Seat in an outback - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

tsugg · 08-30-2014, 08:20 AM

We have my PA which has a great seat/chair. We also have a 2013 outback with the stock hobie seat in it. My wife has no complaints about the seat, but whenever either one of my boys comes on a fishing trip with me they both complain of a sore back after 3 or 4 hrs of fishing. Both boys are in great physical condition(work out all the time).
How do any of you feel about upgraded seats in the outback ? I was looking this morning online and there are lots and lots of different types of seats all claiming to be "the most comfy"seat available.
Any suggestions?

FlyFishinYakr · 08-30-2014, 09:16 AM

You did not state exactly the nature of your sons' complaints. Are they sure the seat is properly adjusted for them? Is it a support problem, a padding issue? Since it's a HOBIE, do the other seats slide? Those seem to be the most common complaints.

I got in on a group buy (GB) a couple years back on a Seairsports Pacific Angler seat (actually bought two)

.
It has great high back support but no lumbar support (as with most seats). Like many older Kayakers I have a bad back so I bought some 4" closed cell foam and built a sturdy lumbar support.
I've heard the GTS expedition seat is comfortable. They both have great seat padding, the GTS also has back padding and I hear it "wraps around" the body pretty nicely. I've heard only one person complain about the lack of lumbar support, otherwise I've heard nothing but good things about it!
If you add more specifics on your son's issues I'm sure more members will chime in on how to remedy the situation.
FFY

tsugg · 08-30-2014, 09:22 AM

I'm not sure if I can be more specific other than "hey dad my back is killing me"after 3 or 4 hrs of fishing.Lower back, lumbar of back, back ache ! when they are both in prime condition without prior back issues, thats when I started listening. As I search the web I see almost everyone dislikes the stock hobie outback seat.

lbsurf2ca · 08-30-2014, 09:30 AM

I feel your sons pain. The seats suck...wish I had advice to make it better.

crazywakeboarder · 08-31-2014, 07:10 PM

The new 2015 hobie kayaks all have the same seat as the PA

Maybe you could consider upgrading to a new model?

http://m.hobiecat.com/mirage/mirage-outback/

MissileTM · 08-31-2014, 07:18 PM

Sell it and buy the 2015 Outback or do a Jackson Kayak Elite seat mod. Do a search on hobiecat.com fourms. Some guy did that mod and seems to like it. It looks pretty easy.

619-SWIM-DOG · 08-31-2014, 07:23 PM

I have an air cushion that I sit on and my PVC pole holder sits perfect behind me for back support.

FlyFishinYakr · 09-01-2014, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazywakeboarder

The new 2015 hobie kayaks all have the same seat as the PA

Maybe you could consider upgrading to a new model?

http://m.hobiecat.com/mirage/mirage-outback/

New Outback seats not quite the same as the PA's (no armrests).

Just waiting for the new Outback to come out.

Bought a brand new HDS-8 Gen-2 to mount on it.

$ burning a hole in my pocket!
FFY

ajh · 09-01-2014, 09:38 PM

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003AV...433192-5607503

I put this seat in my '14 outback. Fits perfect! Several guys have recommended this one on line. You can find different mods that have been done by cutting the legs down to keep center of gravity lower and to fasten it to the yak. All I did was put a towel in the bottom of the yak to keep from scratching it and dropped the chair in. Now, I haven't been fortunate enough to fish on the ocean yet, but for water without too much chop, I don't feel much more unstable than the hobie seat. It also gives you some room for storage underneath the chair. Im about 215 lbs and the chair doesnt seem unstable at all. I was worried that when pushing the pedals the chair may tip back because i dont have it tied down...but it doesnt. Also, I ordered it from walmart.com so if I didn't like it I could return it to the store.

I've got the gts expedition seat for my other yak and this hunting seat is WAY more comfortable. Especially for about $45 compared to almost $200 for the gts.

Good luck!

nickc5 · 04-27-2015, 11:28 AM

Does this seat hang over back near the scupper holes? I'm looking for a mod similar to this one since it is hard on the back

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajh

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003AV...433192-5607503

I put this seat in my '14 outback. Fits perfect! Several guys have recommended this one on line. You can find different mods that have been done by cutting the legs down to keep center of gravity lower and to fasten it to the yak. All I did was put a towel in the bottom of the yak to keep from scratching it and dropped the chair in. Now, I haven't been fortunate enough to fish on the ocean yet, but for water without too much chop, I don't feel much more unstable than the hobie seat. It also gives you some room for storage underneath the chair. Im about 215 lbs and the chair doesnt seem unstable at all. I was worried that when pushing the pedals the chair may tip back because i dont have it tied down...but it doesnt. Also, I ordered it from walmart.com so if I didn't like it I could return it to the store.

I've got the gts expedition seat for my other yak and this hunting seat is WAY more comfortable. Especially for about $45 compared to almost $200 for the gts.

Good luck!

TJones · 04-27-2015, 04:45 PM

Hobie does make an air cushion seat that can be used in combo with stock pad , or by itself . The pins that hold stock pad can be pressed out and then reinstalled . I would highly recommend this upgrade . My preference was just air cushion by itself and removing original pad . Combined together made the rider sit much higher than normal . The only negative about the air cushion is that it seems to fail after some good usage . It will start to leak at seams . Another Better option might be to buy a thermarest air seat cushion . Some sports chalet might stock them or they can be ordered on their website . The likely hood of one of these cushions failing is unlikely . You will have no issues spending 8 hrs on water with either one if these upgrades . If you use the thermarest cushion it will also help keeping your backside dry . Good luck .

TJones · 04-27-2015, 04:48 PM

Is drop 2500 big uns on the 2015 .

nickc5 · 04-27-2015, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TJones

Hobie does make an air cushion seat that can be used in combo with stock pad , or by itself . The pins that hold stock pad can be pressed out and then reinstalled . I would highly recommend this upgrade . My preference was just air cushion by itself and removing original pad . Combined together made the rider sit much higher than normal . The only negative about the air cushion is that it seems to fail after some good usage . It will start to leak at seams . Another Better option might be to buy a thermarest air seat cushion . Some sports chalet might stock them or they can be ordered on their website . The likely hood of one of these cushions failing is unlikely . You will have no issues spending 8 hrs on water with either one if these upgrades . If you use the thermarest cushion it will also help keeping your backside dry . Good luck .

Thanks for the detailed response! Been doing fine but the back is sore after a long day on the water. Was looking for a cheap mod and will check this out.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

FISH11 · 04-27-2015, 10:19 PM

This is a lot cheaper than $2500 for the same hull with a new beach chair seat. This is the Seat I've seen "Iceman" recommend as the best aftermarket kayak seat for fishing long hours. http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...ic-angler-seat

Stuck20 · 04-27-2015, 10:31 PM

I use the Sea to Summit cruiser seat, it has a tendency to slide around if not installed tightly to the hooks. It's pretty comfortable though

alanw · 04-27-2015, 10:49 PM

I can vouch for the Thermarest pad (about $20 at sports chalet). No leaks yet after a year of use and it easily doubled my comfortable time on the water over a stock pad seat. You just need to strap it to your seat bottom with a lashing strap or something.

Caseym · 04-28-2015, 06:47 AM

TSugg,
I use a Crack if Dawn Spider seat with the high back. Im 6'2", everything bugs my back but I seem to do alot better now that Ive gone to this one with the high back. Its very thick and stiff padding so your arse isnt going through it and your back feels supported. Also Remind em to move around a little to change up the positions...just like driving a car all day. Also dont sit on their wallet, use a foam roller at night, 800 mg. Ibuprofin, Alternate heat and ice, jacuzzi jets go a long ways, stretch often, do more ab/core work, lay off the In-N-Out(naaa skip that one). Best of Luck

08-30-2014, 08:20 AM	#1
tsugg LOWSPARK Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: CARLSBAD Posts: 251	Seat in an outback We have my PA which has a great seat/chair. We also have a 2013 outback with the stock hobie seat in it. My wife has no complaints about the seat, but whenever either one of my boys comes on a fishing trip with me they both complain of a sore back after 3 or 4 hrs of fishing. Both boys are in great physical condition(work out all the time). How do any of you feel about upgraded seats in the outback ? I was looking this morning online and there are lots and lots of different types of seats all claiming to be "the most comfy"seat available. Any suggestions?

08-30-2014, 09:22 AM	#3
tsugg LOWSPARK Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: CARLSBAD Posts: 251	Sore back I'm not sure if I can be more specific other than "hey dad my back is killing me"after 3 or 4 hrs of fishing.Lower back, lumbar of back, back ache ! when they are both in prime condition without prior back issues, thats when I started listening. As I search the web I see almost everyone dislikes the stock hobie outback seat.

08-30-2014, 09:30 AM	#4
lbsurf2ca Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Encinitas Posts: 395	I feel your sons pain. The seats suck...wish I had advice to make it better. __________________

04-27-2015, 04:45 PM	#11
TJones Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,526	Stock seat has very poor padding Hobie does make an air cushion seat that can be used in combo with stock pad , or by itself . The pins that hold stock pad can be pressed out and then reinstalled . I would highly recommend this upgrade . My preference was just air cushion by itself and removing original pad . Combined together made the rider sit much higher than normal . The only negative about the air cushion is that it seems to fail after some good usage . It will start to leak at seams . Another Better option might be to buy a thermarest air seat cushion . Some sports chalet might stock them or they can be ordered on their website . The likely hood of one of these cushions failing is unlikely . You will have no issues spending 8 hrs on water with either one if these upgrades . If you use the thermarest cushion it will also help keeping your backside dry . Good luck .

04-27-2015, 04:48 PM	#12
TJones Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,526	And the best option Is drop 2500 big uns on the 2015 .

08-30-2014, 09:16 AM	#2
FlyFishinYakr Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Nor Cal...30 min from Bodega/Tomales Bay, 1hr from Clear Lake, 2+ hr to Berryessa & the Delta Posts: 729	You did not state exactly the nature of your sons' complaints. Are they sure the seat is properly adjusted for them? Is it a support problem, a padding issue? Since it's a HOBIE, do the other seats slide? Those seem to be the most common complaints. I got in on a group buy (GB) a couple years back on a Seairsports Pacific Angler seat (actually bought two) . It has great high back support but no lumbar support (as with most seats). Like many older Kayakers I have a bad back so I bought some 4" closed cell foam and built a sturdy lumbar support. I've heard the GTS expedition seat is comfortable. They both have great seat padding, the GTS also has back padding and I hear it "wraps around" the body pretty nicely. I've heard only one person complain about the lack of lumbar support, otherwise I've heard nothing but good things about it! If you add more specifics on your son's issues I'm sure more members will chime in on how to remedy the situation. FFY

08-31-2014, 07:10 PM	#5
crazywakeboarder Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: yorba linda Posts: 120	The new 2015 hobie kayaks all have the same seat as the PA Maybe you could consider upgrading to a new model? http://m.hobiecat.com/mirage/mirage-outback/

08-31-2014, 07:18 PM	#6
MissileTM Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 90	Sell it and buy the 2015 Outback or do a Jackson Kayak Elite seat mod. Do a search on hobiecat.com fourms. Some guy did that mod and seems to like it. It looks pretty easy.

08-31-2014, 07:23 PM	#7
619-SWIM-DOG Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 619	I have an air cushion that I sit on and my PVC pole holder sits perfect behind me for back support.

04-27-2015, 10:19 PM	#14
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,642	This is a lot cheaper than $2500 for the same hull with a new beach chair seat. This is the Seat I've seen "Iceman" recommend as the best aftermarket kayak seat for fishing long hours. http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...ic-angler-seat __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids )

04-27-2015, 10:31 PM	#15
Stuck20 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Rancho Cucamonga Posts: 100	I use the Sea to Summit cruiser seat, it has a tendency to slide around if not installed tightly to the hooks. It's pretty comfortable though

04-27-2015, 10:49 PM	#16
alanw Made in U.S.A. Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dana Point Posts: 1,625	I can vouch for the Thermarest pad (about $20 at sports chalet). No leaks yet after a year of use and it easily doubled my comfortable time on the water over a stock pad seat. You just need to strap it to your seat bottom with a lashing strap or something. __________________ Hobie PA 14 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Jackson Kraken ¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu X-Factor ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu Stealth-12 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Its not a spelling B its a fishing B ~yakjoe

04-28-2015, 06:47 AM	#17
Caseym Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Temecula Posts: 194	TSugg, I use a Crack if Dawn Spider seat with the high back. Im 6'2", everything bugs my back but I seem to do alot better now that Ive gone to this one with the high back. Its very thick and stiff padding so your arse isnt going through it and your back feels supported. Also Remind em to move around a little to change up the positions...just like driving a car all day. Also dont sit on their wallet, use a foam roller at night, 800 mg. Ibuprofin, Alternate heat and ice, jacuzzi jets go a long ways, stretch often, do more ab/core work, lay off the In-N-Out(naaa skip that one). Best of Luck