Looking for advice on Hobie Outfitter

Hi all,

Came across an ad for a "demo" 2014 Hobie Outfitter for $2500.  For the past two years, my 11-yr old son and I have been using a Malibu Pro2 tandem for both lake and ocean fishing, so this Hobie would be a nice upgrade.  Would like to hear what y'all think about the Outfitter, in terms of ease of use/launch/rigging/carrying/storing/maintenance/etc.  Also, how does that compare with the other tandem Oasis?  Last but not least, is the quoted price, which includes the standard mirage drives, paddles and seats, reasonable?

Link is here: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bod/5372753091.html

Thanks in advance.

An Outfitter is basically the same hull shape as an Outback, just 7 inches longer.  The front hatch has been replaced with the pedal area for the front passenger.  A tandem Oasis has a hull shape more like the Revolution, a little sleeker than the Outfitter.  Like the Outback, the Outfitter is going to be a bit more stable but a bit more sluggish through the water.  Both great boats!

+1  to what One F said.

I picked up a used Outfitter and love it.  It's super stable.  I usually take it out on freshwater so my wife can fish with my daughter (3 yr old) while I pedal and steer from the back.  I've also taken two different newbies out on the salt without any concerns about their stability.

To address your concerns, it's just as easy to launch as any other tandem.  Rigging is nice because you have the deep armrests.  I never carry it.. it's too damn heavy. I roll it with a Wheeleez cart.  Storing it isn't an issue as it's shorter than other kayaks I have.  Maintenance... same as any Hobie.  Keep a spare rudder pin handy and at some point during your ownership, you'll likely have to replace the rudderlines at least once depending on prior use or age of the kayak.

Compared to the Oasis, the Outfitter is a bit slower on the water.  The hull design is wide and stable, but tends to ride up and slap down on swells.  With two people pedaling, it can get moving at a good clip.  The Oasis has a narrower hull and can maintain speed more easily.  It also slices swells better.

When my wife and I demo'd both the kayaks, she felt uneasy holding our daughter in the Oasis.  The Outfitter feels very stable and is so wide that it feels like you're in a recliner.  I haven't tried it yet, but I feel like I could stand in the Outfitter to sight fish.  The Oasis feels more responsive but is narrower and therefore, less cockpit space.  I would image that it would feel comparable to your Malibu tandem with the added benefit of the mirage drive. 

I would summarize it this way:  Outfitter = slow but very comfortable.  Oasis = quicker and handles swells better.

I'd add that if you ever planned on using the kayak as a solo, the Oasis would perform better.  I took the Outfitter out solo in mildly choppy seas and it was bouncing/slapping all over the place.  It definitely needed extra weight up front. 

As for price... it's tough to say.  The Outfitter and Oasis don't show up on the used market with much frequency.  If you wait for a better deal, it might be a long wait.  I've seen some advertised on CL from the Tahoe area that were better priced, but they were older models.  And of course, someone on NCKA might have one that's ready to sell (that's how I got mine). 

Ultimately, it'll come down to the butt test for you and your son...which feels best for you both.  I'm ok with slow and stable for freshwater and easy salt.  I think DaBruddah fishes both tandem and single from his Oasis.  You really can't go wrong with either.  Good luck!

Thank you so much for the detailed analysis .

I'll make you a deal on a loaded Hobie AI with tramps

So, I was in a very similar situation. I had been using a Wildnerness Tarpon 130T tandem with my son. He was about 10 when we started and he just turned 12. We have done lakes, ocean, and some of the Delta and were having a blast, but Dad was getting tired of being the engine   

We considered another tandem but went with two singles. We looked at the Revolution but went with the outback. I like both rigs but with a kid, a more stable kayak is a good investment if you ask me. We ended up with two Outbacks.

Ping me if I can answer any questions. I would have gone with an outfitter or AI with pontoons if we went tandem

Hi all,

Finally bit the bullet and decided to purchase the 2015 Hobie Outifitter from Cal Canoe & Kayak.  The yak comes with the standard drives and the new seats.  I am wondering what sort of accessories are needed at this point, such as cart, leashes for the drives, etc.  Suggestions for places/sites to purchase them from will also be greatly appreciated.

Currently, on our Malibu Pro2 Tandem, I have two sets of rod holder assemblies that use GT90 gear tracks.  Likewise for the older model of Lowrance FF we have been using.  The transducer is glued to the bottom of the inside hull with the cable coming through the hatch cover.  I am curious if any of these accessories on my current yak will be worth transferring over.

Any suggestion will be very much appreciated.   Thanks.

 

When I bought my Hobies I was offered discount for accessories.  But if you buy online just do price comparisons and see who includes shipping.  A couple leashes will be helpful.  The peddle leash is a must in the ocean but have not felt it necessary anywhere else.  I can't go without my turbo fins and sailing ruder but did for about 6 months and could really tell the difference once I made the change.  Not sure it's as necessary with a tandem but maybe someone can chime in. 

As for fish finder I bought new cables for both my kayaks and swap out my fish finder. 

I would suggest the Sailing Rudder upgrade at the very least.  Turbo fin upgrades would be nice, but not really necessary since the Outfitter will move well enough with both of you pedaling. 

Best thing to do is take it fishing as is. You'll figure out what you want... rod holders for trolling, storage for the front yakker, new FF placement.

I would suggest the Sailing Rudder upgrade at the very least.  Turbo fin upgrades would be nice, but not really necessary since the Outfitter will move well enough with both of you pedaling. 

Best thing to do is take it fishing as is. You'll figure out what you want... rod holders for trolling, storage for the front yakker, new FF placement.

+1 on sailing rudder for the salt - I didn't upgrade to turbos for 3 yrs., I noticed a difference when I did, but nothing mind-blowing.
Sailing rudder was a really big improvement pedaling in current and swell.

This sailing rudder:

http://www.amazon.com/Hobie-Sailing-Rudder-Blade-2015/dp/B004UA1D52

?

Thanks.

This sailing rudder:

http://www.amazon.com/Hobie-Sailing-Rudder-Blade-2015/dp/B004UA1D52

?

Thanks.

Yes that's it

looks like it!
I got mine at the shop where I bought my boat - Adventure Sports in Sac.
It was good for me to get detailed questions answered at the dealer.

Hi all,

Just picked up the Outfitter yesterday.  Have the shop upgrade the rudder right there too.  Super stoked!

For the FF, just came across on the West Marine site:
http://www.westmarine.com/buy/lowrance--elite-4-hdi-chartplotter-fishfinder-with-83-200-455-800khz-transducer-nautic-pro-cartography--17030388

Its compact size and GPS combo caught my eyes, along with the price.  Just curious if anyone has any good/bad experience with it.  Any Outifitter specific info will certainly be greatly appreciated.

Meanwhile, the plan is to use a transducer arm mount for an externally located transducer.  Will it make sense for Outfitter and this FF?

Too bad work schedule will not allow any water time until late March/early April.  Will just have to stare at it inside the garage every now and then.

Thanks.