Hobie Defectors - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

MalibuJohnny · 12-10-2008, 11:06 AM

I have an X-Factor, bought it at OEX Sunset!

Other than the handles wearing out, I love it. For a fat guy, it is the way to go

I was told by a few Peddlers, that they suffer form lower back pain after long rides….is that true?

bajadog · 12-10-2008, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalibuJohnny

I was told by a few Peddlers, that they suffer form lower back pain after long rides….is that true?

I had more back, and shoulder pain when I used to paddle.

Those people that told you that must not have their seat/peddles set up
correctly.

bigderel · 12-10-2008, 02:06 PM

Regarding the back pain - my back hurt the first few times a little. Probably just getting used to the correct angles, etc...I haven't had a problem since.

As for stowing the rods (the comment that you couldn't in a Hobie)...that's just complete misinformation. In both the Adventure & Revolution I've stowed my rods & reels tons of times with no issues.

What people forget is that you still have a paddle if you own a Hobie. I used to paddle my Adventure all over the place. I used a rod leash and tossed my pedals behind my stuff in the tankwell and off I went. I'm in or around kelp all the time - you can bring the pedal drive opening plug (AKA cassette something or other) and pop it in and it's a paddle kayak.

I will admit that the tracking isn't the best while paddling. I have the Revo now and you seem to fight it a little. I just drop my rudder down (the rudder control is fairly tight) and that seems to help quite a bit.

I know of someone who went to a Hobie and then went back, but for every one of them I know a dozen more who went to the Hobie and stayed. It's not for everyone but they're pretty awesome yaks IMO.

MVC · 12-10-2008, 02:45 PM

For anyone who bought a Hobie and wants to go back, I would gladly trade my Prowler 13 for a Hobie.

FISHIONADO · 12-10-2008, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MVC

For anyone who bought a Hobie and wants to go back, I would gladly trade my Prowler 13 for a Hobie.

That is a bad-ass calico in your avatar. I though I ate all the big ones at LJ.

Jimm H · 12-10-2008, 04:51 PM

I haven't looked at the Hobies in a couple of years, and it sounds like they have addressed the rod storage and turning radius problems some.

Is it quick enough to ride in in front of a breaking wave? Without the paddle, how do you lean into a wavefront on landing if the wave turns you sideways? Not having operated one in the surf line, I would be interested to know.

As for the 6 mile sprint comment, I would "suspect" my 19' rib would be faster than your peddle power over a 6 mile sprint. When was the last time you sprinted 6 miles in your Hobie?

Realistically, kayak fishing speed is most useful getting in and out of the surf, and sprinting short distances like to a boil. Trolling speeds are well below your kayak hull rating, and most guys don't really hump it to get to the reserve line in either platform. Efficient paddle stroke can really diminish the peddle power's advantage.

So, hands-free operation seems the best reason to consider one... and that is truely a big advantage.

From all the input, I would have to consider a Hobie if I were in the market for a newer kayak.

bentmywookie · 12-10-2008, 05:39 PM

I found I can turn in a pretty tight radius from a stand still in my revo (with stock finns and rudder) if I turn the rudder completely over and do little baby kicks, exactly the opposite of the stoke you would use in shallow water. The mirage fins stay down and have the most drag allowing the yak to turn quicker.

12-10-2008, 11:06 AM	#1
MalibuJohnny Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Lahina (I Wish) Posts: 272	Paddle or Peddle I have an X-Factor, bought it at OEX Sunset! Other than the handles wearing out, I love it. For a fat guy, it is the way to go I was told by a few Peddlers, that they suffer form lower back pain after long rides….is that true? __________________ Malibu Johnny must catch fish

12-10-2008, 04:51 PM	#6
Jimm H Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Bernardo-San Diego Posts: 117	Thanks for the comments I haven't looked at the Hobies in a couple of years, and it sounds like they have addressed the rod storage and turning radius problems some. Is it quick enough to ride in in front of a breaking wave? Without the paddle, how do you lean into a wavefront on landing if the wave turns you sideways? Not having operated one in the surf line, I would be interested to know. As for the 6 mile sprint comment, I would "suspect" my 19' rib would be faster than your peddle power over a 6 mile sprint. When was the last time you sprinted 6 miles in your Hobie? Realistically, kayak fishing speed is most useful getting in and out of the surf, and sprinting short distances like to a boil. Trolling speeds are well below your kayak hull rating, and most guys don't really hump it to get to the reserve line in either platform. Efficient paddle stroke can really diminish the peddle power's advantage. So, hands-free operation seems the best reason to consider one... and that is truely a big advantage. From all the input, I would have to consider a Hobie if I were in the market for a newer kayak. __________________ "Back in the day, we.... "

12-10-2008, 02:06 PM	#3
bigderel UberMember Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: On the water Posts: 71	Regarding the back pain - my back hurt the first few times a little. Probably just getting used to the correct angles, etc...I haven't had a problem since. As for stowing the rods (the comment that you couldn't in a Hobie)...that's just complete misinformation. In both the Adventure & Revolution I've stowed my rods & reels tons of times with no issues. What people forget is that you still have a paddle if you own a Hobie. I used to paddle my Adventure all over the place. I used a rod leash and tossed my pedals behind my stuff in the tankwell and off I went. I'm in or around kelp all the time - you can bring the pedal drive opening plug (AKA cassette something or other) and pop it in and it's a paddle kayak. I will admit that the tracking isn't the best while paddling. I have the Revo now and you seem to fight it a little. I just drop my rudder down (the rudder control is fairly tight) and that seems to help quite a bit. I know of someone who went to a Hobie and then went back, but for every one of them I know a dozen more who went to the Hobie and stayed. It's not for everyone but they're pretty awesome yaks IMO.

12-10-2008, 02:45 PM	#4
MVC Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 278	For anyone who bought a Hobie and wants to go back, I would gladly trade my Prowler 13 for a Hobie.

12-10-2008, 05:39 PM	#7
bentmywookie Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 5	I found I can turn in a pretty tight radius from a stand still in my revo (with stock finns and rudder) if I turn the rudder completely over and do little baby kicks, exactly the opposite of the stoke you would use in shallow water. The mirage fins stay down and have the most drag allowing the yak to turn quicker.