The Perfect Fishing Kayak

I'd like to fish one of your tourneys! 

Chris - gotta go to the Bendo at Mendo (BAM) or the Elk 

What are the dates?  I am planning a trip to Lake Almanor area, then shooting over to Santa Rosa area... keep me posted!

will do

The only problem I had with the Front Hatch on my old T120 was during transport.  I had one come off going over the hill (Hwy 17).  Kayak Connection replaced it for me.  I stored it inside after that.

I too had issues with the Tupperware hatch.  Once during the surf launch, a wave broke over my bow and ripped the front hatch off.  Inside was all my expensive electronic gear.  Luckily, I never tipped over. (note:  it was not luck.  I never had tipped over in the T160i; launching or landing.  Luck obviously has nothing to do with it.)   My fix was to add a custom strap to keep it on.  The real reason why it came off was because it wasn't really on.  How many times have you stored something in a tupperware container, only to see the lid popped off because you didn't seal it correctly?  Now, I learn to seal it good.

The T160i lid works great.  It does an excellent job of keeping the water out.  I with WS would add redundant straps to the lid.

My shoulder doc told me no more paddling due to a torn Rotator.  I peddled a Hobie Revolution for two hours yesterday.  I was impressed.  I think it is faster, with less effort, than my Scupper Pro.  According to my GPS, 3.5 mph easy cruising, 4.2 mph fast cruising, and 5.2 mph sprinting   The Rev is also an extremely stable boat. 

I prefer the fishing features, especially rod holder placement, of the Outback but I wonder how much slower it is than the Revolution.  I thought you might know.  I was also told that the Outback is too wide and slow for ocean fishing.  What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

Doug (akagrumpy)

I like the Outback,

 It's more stable, I like the position of the rudder and the flat top to the sides that can used to hold

 things temporally,

It's a stable, comfortable ride and really don't notice it as being slow, i keep pace with everybody

effortlessly, I also have paddled it and done fine with that too.

The Revo is a bit faster, more maneuverable, but my choice is the Outback .... Danglin

My shoulder doc told me no more paddling due to a torn Rotator.  I peddled a Hobie Revolution for two hours yesterday.  I was impressed.  I think it is faster, with less effort, than my Scupper Pro.  According to my GPS, 3.5 mph easy cruising, 4.2 mph fast cruising, and 5.2 mph sprinting   The Rev is also an extremely stable boat. 

I prefer the fishing features, especially rod holder placement, of the Outback but I wonder how much slower it is than the Revolution.  I thought you might know.  I was also told that the Outback is too wide and slow for ocean fishing.  What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

Doug (akagrumpy)

Doug,

I'm glad you are able to get out on your Hobie. My ex-wife had a bad rotator cuff and was able to get back in a kayak after her surgery. My own left shoulder has started bothering me the past couple days in an ominously familiar manner. So who knows what I'll be doing for a boat in a couple years.

For what it's worth, I could hit 6 mph in an all out sprint as indicated by GPS on my Scupper Pro.  I figure about 4.2-4.4 mph fast cruise on flat water, more like 4.0 out on the ocean.

Regards,
Scott

I was also told that the Outback is too wide and slow for ocean fishing

 That's a " Odd " thing for someone to say,

 I've been in the ocean plenty of times,  the advantage of the pedals again is hands free for trolling,

 able to keep position on structure, again hands free,

 The disadvantage in the Ocean is the Mirage drive system when Launching, and especial landing...

 also, self rescue is a bit different with your deck cluttered with pedals, this also goes into having a cluttered

 area while fishing.  The first thing I noticed when I borrowed PolePole's prowler was i felt like I could

 Breath....  Having all that space where my pedals usually are.

 A Revo may be a better choice for you considering your used to a slimmer ride, but if you were to go that

 route, I would test drive a Adventure first,  Greased Lighting, and you could go all out and get the

 crazy sail outrigger set up....

 But again, I like the Outback for it's stability and comfort for fishing .... Danglin

Scott,

Don't wait to get your shoulder taken care of.  I have had one surgery that didn't work and I am looking at a late next year to be doing any serious paddling.  I haven't bought a Hobie yet but I found a Revolution demo for $1300.  Based on Danglin's experience with his Outback, and the Outback fishing set up, I am leaning toward the Outback.  I am going to paddle an Outback before I buy either.  If I can cruise at +/- 4.0 I'm going to start looking for a deal on an Outback.

Thanks to all for the input.

Ya Know the saying...

 Try before ya Buy.....

 The Outback may feel  like a Tank to you being your go to rig is a Scupper,

 If your comfortable with the Revo or the Adventure,  there are advantages in speed and maneuverability,

 and a better yak to paddle if you should so wish.

But as I said, I've paddled the Outback, done fine,

Also like the lay out better for fishing and comfort.

 and your Definitely in Good Kayak Buying Season... Good Luck........ Danglin

Doug,

Don't know how heavy your Scupper Pro was but another thing to think about is the weight of the Outback.  Once you demo it, you might try loading it on whatever you will be transporting with before actually purchasing.

I have the Adventure and LOVE it but lifting it onto the top of my Explorer can be cumbersome.    Granted, I store my seat, paddle, drive "plug," and small net inside the hull.  I still haven't perfected the loading but it is getting easier.  I am 6'0" and go 190lbs.

Just food for thought!

Michael

I use a little Hobie Sport because I'm a small guy, 5'-8" and just 115 lbs..   So in scale to my size it's like a bigger person in an Outback.   And the Sport is rediculously easy to load diagonally in the back of my little Toyata Tacoma 6 foot bed then put the tail gate up and a coupe of bungee cords.   I can be ready to go in ten minutes easy.

I like the challenge of carrying a minimum of equipment; one good all purpose fishing rod, an Igloo marine cooler that fits the Sport perfectly to hold my catch  (I think Hobie designed the Sport to fit this very popular cooler) and a small tackle box and a simple portable sonar.   Nothing stored in the hold as it's stuffed with pool noodles.   I am going to rig it for crab and crayfishing soon.

My yaking partner had never tried a Hobie before and after he tried my Sport he went and bought a Revo.  He tried the Outback and the Adventure.   Yes the Outback has lots of space in easy reach, but my buddy also likes to carry minimum equipment and he likes the lighter, faster Revo.  Keep it simple.   More time to catch fish.   So that's why we chose the Hobies we did. 

Since Danglin did his demo at West Marine in Richmond, I'm out a little over $2k and counting.  I bought the Outback and I pick it up today.

The Kayak Store in Sac (916 971-1800) has a great deal on the last 2007 Revolution for $1299.  I love the way it handles and the speed and stability.  The only downside is the lack of rod holders and room for accessories in the front.  I frequently roll coming in thru surf. Appendendages sticking out don't work for me.  That is a great deal for anyone looking for a red Revo.

Doug

doug,
      I have a Revolution and       I take my reels off and put my rods in the paddle holder. The boat's long enough to protect most of the rods, but the tips stick out front just a little. Haven't rolled like that yet, but it's better than sticking out everywhere.

Since Danglin did his demo at West Marine in Richmond, I'm out a little over $2k and counting

 Yikes!!!!!

 I hope The WAF acount is still full!!!!

 Just think though... If ya bought a power boat, you could easily thow 2K away every month.....

 Congrats and I'm sure you'll have no Regrets,

 Kayak Store?   Do you mean Adventure Sports?..... Danglin