Hobie Outback going in circles...

@LilRiverMan - you're on to something there. Might want to post this thing on CL in Alabama.

Thanks for the feedback!

So technically this would mean that if I were a mile or two out and anything happens to the rudder or mirage drive on the OB, I would have a wonderful time trying to get back in. Hopefully this doesn't happen whilst the landord is coming around to collect rent.

If you just lose the rudder you could peddle and use your paddle as a rudder to get back in

It might just be the way hobie hulls are designed,my pa does the same thing but it's not a yak.would've thought the revo would track straighter.I've watch dc paddle his dorado and he goes backwards straight

I've had the outback for a few years and never noticed... I will have to test the next time I'm on the lake. I have paddled my wifes Revolution several times and loved how it tracked it compared to the Outback. I knew the Outback was going to paddle like a barge when I purchased it though.

Thanks for the feedback!

So technically this would mean that if I were a mile or two out and anything happens to the rudder or mirage drive on the OB, I would have a wonderful time trying to get back in. Hopefully this doesn't happen whilst the landord is coming around to collect rent.

If you just lose the rudder you could peddle and use your paddle as a rudder to get back in

bingo... if you lose your rudder... the paddle can be dragged while peddling to steer the boat... if you lose your mirage drive, the rudder can be used like a trim tab on an outboard to correct for the lack of tracking on the outbacks hull.  I have two outbacks, an '07 and a '10 and they both act as you have described.  The keel is just too round to provide good tracking while paddling.  It it like trying to paddle a cereal bowl...

Thanks for all the advice!

@Salty. - If that were just the case where I had to paddle multiple strokes on one side vs the other to keep the tracking straight, I wouldn't worry at all. The issue I'm having is that the boat only wants to go to the left side and once it starts going to the left, I cant correct it no matter how much I paddle to do so. There is nothing on the inside of the boat other than my dry bag (which is attached to the sail mount so it's held right in the middle of the boat inside of the front hatch). I'll keep on testing this thing out. Crossing my fingers that the drive and rudder won't fail me out in open water.

Sounds like there is something wrong with your OB. I notice that I have to make multiple strokes on one side vs the other when there is a strong current. But in lake Del Valle, my OB was pretty straight. I do notice that if I have too much weight on one side (like a monster WSB), my OB will list.

Vu

I tested my OB out last week. 2012 model.  Doesnt track very well with rudder up and drive tight against hull. But hoping I don't have trouble with either. You can paddle, it is just more work to keep it straight. Buying tow strap!