At least a beer.

Here's another idea to muddy the water...  what about a Revo16 w/a Hobie Sidekick kit?  All the benefits of a Revo16 with better stability.   

Could work.

This is my take on comparing the 2015 Revo 16 vs 2019 Outback.  I have both kayaks.   FYI, my Revo 16 (with the updated seat)  is on sale, see my signature for the Revo 16, AI, NuCanoe, and Santa Cruz Raptor G2 for sale.
Revo 16
Pros:
        * Very fast with minimal effort. This thing is fast, I can speed past other kayaks easily.  Excellent for salmon trolling  <---- IMHO, this alone probably will trump all the cons.
Cons:

     * Not much space.  This is OK for me, I prefer to go minimal.  The more stuff, the heavier to carry/add drags, so I try to avoid that.     
* Stability.  The kayak is pretty stable, but once in awhile, it will give you the "Oh shit" twitch.  You can easily compensate with that by 1) Getting used to it, 2) brace out your logs, and 3) add sail rudder (which I did)
     * Long (but lighter than Outback)

Outback:
Pros:
         * Lots of space, geared more toward fishing out of the box.
     * More stable (but at a cost, i.e. slower)
Cons:
    * Slower, takes a lot of effort to move it forward, especially for salmon trolling. 
    * More fishing gear mods will make it slower and add drag
    * Heavier



Here is my 2 cents on your questions:


Outback questions:

1. Does the Outback handle surf launches well? Relatively OK.  It doesn't punch through well and because of the width, it can rotate easily (i.e. pushed sideways).
2. Given that the Outback weighs about 20 lbs more, fully loaded, is it too slow/hard to handle when it is choppy and/or the current is strong?  Compared to Revo 16, no doubt.  Hell, everything is slower compared to the Revo 16.
3. Is the Outback really difficult to load (I have a Toyota Tacoma - I think I can just put it on the bed and use and extender, but I would love to put it on the roof rack)?  I would put it on the bed and be done with it, I would do it regardless what kayak you have.
4. Is the 2019 Outback "spray over the bow" issue real?  Yes, it is.  I think the spray is more on the Outback compared the Revo.  But if you dress for immersion, you should be OK.
5. Does the 2019 Outback really "take on water" when the chop is high?  Yes, it does, but it should drain quickly if its on deck.  As far as on the inside, they provided a kit to waterproof the hatch (if not already installed).  Regardless, you should think about adding pool noodles or air bag regardless what kayak.


Revo questions:


1. Is the Revo stable?  Yes and no, see the Cons above.
2. Is the Revo easier to surf launch than the Outback (I'm looking at you MooMooOutdoors and TLA... I've seen those videos)?  Compared to Outback, yes.  It punches through the waves better than the Outback.  If surf launch is what you're looking for, get a Santa Cruz Raptor G1 or G2, they are the most surf worthy kayak I've owned.  I've had the privilege of misjudging my landing on some gnarly waves, the kayak compensated for my mistakes, which is very nice.  The G2 also has excellent storage in the back, perfect for crabbing!
3. Does the Revo require a lot of modification (esp compared to the Outback...)?  This is a relative question.  My guest is you will mod whichever kayak you pick.
4. How does the Revo handle in the current and wind (when compared to the Outback)?  Excellent.  The Revo is very fast.
5. Is there enough room on the Revo given that it is 27" versus 34" for the Outback for all the crap we need to fish?  This is another relative question.  Whichever kayak you choose, minimal approach is my suggestion.

Thank you for this. This response is amazing. One of the things I haven't really added into the equation is the species that I will be targeting. Salmon will not be my primary focus. Halibut, "Filthy" Lings as TLA so lovingly calls them, Rockfish, and Crabbing will be my focus. The main troll for me will be "ball bouncing" for Halibut in Tomales Bay, SF Bay, around Bolinas, Stinson, and Muir Beach. I might occasionally make it down to Pacifica for a NCKA event.

I think one of the biggest safety concerns is being able to handle the yak when the wind and currents are serious. If you're fighting water currents and wind at +10kts it can be pretty painful. The Revo definitely wins me over in those situations.

The outback is attractive because it's just done. I wouldn't modify a thing on it (I don't think...). I just worry that I could be in a touch situation if the Mirage drive breaks down and the paddling is tough or the wind and current kick up unexpectedly - giving me the hebeejeebees (I have no idea how this word should actually be spelled) about getting back to shore safely.

I think the final factor will be testing them both out at CCK in the coming weeks. I should probably pick a less than perfect day to demo.

Thanks again for the insights.

For Revo 16 questions:

1. It’s not stable. Less stable than Revo 13, but you’ll get the hang of it.
2. Definitely easier to surf launch given how narrow it is. It slices thru water.
3. Depends on your definition of mods. Are you someone who likes to bring the whole kitchen sink, 3 GoPros, cooler, etc?
4. Revos specially the 16s are fast kayak. You’ll use less effort in the wind or current.
5. Depending on the “crap” you’re bringing. I find my Revo sufficient for my needs, although I’ve never taken it for crabbing. Deck space is pretty  limited yet sufficient compared to the outback. You’ll eventually learn to only bring the essentials over time. I bring the most tackles when I’m bass fishing.

I don’t have the latest Outback, mine is the 2015 which I only own for my wife or as a loaner or when I go crabbing so I don’t have much experience with it. All I know is that I hate the positioning of the handles. It’s tricky for me to pick it up compare to the Revo so I only load it on the bed of my truck instead of car topping. I probably just need to learn a better technique I guess.

You’ll never find that “perfect” kayak. You’ll have to compromise somewhere. Only time and experience will let you know if a kayak is right for you based on your fishing style, and then you decide if you want to keep that kayak or move onto something else. Hope that helps.

Thanks for the detailed response. I’m going to test them both at CCK. The Revo seems to be pulling ahead. I have had some hard experiences fighting wind and current, so that will probably be one of the main factors that I take into account. Although, I took an unexpected dip in Tomales Bay this past summer and I would do anything to keep that from happening again...

I know, I know - this conversation again...but with a twist! Outback vs. Revo.

Next year I am going to buy a new fishing kayak and the two I am considering are the Hobie Outback and the Hobie Revo (title says it all). I would love some feedback from folks that have either.  I've listed some of my questions below.

Outback questions:

1. Does the Outback handle surf launches well?
2. Given that the Outback weighs about 20 lbs more, fully loaded, is it too slow/hard to handle when it is choppy and/or the current is strong?
3. Is the Outback really difficult to load (I have a Toyota Tacoma - I think I can just put it on the bed and use and extender, but I would love to put it on the roof rack)?
4. Is the 2019 Outback "spray over the bow" issue real?
5. Does the 2019 Outback really "take on water" when the chop is high?

Revo questions:

1. Is the Revo stable?
2. Is the Revo easier to surf launch than the Outback (I'm looking at you MooMooOutdoors and TLA... I've seen those videos)?
3. Does the Revo require a lot of modification (esp compared to the Outback...)?
4. How does the Revo handle in the current and wind (when compared to the Outback)?
5. Is there enough room on the Revo given that it is 27" versus 34" for the Outback for all the crap we need to fish?

Ok, I think that's enough to get started. Thanks for any details ya'll provide. I'll be grateful when I fork over 2-3K for all of the comments that make me feel better one way or the other.. I'll at least know I've done my due diligence.

At the end of the day, I know there will be blood on the decks with either one - and I'm using a sit kayak now that I can't take out of Tomales Bay.

This is great news! Let's hope they are successful. I will be interested in seeing the data as they continue this project.

If you want your own personal drive by just got to Rockaway. There are plenty there just cruising the surf line.
Lol.

How often do you meet the landlord while you’re out? Seems like you’d have had a sighting or two by now given your dedication to the sport.

Quote from: marin_yaker on October 08, 2019, 03:32:50 PM

LMK if you ever bring your Yak up to Marin.

Where in Marin are you? I'm also in Marin

Sent from my moto z3 using Tapatalk

I'm in Southern Novato. You?