Hobie Adventure fish review '08

After 3+ years riding a Hobie kayak I finally got my hands on the Hobie Adventure fish. It's no new kayak so a review may seem a little strange but there have been some additions to the yak so thought I'd highlight some of those.

The biggest change to the hull is the rear tankwell. It's absolutely massive. I was afraid that my big Plano wouldn't fit back there but it's got a ton of room to spare.



The drive has a few minor changes to it but one major improvement is the flange they've added to the back of it. For those of you who peddle, you know how much wash can come back through there and this flange stops it.



I've always been really impressed w/ the Adventure's lines and I wanted to make it perform to it's best so did a few tweaks to it. First, she's a fast yak but you can squeeze a few more mph's out of it by adding the turbo fins. A really easy addition. I topped it out yesterday @ 7.5 mph's! 

 

While in some rough conditions I've had some trouble w/ the rudder not always being in the water so went for the sailing rudder upgrade. I think I'm probably riding in too rough conditions but it rides great now. I've also heard from another Hobie rider that it works really well during drifts so I'll have to check that too.



And finally, I wanted to put the least amount of holes in this yak and make my FF portable so went with the new Ram mast mount made for Hobie. I also added the adapter to hold the GPS antenna and makes it an easy unit to move from yak to yak.



And finally the seat is now easily removable and has a new shape. It's a bit more minimized and much more cush is added.

Some final pics of the Adventure. Watch out salmon!!
Z

Looks good Bryce. So I would imagine that the sailing just bolts on?

Is that what I get to cruise on if I show up to go salmon fishing with you?   

Looks good, Bryce.   

Is that what I get to cruise on if I show up to go salmon fishing with you?   

Looks good, Bryce.   

Naw ... I wouldn't let you paddle one of those AK.  You can have your pick of Ocean Kayaks.

BTW, did you notice the sticker in the first pic?

-Allen

Looks good Bryce. So I would imagine that the sailing just bolts on?

Yeah if you're into the sailing thing you can get a bolt on kit that makes it a sailor.

Is that what I get to cruise on if I show up to go salmon fishing with you?

Well, I think when you land that salmon you won't care what kind of yak you were on.

Naw ... I wouldn't let you paddle one of those AK. 
-Allen

Yeah Hobie's and AK don't really... oh, uh, wait... 

Bryce, nice clean set-up.   Major envy here.

Definitely dig the flange on the new '08.  I need to get the after market for my '07.

Also really like the RAM mount for the mast.  Wish they had that when I was rigging mine.  Oh well.  Question though, where did you run your FF wires, thru the front hatch with your wires for the GPS?

Also, have you thought about where you might put a downrigger, if you'll be using one at all?  Just Curious.

Michael

Naw ... I wouldn't let you paddle one of those AK. 
-Allen

Yeah Hobie's and AK don't really... oh, uh, wait... 

My mind said to type pedal, my fingers typed paddle, and now I'm getting called out on it.     D'oh!

-Allen

Bryce, nice clean set-up.   Major envy here.

Definitely dig the flange on the new '08.  I need to get the after market for my '07.

Also really like the RAM mount for the mast.  Wish they had that when I was rigging mine.  Oh well.  Question though, where did you run your FF wires, thru the front hatch with your wires for the GPS?

Also, have you thought about where you might put a downrigger, if you'll be using one at all?  Just Curious.

Michael

Thanks D. Yeah that Ram mount is awesome! I'm really happy w/ how easy it is to pull the whole thing and put it in another yak. I got the transducer in a pool noodle glued to the yak so I literally just pull it all out. The wires go underneath the front hatch. They put a ton of cush/seal around it and even w/ all the wires it can still shut completely. As for downrigger, that's my bread and butter! In keeping w/ the KISS thinking and placement, I think mounting it on the Scotty gimbal mount out of the rod holder is best. KZreelrods and Pole² have done it and it really looks solid. If you use the one behind your seat it's pretty much in the perfect spot also. Gonna give it a try and see how it works on the Big A.

Z

My mind said to type pedal, my fingers typed paddle, and now I'm getting called out on it.     D'oh!

-Allen

Yeah yeah.. Well, Ab you've got your choice of the Hobie or an OK when you make it up here.

Z

Z,
   I have a similar mast mount setup and I zip tied a utility box that is big enough to put my FF in (same one as yours) to my sail post that's inside the hull. It's nice to stash it for launch/landings and if you keep fish in your front hatch it keeps them seperate. I love that mast mount setup. Nice job on the portability factor. Is the transducer just resting on the hull? Congrats on the new ride
                                          CoS

Right on Zee.  Very nice!
That thing looks fast just sitting on the driveway.  Take it easy on poor polepole.  He's gonna be struggling to keep up with you, especially if the wind kicks up.

The biggest change to the hull is the rear tankwell. It's absolutely massive. I was afraid that my big Plano wouldn't fit back there but it's got a ton of room to spare.

Yup... the tankwell on the Adventure is huge and you've got the jumbo Plano box!

The turbo fins and the wider rudder should be a mandatory upgrades with the Adventure.

The 2008 improvements to the Adventure include:
- a noticeably lighter mirage drive with new drums and drive well seal
- a new "ripcord" system for putting the rudder up and down.

WOW!!   Thats a really sweet setup you have there!!!  Go TEAM HOBIE!

It's nice to stash it for launch/landings and if you keep fish in your front hatch it keeps them seperate. I love that mast mount setup. Nice job on the portability factor. Is the transducer just resting on the hull? Congrats on the new ride
                                          CoS

Yeah, stashing the FF on surf launches is pretty important when you pay a lot for it.
The RAM mount just works. Solid. Highly recommend that to anyone w/ a Hobie. And I got the foam puck transducer setup. Also, simple and works great.

- a new "ripcord" system for putting the rudder up and down.

Oh yeah, forgot pics of that. Flawless. Another great design!

Z

- a new "ripcord" system for putting the rudder up and down.

Oh yeah, forgot pics of that. Flawless. Another great design!

Z

Would either of you mind elaborating on this.  I haven't heard anything about it.  Thanks.

Also, Z, what is the thing that you mounted on the top of your Plano box.  Curiosity is going to get the best of me.

Michael

Would either of you mind elaborating on this.  I haven't heard anything about it.  Thanks.

Also, Z, what is the thing that you mounted on the top of your Plano box.  Curiosity is going to get the best of me.

Michael

Sure. Hobie added a "ripcord" system so that the twist and fold rudder system could be fully raised and lowered. It also anchors it down so it stays put when the big A hits it's highest speeds. You can see them on both sides w/ the red and green ripcords.



And the thing on my Plano.. sorry D, top secret.
It's actually mini mitre box for plug cutting herring. Gets 'em spinning just right.

Z