2015 Hobie Outback build

Yeah I've seen Outbacks prior to 2015 models with the hatch installed, it's just a tighter squeeze I hear.  It is awesome though!

 

  I had a rectangular hatch installed on my first 04' hull, then after I returned that hull, my I put the hatch into my 2nd hull.  when it failed for the dreaded "Drivewell crack" I got my current 08' hull.  It has a round hatch installed. 
   
  I really like that seat!  I'm wondering if Hobie has though about maybe having a kit to install that seat into earlier model hulls?
     

some guys are putting the hatch in front to back instead of sideways as shown here.

Thanks for the info fellas! 

Rubberized pockets installed, no more snagged trebles. 

One on the inside of the hatch is a pretty cool idea!  Thanks for sharing!   

Damn, I'm thinking that hatch is my next project.  Does the door hit the mirage drive when it's open?

the door is made to have a string on it to limit travel as it opens. The whole thing is slick, as you open the door the tackle tray rotates up, close and rotates down so door can close. I like it. I don't think it hits the drive if the string is adjusted right, had not noticed at least.

 
  So, I guess no one know if Hobie has a kit to put that seat in earlier models...   

As far as I know Troy, there is no way to retro-fit the seat to the older outbacks. 

Nope, no kit for the Vantage seat retrofit.  I have seen guys get creative and mount Jackson seats or other style chairs, in my 2014 Outback I used the Browning turkey hunting chair which was pretty damn comfy, and for $30 you can't go wrong.

+1. That seat was great in my old OB. I only wish it would fit in my  Revo. Now that I have a new OB, I guess it's time to sell it. 

Nope, no kit for the Vantage seat retrofit.  I have seen guys get creative and mount Jackson seats or other style chairs, in my 2014 Outback I used the Browning turkey hunting chair which was pretty damn comfy, and for $30 you can't go wrong.

That is really sweet!!!  Saw the other one on another site on using the Jackson chair, which looks a little bit lower than this one.  But your right for 30$ how could you go wrong!  The Jackson seat was I think 100$

Height wise it wasn't bad at all, fine for flat water conditions but for the salt I'd run the stock seat...the only thing w/ the Browning is it positions your body about 6" back or so, a bit longer reach to the pedals and the rudder control.  But the trade-off was well worth it. 

Not sure how I missed the start of this thread.  Nice set up!  I often think about an outfitter for the "wife" so I can borrow it, lol.  I like that square hatch.  I love a clean deck and store my tackle boxes below deck on my Adventure, but your system is much cleaner.  Very nice for a surf launch!  You did a great job.  I have tried the downrigger, but just use the lake trollers that Tad turned me on to.  Very easy on the lake and they get me down to 30-40 feet.

How do you like that Lowrance Elite 4 HDI?  I have been thinking of getting a downscan unit, but wonder how it works in the salt.  I have a M68c and Elite 4 (non-downscan), but like how you can see structure on the new units.  It would be great for reef fishing, but I hear reports they are only good to around 70-80 feet in the salt?