Just bought 2008 Hobie Outback. Need advice.

You can make your own rod floats by cutting up a pool noodle and using zip ties to attach them to your rods.  I made my own tethers out of old cell phone charge cords.  I did spend the 20.00 and got the Hobie tether for my mirage drive though. 
Some people are using a Ram ball mount in their Hobie mast hole to mount fishfinders and rod holders.

Sorry for all the noob posts. I am having a hard time finding the right clam cleats for my yak when installing the qras. I bought the yellow hollow floating rope from home depot and there are no clam cleats that it goes into and fits securley. I think this is the 3/8" one. The employee was able to fit a different type of rope into the clam cleats but for some reason this one  I got doesn't snugly fit into any of the,, she suggested I buy one of their ropes or anchor systems. Any advice?

This is the one I bought

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202079596/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=hollow+rope&storeId=10051

If anyone has a specific brand and where to get the correct clam cleats for this rope I'd really appreciate it. Thanks.

Steph - do you have a West Marine in your area?  They should have what you need.

I originally started with the cleat that Tote used.  It worked fine in the beginning, but what I found out was that hollow core rope after being used a couple of times becomes flattened and the diameter is reduced so much that it had a tendency to slip out of the cleat.  This cost me a anchor set-up (did not have enough rope out and too small of a buoy so it got sucked under).  It has also caused me to slip out while on anchor at the mouth of the American River(Discovery Park) during Salmon season combat fishing.  That was pretty sketchy as you are in tight amongst a lot of boats plus having two lines out and fast current.  Add to that a few inconvenient slips and I switched it out to a wind on type cleat.  Best move I made.  It will hold any diameter rope (I also use it for locking down my trolley system as well as directly to the anchor rope when I am running the anchor straight down in no current/wind conditions.  Rope comes off very quickly as well.  I like the solid security of it firmly being locked down.  Plus it can be used from front or back.

Hi Stevie! Thanks for the visual. Been to 2 West Marines and couldn't find a clamcleat that fits, I like your idea with that wind on cleat. Also, wondering if I should add a trolley system now as well, what is that good for?

Primarily the anchor trolley allows you to adjust the point where your anchor line meets the kayak which in turn effects the angle at which the kayak is held under current or against the wind.  The most extreme example is that should you want to have your kayak tie off point directly behind you so that you are facing downstream, you can attach the anchor line to the trolley clip, hand line the trolley so the clip is at the far back.  This would keep you tracking directly downstream.  Now for what ever reason you wanted to be looking up stream.  You could then hand line the trolley so the clip is now at the front.  The current or wind would then spin your kayak around with the front facing upstream.  This gives you the opportunity to adjust the attachment point anywhere along the side of the kayak thereby giving you the ability to adjust your angle.

Really, the only application that I find it useful is on no current waters and when there is wind.  In current, you generally don't want to be at any angle other than directly front or back as side current makes a kayak unstable.  When it is windy and lets say you are targeting some structure on the shore line.  With the anchor trolley you can drop anchor and use the trolley to get the correct angle to offset the wind and keep you angled in a direction that allows you to cast towards the structure.  I also use it for tying up to structure whether it be trees, rocks, or sides of bridges. 

It really depends on the type of fishing that you are doing.  I would say that on the west coast it is not used very often.  In the East especially where there are flats like in the Keys, it is used a lot more as they use anchor pole as the depths are not as great. 

I actually use mine on the American River when I am fishing eddy lines.  Because of the different currents, I need the attachment point a little off center so that the current keeps some pressure and prevents the kayak from spinning around. 

The reason not to do it is that it adds more clutter to your kayak as well as creating a snagging hang up area along the whole side of your kayak.  It can also be a safety issue should you end up needing to re-mount your kayak with ropes possibly catching on your pfd.  The other hazard is that you can get entangled in the ropes during a roll over. 

I personally would wait until you get your fishing style situated and see if something like this would enhance your fish catching. 

I will be at my place in Isleton with the family this weekend.  If you want to come out and see a simple QRAS, Revo downrigger mount, and a cheap and effective way of making your own leashes for any application, I would be happy to show you.  Just let me know in a PM.  This is not rocket science.

Just bought this kayak and I love Hobies! But it being the older model and able to compare it to the newer models I found that the hatches are super smaller then the newer ones and it tracks slower, but great stability. I've decided that I want speed and stability so what better way then to go with a Revo 13. Anyway I have a guy looking to buy my OB tommorow and if so I may buy a 2012 Revo 13. Hope it goes smooth!

Just bought this kayak and I love Hobies! But it being the older model and able to compare it to the newer models I found that the hatches are super smaller then the newer ones. Anyway I have a guy looking to buy my OB tommorow and if so I may buy a 2012 Revo 13. Hope it goes smooth!

Wow, that was a fast turnover, congrats

You will love the Revo.  You mentioned wanting to paddle on another post.  The Revo paddles and tracks really well.  The only thing you will give up compared to the Outback is stability.  I use the Hobie Sidekick Amas and my stability is great in rough conditions.  They may look like training wheels, but the added stability is great.  Add a sailing rudder and a sail and you have a pretty good sailing platform as long as the winds are mild.  The Outback and the Revo are both great yaks and each has its advantages over the other.

Congrads Steph!    Your gonna love the Revo!  Hasn't got any front rod holders, so if you want some you will need to install them.  Lots of good rigging tips from the pros on Revo's!    Let us know when  the maiden voyage will be! 

  Congrats on stepping up to a Revo!

Good call sister!   You'll love that Revo. With turbo fins you will haul ass.  I don't think you'll find it tippy at all. 


Eric Morgan
Trident Ultra 4.7
Not the guy selling the Outback
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