Older Generation Hobie Outback vs New

Looks like I'll be pulling the trigger on an older gen Hobie Outback, around a 2005 model.  Been doing a lot of reading and research past weeks, and from what I've gathered, it sounds like there are few differences in the newer models, such as the rudder (goes up/down vs twist & stow).  I have also heard that the older gen have a hatch under the seat that contributes to a lot of water entering the hull, but not a big issue.  Just wanted to see if there were any current owners of the older gen or have owned both old and new gen outbacks, that can share some advice, tips and main differences between the old and new.  Looks like I'll be getting on the water this year....FINALLY!   

I like the 2005 model, my first hobie... better hull layout IMO...

but, this was also the year that had a number of hull issues,,,  cracked drive wells and some problems with the Cam locks for the drive,... just check the cam locks and make sure they work well.

You can also do a search for the hull serial number range to find if this particular hull falls into that catagory ...

 The Good News... even if this is a  " Problem Hull... " you can contact Hobie and get a new Hull... but,  not an easy thing to do as you will need to get a kayakshop or something going on to help you get this done and may be a total hassle, shipping cost etc...

I really do not know where Hobie stands on this issue anymore but they have been good in the past.  Another possibility is this Yak may have no problems at all...

Might be a good idea to get the serial #, contact Hobie and find if this has already been a replacement hull...

 Hope that helps, and does not create to much anxiety....   

Like I said, better Hull lay out and a good ride....

As I recall, in 2007 they fixed the hull crack issues.  By 2009/2010 they redesigned a few things like how the drive locks into the drive well, rudder, etc. 

As I recall, in 2007 they fixed the hull crack issues.  By 2009/2010 they redesigned a few things like how the drive locks into the drive well, rudder, etc.

I think the problem was with some 05 and some 06, there is a serial number range that I was able to goggle and find, my internet is acting up or I would try it. I think you can find it on the Hobie forums too.

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=12571

Thanks Mick   

Thanks for all the info guys.  I have come across a lot of info and have an idea of what I'm getting myself into.  Sounds like the kayak is currently in good, non-leaking condition so I will definitely get that re-enforcement kit from Hobie and hope all goes well. 

I can't seem to find any pictures online, but it sounds like the front hatch is different in the older models...anyone have pictures by any chance?  Also, for you guys that have the older models, is the hatch under the seat a big of an issue as people claim about water leaking through there? 

 

  My first OB hull was an 04'  It had a small 4-6" dia hatch up front, with Hobie bag, installed aftermarket square hatch put in just in front of the seat, I kinda remember a small 4" hatch under the seat, but not 100% on this, and a 8" hatch at the back end.  I had the hull replaced due to drivewell front support cracking.  Getting the replacement hull was effortless for me other than transporting the hull to my local Hobie dealer.  He took care of the rest.  2weeks later I had my 2nd hull.  it was an 06' model then, same style of rudder, and hatches.  I reinforced the area that previously cracked with hot glue, basically building up the area inside the hull under the drive forward mount.  This DIY fix lasted about 1 year.  The drivewll eventually cracked again, so off to my local dealer again. Same as before, very effortless on my part, other than time.
  My 3rd and so far final hull, is an 08'  the hull has been redesigned and the weak area for the drive has been made solid.  "Toilet seat hatch" up front, 8" hatch in front of seat, and 8" hatch at the back. Twist-N-Stow rudder.

  While up at BAMIII I discovered that my hatches did in fact leak.  My OB was parked next to campsite, and it was raining!  Well come morning time, the hull was way too heavy when I attempted to move it.  It had maybe 15 gal of water inside!  Only way water was able to enter was through the hatches!
 Removed the seat hatch, siliconed the snot out it's sealing surface, reinstalled it, the back hatch I simply siliconed around the exterior of the hatch (It's mounting hardware was used to hold some rudder thing inplace under the hull so I didn't remove it)
  No leaks since. 

Not sure if you have purchased a kayak yet. I have owned both kinds of Outbacks, I got into the kayak thing with 2 05 Outbacks. They were great! My wife wanted something my 9 year old could use so we traded her Outback for the Sport. We loved the Kayaks so much we wanted to buy another so my wife had her own again and my son could have the Sport. We bought her a 11 Outback. The hatch on the front is a HUGE advantage to the old Outback, the way the mirage drive goes into the hull is %1000 better, and the way the kayak moves through the water is better. The old ones felt like a barge compared to the new ones. After two trips out I couldnt take it anymore, I sold my 05 and bought a 12 Outback! I love it. You only have to spend a little bit more to get the newer hull and I promise you will no regret it! I have owned both and would NEVER go back to the old hull. Feel free to PM if you have anymore questions.

Chris

If you have a choice to buy a newer model do it! As a newbie I made the mistake of buying someone else's problem. Thought I was getting a deal and ended up with a leaking pos that damn near sunk me on my first trip out.

I know buyer beware.

Thanks to this site I was able to find the problem, the infamous drive well leak. You can't see it but I imagine that as you press on the peddles the crack opens and closes letting in a lot of water. And with the hatch under your seat you cannot pump it out unless you can get off the hatch and open it.

I went to my local Hobie dealer that has been a great resource  and asked if he could fix it. The answer was no. I didn't buy it from his store he would not work on it.

I contacted Hobie to describe the problem and that it was a very prominent  issue with their older outbacks. I described how it was in excellent shape, how much I like the yak,etc. this was to no avail and no help would be coming from Hobie. I told them i expected them to stand behind their product that was cleary a poorly designed system. This was the final word of Hobie staff Jacques Bernier in a series of less than helpful emails. He told me that they(Hobie) " weren't going to offer any coverage from Hobie direct as this boat is well outside of any warranty and ever beyond any pro-rate good faith sales adjustment period unfortunately.  So don't expect any help on a older Outback from Hobie.

Well being the handy guy that I am I created a fix that does way more strengthening to this poorly designed area of the outback.

First I created a stainless steel plate that goes from the very top of the floor and is bent to fit snugly to the bottom of the hull. This is to transfer the load of pedaling up and away from the
 weak area of the crack. I sanded the surface of the area and used GOOP to bond it to the kayak and used the mirage drive to hold it in place while it dried.

On the inside I prepped the surface for polyethylene epoxy glue from Tap Plastics. I carved a block of PE to fit and fill the inside of the weak area in the hull. I then heated the surface as instructed and glued the block in place. I also used fiberglass with the glue and block to spread the contact patch with the kayak.

So far no leaks and my yak is dry after a day on the water.

Hope this helps.