Hobie Revolution versus the Outback impressions

[Billy V]

.???

Originally Posted by pchen911

Speed and range wise, it is about the same as the outback when using the pedals... maybe just ever-so-slightly faster. So my speed and range measured by GPS pretty much stayed the same as my P15 and Outback. I also did not notice any significant differences in the amount of time it takes me to reach the pier or to my regular GPS waypoints.
I have tested the Outback and Revo back to back in Mission Bay and agree that they both produce about the same speed. I was surprised that the Revo wasn't significantly faster.

On paddle, the boat definitely paddles alot easier than the Outback... which is what I was looking for. But I did notice one quirk. The Revolution doesn't track as well as I had hoped without the rudder down, nor does it glide very well. I wasn't expecting this and thought it would track similar to the P15 while launching.... It doesn't come close. The moment I start paddling, I feel it... Took me all of 2 strokes in my first launch to notice. You gotta pay attention while punching through waves or you'll turn sideways real fast. (feels more like my old Islander kayak with a flat bottom and no keel).
It paddles better if you have the cassette plug in the well but that would take an extra step before your launch. When the mirage drive is installed its not a great paddle boat.

Deck layout and rear storage is, of course, smaller than the outback. And with the pedals in place, it actually felt pretty cramped. I actually had a hard time trying to find space for some of my gear. Both the P15 and Outback had space to spare for my regular stuff. Rudder control is in a real strange position.... it is almost under my left thigh.
The Outback has a nice deck layout.
Location of the rear rod holder was further back and in an awkard position for my bait tank. The rods end up being in the way of the bait tank intake on one side, and in the way of the exhaust on the other side. (I guess I might have to switch to the Hobie bait tank to remedy this).
Can you fit a Full Size milk crate in the rear well?

Without the front rod holder, it has to use the ram mount rocket launcher for the front. (Scotty won't work because the rear part of the scotty holders will get in the way of the pedals). This makes the boat more cramped and a bit of a pain while moving about or fighting a fish. (I also prefer scotty over the RAM mounts -- personal preference).

Stability wise, not as stable as the Outback, but that is no surprise. Revolution is still really stable so this is not an issue at all.

In the end, I am not sure if switching from an 07 Outback to an 08 Revolution was the right thing to do. I get about the same amount of benefit as well as drawbacks with the change over.

While I am never quite sure which to use (paddle or pedal) for launching the Outback. Paddle launch and land does work better with the Revolution, but you have to be paying attention. (Launching and landing is not nearly as intuitive and auto-correcting as the prowlers).

I guess I will play with this Revolution for some time and see if I can get the Hobie bait tank to help improve the situation.
Have you tried the Adventure yet ? I like mine and won't switch because of the speed. The only downside to me is that its not as easy to access the front hatch. Other than that I really like it. Its got lots of room in the cockpit. I leave a medium size dry bag in front of the peddles when I fish, and the rear well easily holds a full size milk crate with room to spare.
I find that it paddles well enough to make a charge for shore when you have to.
I don't think any one does it all perfect, but I like the faster boat in open ocean.