Hobie Outback Vs. Revo 13

Hello Everyone,

I'm just wondering which one I should go for. Hobie outback or the Revo 13. I really like both of the boats but I don't know which one is better. I really want to fish in Santa Cruz for rockfish, lingcod and halibut etc. I also am going to fish out in Los Vaqueros Res.. This is my first kayak and I really like the mirage drive. I am 15 years old, 6"0 and weigh 145 lbs. If that helps.

Thanks,
Aidan

lots of threads talking about this same topic:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=58655.0

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=55989.0

No outside boats allowed at Los Vaqueros you gotta rent their boats. Sucks

They are both great boats. One is not better than the other; they are just different.

The only way to know which is right for you is to try them both out. California Canoe and Kayak in Jack London Square (Oakland) has both boats available to try out (for free) in the channel right behind the shop.

You can't go wrong if you get one of each!

They are both great boats. One is not better than the other; they are just different.

The only way to know which is right for you is to try them both out. California Canoe and Kayak in Jack London Square (Oakland) has both boats available to try out (for free) in the channel right behind the shop.

+1.   That's pretty much the best answer.

Although, in my completely unbiased opinion, the Revo is way sexier. 

You can't go wrong if you get one of each!

Yep +1

   Good question. Wish I could have both. I have the Outback and can put my wetsuit on while at anchor, can re-enter easy after free diving, more stable in the Ocean...not sure but maybe it punches thru the surf better at Bolinas and re-enters the surf better than the Revo. Also has a higher load capacity than the Revo.
   But I spent over 6 weeks in Baja, and I wish I had a Revo...faster for trolling, covers more ground, a tick lighter when rolling down to the beach...when 95 degrees.   Anybody have a couple thousands bucks I can borrow? 
   Hope this helps, Ron

Here is a link showing the pros/cons of each of the boats in the Hobie line up. It might be a little dated but most of the info still applies.

As the author states, the Outback and Revo often get compared to each other but they are actually quite different. One is more speed/trolling/distance while the other is more roomy/stable and perhaps more comfortable.

My bias would be for the Revo, but I prefer the speed/range and lower wind profile. If I focused on bass in stumps/weeds or smaller water or wanted to put crab pots out I might lean toward the Outback for the cargo and stability advantage etc. I don't know a thing about surf launching so I can't compare the two.

I would look at the Adventure as well (now called Revo 16 for 2015) in your comparison. I don't know what it is but many newer folks just
seem to pass it by when selecting their first Hobie. I probably would have too if I didn't buy the whole AI package. Once I took all the sailing
stuff off and went with the Adventure kayak, I was totally impressed with the speed/trolling/range and wind performance this kayak provides. Those are the attributes I need in my style of fishing but it may be different for you. By the way, the boat might look tippy, but I felt totally comfortable after my first hour in it.

http://www.yakangler.com/kayaks-and-gear/item/422-hobie-kayak-buyers-guide

Good luck.

Something that sometimes get over looked is all the off the water issues, none of it may be an issue for you but still something to consider,

What vehicle are you going to carry it on, where/how are you going to store it, how are you going to launch/load it,

Stuff like that isn't as important as the on the water performance but it could be something to consider when making your choice.

Good Luck, Be safe and have fun.

At your age & size, get a Revo. It'll be much easier to handle on and off the water.

The guys with Revos will favor Revos, myself included.  The guys with Outbacks will favor Outbacks.  I don't think you can really go wrong with either.

I used to have an Outback and I liked it, but I would have to side with the Revo guys now.  Good luck!  I look forward to hearing what you decided on.

Bret

Congrats on the new Revo Brett!  Beware of the force!