1st Trial Run - 2015 Revo 13

Snuck out to Quarry Lakes yesterday to try out my kayak.  Here’s my findings:

Speed Drain:
I poured about 5 cups of water underneath the seat before heading out.  Pedaled to about 2 knots (don’t have my FF/GPS) installed yet.  I deployed 2 Rapala TDD 9s and I know from experience and watching the rod tip vibrate about 2 knots is approximately my speed.  Opened drain plug, waited 20 seconds and put my hand under the seat.  Felt like half the water was gone.  Checked again after 5 minutes and almost all of the water is gone.  Kept drain plug open for the entire trip.  No water came in.

GT Mirage Drive:
Trolling speed (1.5 to 2 knots) , very smooth feeling compared to my old drive.  I was putting a lot less effort on each kick.  The new drive feels more solid and at the same time creating more propulsion.

Sprints -  Mirage drive initially felt heavy and I knew my legs were going to give up soon.  Pulled the drive out twice and adjusted the turbo fins to less tension. Finally got the right setting and doing sprints became a breeze.
I wish I had my GPS so I can clock myself.

Turns:
Very responsive to tight turns.  Short pedal kicks and large sailing rudder made it very maneuverable.  I was impressed.

Vantage CT Seat:
Took a little getting used to compared to the old seat.  Did a few adjustments to get right comfort level.  When I got the right settings I was loving it.  My butt never got wet.   The only minus is the new seat does not recline as much like the old seat. 

Thanks for the report. Did you spill first blood on the maiden voyage.

Thanks for the write up!  Dying to try out an Outback and AI for the new seat!

Mel , if you want to recline your seat more . Just tilt your seat all the way up by pulling the lever (gray strap) then lift the forward edge of the seat then you will see how much more you gain on recline .. Almost laying down position .. Lol

Great review. Very interesting. I want to test one now!

Thanks for the report. Did you spill first blood on the maiden voyage.

Skunked, but happy just being in the water. 

It's been 18 months since you bought your last Hobie.  Dude you're slowing down in your old age - or maybe Hobie isn't putting out new models fast enough 
J/K    P-R-E-T-T-Y Yak   
Let's get some blood on it!

wow. sweet. Man, I want one so bad. 
Thanks for the review mel. I would lie if i said i wasn't jealous right now. 

Congrats on the new boat Mel and thanks for the report. 

Curious how COG and stability felt as compared to the old seat.  Any noticable differences based on first impressions?

Congrats on the new boat Mel and thanks for the report. 

Curious how COG and stability felt as compared to the old seat.  Any noticable differences based on first impressions?

John -

Conditions that day were steady 5 to 8 wind knots with steady minor chop.  My first few minutes felt different from years using the old style seat.  I found my best seat setting that day was lifting the front end up about 2 notches.  Getting acclimated took place pretty quickly.

I played around with the lumbar support.  You push a button in which engages and allows you to make you to make micro adjustments.  I just left it at OFF position and was fine.  I sat side saddle to access the rear area and it felt normal.   I am curious too about being out on rough conditions.

Congrats on the new boat Mel and thanks for the report. 

Curious how COG and stability felt as compared to the old seat.  Any noticable differences based on first impressions?

John -

Conditions that day were steady 5 to 8 wind knots with steady minor chop.  My first few minutes felt different from years using the old style seat.  I found my best seat setting that day was lifting the front end up about 2 notches.  Getting acclimated took place pretty quickly.

I played around with the lumbar support.  You push a button in which engages and allows you to make you to make micro adjustments.  I just left it at OFF position and was fine.  I sat side saddle to access the rear area and it felt normal.   I am curious too about being out on rough conditions.

Thanks Mel, much appreciated. 

Great looking yak, thanks for the review.  Counting down until my new Outback gets here.

Great looking yak, thanks for the review.  Counting down until my new Outback gets here.

Elusive already has one.  I've seen it and its very impressive.

Nice Mel!  You always get the best toys!  Now if they only modified it so it can go backward then maybe I can find an excuse to get one.   

Rey it just takes second to do it . Just turn it over 180 degree .. done !