Revo or Outback for ocean use

I am trying to decide on whether to get the Outback or the Revo 13 for use out in Monterey and Carmel bays. From my reading the Revo is going to be faster, cut through the surf better, but is narrower and may be more limiting for mounting rod holders and other gear and for access with it not have the side recesses of the Outback.

I am leaning toward the Revo 13 but would appreciate any thoughts as to why or where the Outback might be advantageous for ocean fishing.

I have no way to demo them without doing a 5 hour trip up to Oakland. Even then I would be doing the demo in the Oakland inner harbor which is little better than pedaling around in a swimming pool for the purpose of evaluating the handling of the two boats. 

Thanks for any input.

I demoed both kayaks and ended up getting the Outback as my first kayak.  The Outback is far more stable than the Revo.  The Revo is faster.  I don't think the space for rodholders is that much of a factor because there are plenty of options for both.  I would suggest making the trip to demo them both, because the Hobies cost plenty of money and you don't want to purchase the wrong one.  You don't need to goto Oakland to try one out.  There are plenty of guys on here that might be in your area and would be willing to let you try out theirs.

Good Luck!
Bret

Well, as an Outback owner, I have to say... go for the Revo.     

Don't get me wrong, the Outback is a great kayak and carries everything you could ask for very comfortably.  It really builds your confidence since it's so stable.  As a crabbing platform, it's tough to beat.  But, it's a pig when the swells start coming in.  It will ride up and slap down on every swell.  It CAN move quickly if you work hard, but for the same effort, the Revo has it beat.

If you search the rigging section, there are fine examples of rigged Revos and Outbacks.  I don't think you're losing much in terms of mounting areas, especially if you go with a rail system like yakattack.

I never fished a Revo, but after I demo'd one, I knew that I preferred its speed over the Outback.  They're both very stable platforms, but I think the Revo would be easier to right if you flipped it since it's narrower and slightly lighter.  It's worth it to demo the kayaks, even if it's in calm water.  You can rock them for stability checks, you can sprint them, you can hard turn them, you can try to stand in them, and in the end, you'll have an idea which you prefer.

I really like the Outback, but I believe it's better for inland waters where speed isn't as necessary.  I include speed as a safety factor when out on the Big Blue.  It helps to be able to get out of dodge quickly if the weather or conditions take a bad turn.

I'm lazy so I prefer efficiency for my expended energy... that's why I'm selling my Outback for something faster.  I skipped the Revo and just bought an AI 

Good luck on your quest!

Depends on what species you are targeting. For rockfish or halibut, either would be fine but I would get a Revo because it is faster. For salmon or WSB, I would get an adventure or AI. You can buy a kit to convert an adventure to an AI. It doesnt save you money but you have that option which is what I did.

I would agree with Scott's recommendation - Revo is a solid all-around kayak for ocean fishing.  If you plan on doing alot of ocean trolling (or FW trout/Mack trolling) and covering long distances then the Adventure/AI is a superior option.  Would recommend demoing and comparing them. 

California Canoe and Kayak is having their Paddlefest Day on 6/21 at Lake Natoma - they'll have all the Hobie models (plus Jackson, Feel Free, and the other non-fishing lines they carry) available for demo.  Good chance to demo all the models back-to-back to compare.

Event is from 10-3 at the Nimbus Flats Recreation Area off of Hazel Ave near the dam.  Cost is $10 and you can demo as many boats as you want all day.

If you are going to launch out of Moss Landing most of the time, the AI would be the best platform. The current, frequent windy conditions, boat traffic, rough swells at the jaws and long commute to the fishing grounds makes the AI the best choice. The AI has it's downsides, cost, weight, rigging time, more stuff that can break or fail, faster drift when bottom fishing, boat registration BUT it is a superior fishing platform for saltwater big game fishing  especially salmon trolling. It's also easy to add an outboard.

 

  I have a OB, and at the moment don't fish the ocean.  The reviews these guys have given are 100% spot on.  I consider my OB a barge! I've never flipped it, (Yet) and it packs a whole lota stuff in the hull.  I personally though the Revo was too narrow, comparing it to my OB.  But, I'm used to my OB now.  The OB will certainly not win races, but it will get the job done. (Just might take a little longer....)

I've never tried a Revo and I agree it looks faster, but my paddling buddies already belly ache that they can not keep up with me in my Outback. It super stable with lots of room and feels like an unsinkable battleship on the water. I've never dumped it in open water, never even come close, and I go out in the stink.

I laugh when I read the reviews that say the Outback isn't fast enough for ocean fishing.  I fish out there on a Pro Angler 14 now with my 115lb ten year old son riding tandem on the back deck.  An Outback would look like a drag car compared to me side by side!!!

I will soon be in the market for an Outback or Revo for my son that will double as a backup for me as well.  I'll be demoing both but I'm fairly sure the Outback will be my boat of choice.  I'm 240lbs and like the increased load carrying ability of the Outback!

I think I just saw an Outback in the classifieds section for sale.  Better act fast!

I don't think it's just about any one characteristic such as speed or others.  All of the models will work for all types of fishing, but there are trade-offs for each that include performance (speed, stability, pedaling efficiency, layout, ability to modify, ability to lift/load, etc) and other considerations (storage, cost, transport, ease of loading, etc).  It's really about getting the right boat for your situation, considering both the types of fishing you do and logistical constraints.  I use an Outback for FW bass fishing and a few other things - really enjoy it.  I could use it for ocean salmon trolling, a lot of guys catch lots of salmon with Outbacks.  But I really enjoy using the AI with one aka/ama because it is much more efficient when trolling all day for ocean salmon or FW big trout/macks, or covering alot of distance to get to the fishing grounds. 

It really just gets back to the wisdom that is often repeated around here - demo a bunch of models and decide what is the right kayak for you.

 

You want to test paddle a Revo? Let's meet up and go fishing..you can borrow mine! Elkhorn is just up the road from me. I might be able to find an Outback to try too.

Thanks for the offer Pat. PM sent.

The AI is the last thing I would want to own and store and transport or haul across the beach or down a trail to launch. The Revo with the $180 Hobie AMA outrigger kit is going to as stable as I would ever need, even with the Hobie sail in use.

I have spoken to a number of people who are of the opinion that one has about 4 times the practical range pedaling the Revo over the Outback on open water. That is very appealing to me as even going from Stillwater to Whalers Cove and back is about 10 miles. The reduced effort would also provide more of a reserve when fighting a headwind while getting back to my launch point. 

The 350 lb. capacity of the Revo 13 is more than enough for me at my present weight of 180 lbs. and I am working on losing 15 lbs. to get back to a healthier weight. With 30 lbs. of gear and 30 lbs. of fish (with a lot of luck) I still have a 100 lb. reserve capacity.

I moved up from an OK Scrambler to a Necky Spike and the effort to paddle was cut in half and my speed improved at the same time. The Scrambler was more stable but it was actually overkill in that regard and the users paid the price with every stroke of the paddle.

I will be trying both boats in the water before buying. I appreciate the comments and advice.

You want to test paddle a Revo? Let's meet up and go fishing..you can borrow mine! Elkhorn is just up the road from me. I might be able to find an Outback to try too.

I predict PK is going to sell his Revo and get an AI. 

Wasn't this just talked about???