Maiden voyage for the new Hobie Outback

First of all thanks to Vince at Adventure Sports in Sacramento for setting me up with the kayak and talking me down off the ledge for not getting  the PA. The PA would have been overkill for what I plan to use it for.

Went to Rollins lake today for the first day trip and I couldn't be happier. Fishing hands free with the Marage Drive was all its cracked up to be and more. The boat was very easy to get moving and keep moving with very little effort. We spent 3.5 hours on the lake (at speed 3 on my dads trolling motor) and was ready for more at the end.

To keep this post short I'll just list the things I learned today:

You can't compare the seat in the Outback to the one in the PA. It's not even close.
The rod holders put the rod at an odd angle. Not quite what I like so rod holders are in order.
I need to look into the turbo finds and see if they require less energy to get up to speed and keep it.
You can't open the port in between your legs while pedaling. (or at least no easily).
You CAN stand up in an Outback with little worries of going over one side or the other.
FF is a must.
Very little water comes in the Yak around the MD.
Getting things from behind the seat is not as easy as I thought.
The OB cuts through the wind just fine.
I need a different PA that wont ride up into my face. 
I made the right choice buying the Hobie Outback

So over all great experience in the new Yak on a silky smooth lake today.

That sums it up for the first trip....now the mods begin.

Congrats on the new ride.  Glad to hear you like it.  I've got an Adventure and OB although my primary yak is the Adventure.  That said, I do enjoy my time on the OB.

Definitely get some rod holders.  I have 2 RAM mounts up front but Scotty is another option.

Do get the turbo fins; it's well worth the money.  And while you're at it, get the sailing rudder too!

As for accessing gear behind you, ride side saddle.  That is turn sideways with your feet hanging in the water and it will make life much easier.

Look forward to meeting you on the water.

The two best mods I have done for my outback was the Turbo fins and the sailing rudder. Both are worth the money and a must have! I wish Hobie would stop cheating people by making you pay for the turbo fins and sailing rudder, they should both be standard on all Mirage drive Hobies!

 

Congrats on your new OB!  Is that seat stock?  It looks like it'll be a little more comfortable than the stock seat that came with my 08' OB.  I purchased a Sea to Summit G something or other seat which is a huge improvement over the stock hobbie seat.
  Still don't have the larger rudder, or turbo fins.  Have't really used  my OB much due to work travel.  Until work travel slows some, can't justify getting them.

Congrats on your new Outback and maiden voyage!  As much as I'd like to have a PA, for me it would just be a PITA to transport.  The Outback is a great fishing machine, not too heavy to cartop, and is very comfortable for long days on the water.  No, you cant beat the PA seat, but the stock one's are pretty comfortable.  Let a little bit of air out of the air bladder and it will be a lot less stiff.  Yes, the turbo fins will do just as you described, makes it much easier to get up to speed and maintain it with less effort.

I wish Hobie would stop cheating people by making you pay for the turbo fins and sailing rudder, they should both be standard on all Mirage drive Hobies!

+1 I bet they would even save money in the long run by not producing the old fins and having to stock both.

Congrats on the sweet ride.