Buying a hobie? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Biggameaddict · 11-04-2012, 04:52 PM

Thanks for the input guys, right now im only 5'7-5'8 and 153 pounds so i dont need something as big as an outback but im gonna test drive them both before i buy. But which one is more versatile? Like which one has more space to mount stuff like a couple scottys in the front with a fishfinder and a baittank in the backplus gear and storage and all?

Biggameaddict · 11-04-2012, 06:29 PM

How fast do these things go anyway? Any faster than a paddle kayak?

steveooo · 11-04-2012, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggameaddict

But which one is more versatile? Like which one has more space to mount stuff like a couple scottys in the front with a fishfinder and a baittank in the backplus gear and storage and all?

They are both versatile. You will have no problem mounting fish-finder, other accessories, carry a bait tank, and still have plenty of storage in either yak. How you like each kayak should be the determining factor in which is the best.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggameaddict

How fast do these things go anyway? Any faster than a paddle kayak?

They don't necessarily go much faster, but they will allow you to stay out longer than a paddle yak. Your quads are much stronger than your shoulders. You won't get tired as quickly. Being able to go farther and fish longer without getting fatigued= more fish. Hobies are also much easier to deal with when the wind kicks up. Next time there is a crowd fishing in the morning, looks who is still out fishing in the afternoon, or after a little wind kicks up.

I know Andy @ OEX Sunset Beach has demo yaks for both the Revo & the Outback. I'd go see him to take eack for a spin to see what is the best for you.

bus kid · 11-04-2012, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggameaddict

Thanks for the input guys, right now im only 5'7-5'8 and 153 pounds so i dont need something as big as an outback but im gonna test drive them both before i buy. But which one is more versatile? Like which one has more space to mount stuff like a couple scottys in the front with a fishfinder and a baittank in the backplus gear and storage and all?

I got a Revo over a outback as the revo is more suited for covering distance at a steady pace for me, I tend to move around in searching patterns. I carry 4 rods and a bait tank fishfinder is mounted on the right side mesh pocket, transducer is wet mounted in the rear scupper hole. 3 plano boxes inside the hull and a Hobie deep gear bucket for snacks.The Revo is a little lighter and easier on my 18" guns at the end of the day when it comes time to load up. The most valuable upgrades for me were a good seat and a homemade a$$ pad!

Biggameaddict · 11-04-2012, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bus kid

I got a Revo over a outback as the revo is more suited for covering distance at a steady pace for me, I tend to move around in searching patterns. I carry 4 rods and a bait tank fishfinder is mounted on the right side mesh pocket, transducer is wet mounted in the rear scupper hole. 3 plano boxes inside the hull and a Hobie deep gear bucket for snacks.The Revo is a little lighter and easier on my 18" guns at the end of the day when it comes time to load up. The most valuable upgrades for me were a good seat and a homemade a$$ pad!

Ill probably get the revo too looks nice and will go fast with the turbo fins and sailing rudder. Anyone here with a gps know how fast they go with their mirage drive?

bus kid · 11-04-2012, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggameaddict

Ill probably get the revo too looks nice and will go fast with the turbo fins and sailing rudder. Anyone here with a gps know how fast they go with their mirage drive?

2mph just peddling 5 to 7 chasing birds based on the gps app on my phone.

Mongo Johnson · 11-05-2012, 05:09 PM

I often run a GPS fitness program when I go out. We do a lot of cruising in the bay and off in the kelp/LB harbor. I find the Revo 13', with my utterly svelt 250 lbs in it, will pedal comfortably at 3-4.5 mph in quiet in bay water or in the chop off the Oil Islands.

This is a akin to a walking pace you could keep up for a long while and would work for trolling or getting to some preferred fishing spot. You'd get there without being whooped.

This is with standard fins and 50 years under the hood. When I bought, I got advice to chill on Turbos and rudder and use the $ for finder and rigging. The ride is mobile, but I'd love to try the turbo fins.

The Revo does fine in chop, a little bow splash, but I don't have the experience to compare it to anything. Andy at OEX would be a good source for a comparo.

Biggameaddict · 11-05-2012, 08:30 PM

With the help from you guys ill save up for a revo. But does the year of the mirage drive matter? Do these things brake easy or need replacement parts when bought or are they made to last? Any tips on what to look for in a used yak?

bus kid · 11-06-2012, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggameaddict

Do these things brake easy or need replacement parts when bought or are they made to last? Any tips on what to look for in a used yak?

The drive needs to be maintained. washed, lubed and properly adjusted it will last.my sprockets did strip but it was a easy fix.

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ad.php?t=15167

Steveooo did a good write up on how to rebuild it from the ground up

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ad.php?t=13592

For me the advantages of the drive out weight the maintance needs which are minimal

jbaker · 11-05-2012, 08:31 PM

The turbo fins are a great up grade. Especially if your going outside of the bays. The sailing rudder is the best $25 I ever spent. It will keep the kayak tracking straight in a mixed swell. The outback has a bit too much hull slap for me and I love the speed of the revo. I would suggest looking in to the adventure also. It's a bit narrower than the revo and 3' longer. Then you could upgrade to an adventure island. Think about launching at shelter island and sailing out to the Coronado islands to fish! The amount of water the AI can cover is amazing.

slobslayer · 11-05-2012, 09:13 PM

Thanks for all the input...just waiting for the right deal now. I'm over dragging around my 16' tarpon through my parents booby trapped garage at 4am alone in the dark. I'm leaning towards the outback because of size and stability. If the outback has turbo fins is it similar as far as speed to the revo? How is it in the wind? Wet, slappy?

Biggameaddict · 11-05-2012, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbaker

The turbo fins are a great up grade. Especially if your going outside of the bays. The sailing rudder is the best $25 I ever spent. It will keep the kayak tracking straight in a mixed swell. The outback has a bit too much hull slap for me and I love the speed of the revo. I would suggest looking in to the adventure also. It's a bit narrower than the revo and 3' longer. Then you could upgrade to an adventure island. Think about launching at shelter island and sailing out to the Coronado islands to fish! The amount of water the AI can cover is amazing.

The adventure is nice but im worried about stability at 27" wide. It would be cool to sail off to catalina in one of those and camp there. Ill test drive that too if theres a demo available.

11-04-2012, 04:52 PM	#1
Biggameaddict The Kayak Peddler Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Hollywood Posts: 591	Thanks for the input guys, right now im only 5'7-5'8 and 153 pounds so i dont need something as big as an outback but im gonna test drive them both before i buy. But which one is more versatile? Like which one has more space to mount stuff like a couple scottys in the front with a fishfinder and a baittank in the backplus gear and storage and all? __________________ Keep your rod close, your gaff closer, and your paddle on a leash.

11-04-2012, 06:29 PM	#2
Biggameaddict The Kayak Peddler Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Hollywood Posts: 591	How fast do these things go anyway? Any faster than a paddle kayak? __________________ Keep your rod close, your gaff closer, and your paddle on a leash.

11-05-2012, 05:09 PM	#7
Mongo Johnson Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Long Beach Posts: 192	I often run a GPS fitness program when I go out. We do a lot of cruising in the bay and off in the kelp/LB harbor. I find the Revo 13', with my utterly svelt 250 lbs in it, will pedal comfortably at 3-4.5 mph in quiet in bay water or in the chop off the Oil Islands. This is a akin to a walking pace you could keep up for a long while and would work for trolling or getting to some preferred fishing spot. You'd get there without being whooped. This is with standard fins and 50 years under the hood. When I bought, I got advice to chill on Turbos and rudder and use the $ for finder and rigging. The ride is mobile, but I'd love to try the turbo fins. The Revo does fine in chop, a little bow splash, but I don't have the experience to compare it to anything. Andy at OEX would be a good source for a comparo. __________________ A day on the water . . . priceless.

11-05-2012, 08:30 PM	#8
Biggameaddict The Kayak Peddler Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Hollywood Posts: 591	With the help from you guys ill save up for a revo. But does the year of the mirage drive matter? Do these things brake easy or need replacement parts when bought or are they made to last? Any tips on what to look for in a used yak? __________________ Keep your rod close, your gaff closer, and your paddle on a leash.

11-05-2012, 08:31 PM	#10
jbaker Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Redding Ca Posts: 85	The turbo fins are a great up grade. Especially if your going outside of the bays. The sailing rudder is the best $25 I ever spent. It will keep the kayak tracking straight in a mixed swell. The outback has a bit too much hull slap for me and I love the speed of the revo. I would suggest looking in to the adventure also. It's a bit narrower than the revo and 3' longer. Then you could upgrade to an adventure island. Think about launching at shelter island and sailing out to the Coronado islands to fish! The amount of water the AI can cover is amazing.

11-05-2012, 09:13 PM	#11
slobslayer Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Santee Posts: 384	Thanks for all the input...just waiting for the right deal now. I'm over dragging around my 16' tarpon through my parents booby trapped garage at 4am alone in the dark. I'm leaning towards the outback because of size and stability. If the outback has turbo fins is it similar as far as speed to the revo? How is it in the wind? Wet, slappy?