question for the bigger guys?

Im 6'1 275. I was thinking of getting an outback and was wondering if it was a "big enough" yak for me. Any of you bigger guys with input on this? I dont want to get a yak at the price point the hobies go for and find out i sit way too low at the water line. Thank you for the help.

Reagards,
Vin

My friend Steve is a bit taller but the same weight and it works for him. Did you test one?
That would be the first step.

The Outback has a weight capacity of 400 lbs.  You should be good but I would demo it first.  Mel Cotton's in San Jose rents them out...

I am not real big (6'1 180-210 lb depending how well I ate during the winter and exercised). My biggest challenge as I get older in any boat, is turning and getting the stuff behind me and seat fatigue. The lighter and more in shape I am in, the more comfortable the boat for me.

FYI:  Hobies' new Pro Angler 12 is just coming out and it has a 500 lb. capacity.  The older, larger Pro Angler 14 has a 600 lb. capacity.

You may be more comfortable in the Pro Angler at your size.  The seat is way better in the PA (I had a OB and sold it, I never used the OB because I prefered my PA).  I am 6'3" and 205 lbs. 
As for the new PA 12' you may have a long wait to get one of those.  the older 14' PA is readily available.  the PA 12' and 14' are the same price. 

thanks for all the replies. the reason im looking at the outback and not the pa is the maneuverability and speed. its slow than the other hobies but faster still than the pa's. thank you for the input fellas. im still up in the air if i should get the outback or an xfactor.

vin

thanks for all the replies. the reason im looking at the outback and not the pa is the maneuverability and speed. its slow than the other hobies but faster still than the pa's. thank you for the input fellas. im still up in the air if i should get the outback or an xfactor.

vin

if speed and maneuverability are top concerns a hobie may be the winner. But I will let an Xfactor dude chime in on the comparison 

thanks for all the replies. the reason im looking at the outback and not the pa is the maneuverability and speed. its slow than the other hobies but faster still than the pa's. thank you for the input fellas. im still up in the air if i should get the outback or an xfactor.

vin

don't sell the PA short, you would be surprised at how it handles and its speed.  I trolled yesterday for 8.5 miles at 8200' elevation in my PA and it was a piece of cake.  I would recommend you demo each to help you decide. 

thanks for all the replies. the reason im looking at the outback and not the pa is the maneuverability and speed. its slow than the other hobies but faster still than the pa's. thank you for the input fellas. im still up in the air if i should get the outback or an xfactor.

vin

if speed and maneuverability are top concerns a hobie may be the winner. But I will let an Xfactor dude chime in on the comparison

Being that i'm of similar body type, and possess both Outback and X-Factor, I guess that's for me to chime in! 

 First off, I'm extremely comfortable in both boats for long periods of times.  I started with the Outback and loved it for years for all kinds of fishing, ocean, lakes, etc.  But then found that there are times that a simpler boat fit my needs for mostly long distance carry, or challenging surf launches so I got the X-Factor and love it.  So far this year I've done all my ocean fishing from the X-Factor because of it's stability, still paddles well (at least I can keep up!) and it's very easy to re-enter if you flip over. 

So now the Outback is primarily being used for Lakes, because I love the trolling hands free, easy down rigger, very comfortable ride and all the space you need to be out on the lake for hours and take pretty much anything you want.  The X-Factor has similar deck space (about the same width) and less complicated for heading out into the ocean, paddling through kelp, and doing surf launches.

And as always, it's best to try both and then decide

Check out Outback Adventures for deals on the Malibu Kayaks, they are giving 10% off on kayaks and accessories for NCKA

thanks all. yeah it will be mostly used in the ocean. halfmoon bay santa cruz etc. so yes surf launching would be a primary concern. hmmm. decisions decisions. thanks all

vin

You need to be able to carry your yak to unassisted or make new friends real fast. 
Sometimes its a narrow winding trail.  Something to think about.

You need to be able to carry your yak to unassisted or make new friends real fast. 
Sometimes its a narrow winding trail.  Something to think about.

There are always carts for that such as:

You need to be able to carry your yak to unassisted or make new friends real fast. 
Sometimes its a narrow winding trail.  Something to think about.

There are always carts for that such as:

Not quite at Bean Hollow, Pigeon Point or SWS 

That's the beauty of the X-Factor for me, its definetly easier to carry than my Hobie!  I can carry it on my sholder down the stairs at Stillwater, and people dont complain as much when they help me carry mine!    

So if you plan on launching at places like Big Sur, Bean Hollow, Pigeon Pt. etc, you might want to look more towards the X-Factor in my opinion.  But that doesn't mean the Outback wont handle your needs, just is heavier and be prepared to pull the drive out if you want to paddle through kelp, or just haul ass around them, cause your in a Hobie    Definelty get the turbo fins!