Looking for a hobie....

I am looking at getting a Hobie Mirage yak. I have a few questions I was hoping I could get answered. I am primarily trying to decide between the outback, revolution & adventure. I would like a solid fishing yak that could also be used as a paddling touring yak (If possible).

What are the handling tradeoffs? I have read that the outback does not response well to the paddle.

How does each handle in rough water conditions (in terms of stability, splashing, rocking)?

Is the pedal drive system worth it for fly-fishing?

I am looking to use the yak to drift rivers (no rapids), how will this effect my purchase?

Thanks.

Mike

Mike....  I currently use a Hobie Adventure and have owned an Outback.  The Adventure is only kayak in the Hobie Mirage fleet that paddles as well as it pedals... and it's the fastest plastic sit-on-top fishing kayak on the market today.  It also the most sea worthy of the Hobie fleet.

The Outback sucks as paddling kayak, but is definitely the most comfortable and fisherman-friendly with amenities like topdeck tackle trays.  Unfortunately, it's the widest and hardest to cartop solo.

The Revolution is basically a hybrid between the two and shares many of the good and bad characteristics.  The Revolution's front hatch is easier to access.  Some say the Revo handles the surf better than either the Outback or the Adventure.

For drifting rivers, I wouldn't recommend the Adventure because of it's length.  If you plan to run shallow rivers where the fins might frequently bottom out, I might temporarily remove the drive.  The mirage drive can be a plus for holding your position in current as in back bouncing.

If you want some recommendations for good locals shops, just let me know.

Thanks...Right that helps eliminate the adventure...

The place i am looking at has the outback suv for $1399 & the Revolution for $1599.
They also have a nice program whereby i can put 200 down and take any kayak out twice for up to 5 days each time. Then i have to take another kayak out. How does the pricing sounds? I know with the foot pedals i am  looking at more money than one without. I am in the sacramento area...

Mike

I put some money down on a hobie and took the revelution out to some local ponds. I loved it. Foot pedals were awsome. Not sure if i even want to try the outback out now.  Cause the revelution just seemed to be perfect, more comformatale to sit in and just enough room to store everything i needed. Turned and paddle quite well to (coming from a non kayaker). Seemed perfect to me. Gess ill try the outback out for an hour just to see how it handles.

Thanks for your advice...

Mike

Mike... if you liked the Revo then that will likely be the boat for what you need.  I loved my Outback when I had it, but it was tough to cartop.  The Revo should be easier because it's light an narrower.

A wise kayaker once said.....  "balance can be quickly learned, but a slow boat is forever"

I also have an Adventure and would like to echo what Chuck said.  I have tried out all Hobie Kayaks and think the Revolution is a great compromise.  To me the Outback is just too wide, which makes it uncomfortable to sit side-saddle.  At a demo day last month, the number one complaint about the Outback was its width which also made paddling more difficult.  For what you describe, I think the Revolution would be the best choice.  I also think it's a great choice for my wife and I'm trying to talk her into letting me buy her one.   

Hehe sounds good to me...Thanks Guys...

Mike... if you liked the Revo then that will likely be the boat for what you need.  I loved my Outback when I had it, but it was tough to cartop.  The Revo should be easier because it's light an narrower.

A wise kayaker once said.....  "balance can be quickly learned, but a slow boat is forever"

  So true...I love my Outback, but one thing it isn't is fast.  I wish the Revo had been out when I bought my first kayak last June...

I am a Revo owner and for the uses you mentioned I do not think they make a better Yak. As Chuck mentioned that it is best at times to store the mirage drive at times in shallow waters or waters with allot of weeds which is when the , mirage system, becomes a hindrance. Otherwise for fresh water Kayaking and holding position you can't beat the Revo.  Welcome to the board. Frankfishing

I love my Outback, but one thing it isn't is fast.  I wish the Revo had been out when I bought my first kayak last June...

DITTO!
Z

I've been fishing from an Outback for a couple years now.  I went today to pick up another Hobie (local place had 10% off) but the Revolution was already gone (sale limited to stock on hand) so I went home with another Outback.
 
I don't like the handles on the Revo.  They're molded into the sides instead of being done like the Outback's handles.  I haul my kayaks on top of my truck, my wife's SUV, etc, so the handles matter to me...gotta be usable for hoisting that thing up above a tall vehicle.
 
Of couse, having said that, I have to also confess that today, when loading my spiffy new Outback onto the rails on top of my truck, the web handle came off on one side....lame design....tiny washer wasn't wide enough to keep the strap from slipping right over the screw that was supposed to hold it to the kayak (and it looks like the epoxy that was there also didn't hold).  I put it back together with a much larger stainless steel washer and it looks like it will hold now.  I'll know next time I load it onto the truck.
 
I'd still like a chance to try a Revo but likely won't get a chance to own one for many years.

I'd still like a chance to try a Revo but likely own't get a chance to own one for many years.

Will bring mine to HMB this weekend if you would like to paddle it in the marina. Just look for the 24' Winnie in the parking lot. Frank

Just look for the 24' Winnie in the parking lot. Frank


Rollin in style now hey Brah... Whooo
Z

 "and it's the fastest plastic sit-on-top fishing kayak on the market today." 

hmmmmmmm     this is a interesting comment Chuck.  I guess marketed "fishing" kayak is the operative word.
 
Mike,
Its obvious that you have received some of the best kayak/hobie/fishing wisdom on the planet and its only one of the reasons that the NCKA rocks like no other, but just be advised fastest depends on who is at the helm. Just stirring it up from the side of the paddlers.
 No doubt hobie makes a excellent product. enjoy the ride.

Will bring mine to HMB this weekend if you would like to paddle it in the marina. Just look for the 24' Winnie in the parking lot. Frank

Thanks for the very generous offer.  Wish I could make it to the tourney this weekend but I'm already due elsewhere.
 
Perhaps I can catch up with you on some other outing...