Why buy a hobie

Thinking a revo 13 might be nice addition but trying to justify.  See guys otw cruising along covering a lot of water vs. the paddlers. Have a t13 love it but, the Hobie for trolling and covering open water I thought a revo 13 might be nice. The mirage drive seems to be a little less effort to go distances. Any thoughts? What are the benefits and down falls of these mirage drive kayaks?

I love my revo 13. As you already stated trolling is easier......and it's hands free trolling. If you're not trolling you can cast as you move. Storage is also good. I recently had to shove a bunch of rods into the front hatch due to over hanging trees and it wasn't bad. That problem wouldn't have even come up though with the in cockpit horizontal rod storage of a PA 12 or 14 though.    There's a lot of things to consider. Weight, speed, storage, ability to stand & cast, etc. Good luck & demo before you buy.

I have a revo 13 as well as a quest and an adventure. Yes three yaks could be considered excessive by some but each has it's pros and cons (not many they are all hobbies).  The revo is a great all around yak. It can handle lakes rivers and open water.  Trolling with the mirage drive is easy, set up tackle toss it in then cruise (remember to go slow) and enjoy scenery drink coffee, each lunch and wait in the bite.  Downside of mirage is shallow water.  You need roughly 18 inches of water for mirage system (just a guess I never measured). With my paddle yak I can get through a puddle about 6 inches deep.  Making it a great boat for small lakes and streams.  The wife likes my revo so much I maybe buying a second one for her. In my opinion it is a great boat and if I had to only have one it would be my revo.  Luckily I can keep three.

I bought the Revo for my wife because she a had problem keeping her kayak going strait it was frustrating for her. Now its all good and I like it so well I bought the adventure

PatR 

The only real drawback I have seen in my conversion to the pedal side is the mirage drive in kelp...pita. some guys have reported fouling lines on the drive, but I haven't had that issue.
Shallow wares is a concern, but for me, most of the place I fish it doesn't add up to a hill of beans. I paddle until deep enough to pedal then stow the paddle and off I go.
The lack of reverse takes getting used to, but again not that big a deal IMO.
I can pedal father, farther and longer than I could ever have paddled. That alone has opened up a whole slew of fishing areas that I only rarely hit.

 

  The reason I choose my OB was due to my buddy telling me he bought 3 for his family, and since I've never had a kayak or padled one, I liked the idea of using my legs to move the thing through the water (I was a mountain biking fool back then so my legs were ripe for the Hobie drive.
  At that time I was a "Fisheman" first, kayaker second.  Now, I might be the same, but much more comfortable on the kayak, so now a "Kayak Fisherman"

 I've allways liked to troll, and wasn't sure how one could troll, and padle at the same time, and continue to go straight on the water.  Wasn't an issue with my OB.

  Because their Awesome.....   

on the neg side you got increased cost, weight, and 'complexity' and less (or more difficult) storage (specifically rods).

on the plus you got more speed and distance, hands avail fishing, eating and drinking. Oh and I can sail it!

For me the pluses are too large to ignore. If I can cover more water AND have a line in the water you are more likely to catch fish.

As a point of reference I have a T13 and a Revo....The T13 has been in the water twice in two years and lives on the side yard under a tarp. The Revo has been in the water 40+ times and has a spot in the garage.

I love the T13 it's just not as pleasurable to fish from.

Just being able to stay on the bite and not have to paddle back Many other Plus' I'm finding Like EWB says covering water while pumping along...I'm just getting used to mine...can't wait to peddle out to the red can @ GS6  and Get Some!!!

The other guys covered the great Hobie features.  One thing I'd like to add is it can handle rough weather, windy conditions, fast currents a lot better and easier.

I remember during the 2010 ARW Event a lot of paddlers were having a hard time dealing with the fast moving tide.  It was a piece of cake on my Revo.  I overtook several paddlers and heard them comment; "I am getting a Hobie". 

The other guys covered the great Hobie features.  One thing I'd like to add is it can handle rough weather, windy conditions, fast currents a lot better and easier.

I remember during the 2010 ARW Event a lot of paddlers were having a hard time dealing with the fast moving tide.  It was a piece of cake on my Revo.  I overtook several paddlers and heard them comment; "I am getting a Hobie". 

oh and wind...although James kicked my ass in his Prowler this weekend. However, I chalk it up to his super human "ginger" power and not the boat!

on the neg side you got increased cost........

But with that you get a higher resale value and someone is always looking for one.....

Since I've never even tested one out,,,,,,,,how well does a Revo paddle?  Looks like it ought to do OK.

i bought a hobie pa.i do a lotta of lure fishing(large mouth,stripers) so i need my hands free thats why i got a hobie.if i did a lot of bait fishing or vertical jigging i would get something cheaper.

Since I've never even tested one out,,,,,,,,how well does a Revo paddle?  Looks like it ought to do OK.

 Dale "Like a Dream"...but comparing it with my old pelican...just doesn't