trying to drive a car hands free.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by pchen911

I bought 2 hobie outbacks over the years on 2 different occassions, and I ended up selling them both. Went from paddle to pedal, now back to paddle again. I really tried to give it a fair shot.

Has anyone else done this? Personally I couldn't imagine it.

[pchen911]

That reminded me of one thing.

One good thing about the Hobie that I really did like is that they hold their resale value extremely well. Probably better than any other kayak I have ever owned and sold.

[dgax65]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Has anyone else done this? Personally I couldn't imagine it.

I guess it's a lifestyle choice. Once you go Hobie you never go back.

I keeed, I keeed.

I know of a few people who have found religion and given up the Hobie. Not many, but a few.

I'd be the first to admit that Hobies provide some advantages for fishing. I would even be willing to get one if I had a career-ending shoulder injury. Maybe I'm just a purist, but I love paddling. I don't think I'd give that up unless I had to.

[trob]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Has anyone else done this? Personally I couldn't imagine it.

I Did
i went from: sptw ,prowler15, tarpon160, outback for 2.5 years, Marauder (was a second boat, paddled it for 2 weeks, uggh it sucked), back to prowler 15.

i liked it, they're amazing boats. but it just wasnt what i wanted anymore. I got a great deal on it (traded the tarpon straight up) and thats why i think i paddled it for so long. i am VERY happy now to be back in a P15, it was a relief to get back to paddling. They're not for everyone.

pm me for any more.