sail on Hobie Mirage Outback: thoughts &

I'm contemplating getting a sail for my Hobie. Why? I'd like to have a greater mobility on the water.
Questions:
 1. would you share your thoughts and experiene
 2. do I need to get the Sidekicks

Cheers,
C

I’ve never had an Outback but did use a Revo 16 exclusively for a couple of years, and often used the Hobie sail with that (also used a sail on a Santa Cruz G2 kayak). I never used any amas/outriggers.

Under the right conditions, it’s a ton of fun, but don’t expect speeds like what you’d get on an AI. It’s more like a nice little boost if you’re trolling or a great way to help you get back to shore at the end of the day. Best part is that the sail rolls up and fits similar to a paddle on the side of the kayak, so it takes almost no space.

The one down side to sailing is that after a while, you’re sure to want an AI, which is what I have now...

Thanks for sharing!

I have a sail I've used with my Revo 13.
I would also install the furler kit, it makes it much easier to furl the sail from your seat.

I've used it without sidekicks on a small lake it's been stable enough to troll for trout, but at times can be a lot to manage as you must be quick to trim the sail if a big gust comes along.

With the sidekicks it is very stable and you can get a lot more speed out of the boat, especially tacking into the wind.

And NowhereMan is correct, the itch is too strong.
I bought an AI 8 months after I got the sail for the Revo.

Check this out.
This will be you if you hook it up. Looks doable.

I would also install the furler kit, it makes it much easier to furl the sail from your seat.

+1. The Hobie furler kit is expensive for what you get, but it's essential that you can furl the sail quickly, especially when fishing. There are some cheap DIY furling options, but none that I've seen are nearly as elegant or simple as the Hobie version.

I've sailed the Outback on the Benicia straight.  It's doable in moderate wind condition but would highly recommend a side kick for better stability.

Here's s short video of my Adventure/Revo 16 under sail in light conditions. Fun!

And NowhereMan is correct, the itch is too strong.
I bought an AI 8 months after I got the sail for the Revo.

I was thinking about this: AI it's a lot of money - and looks like you guys really like it! Why? For sailing fast and enjoying the speed or for fishing?

And NowhereMan is correct, the itch is too strong.
I bought an AI 8 months after I got the sail for the Revo.

I was thinking about this: AI it's a lot of money - and looks like you guys really like it! Why? For sailing fast and enjoying the speed or for fishing?

Both, but mostly fishing for me.

There are a lot of different ways to use an AI. Without the amas, its a Revo 16 kayak, or with one ama it's a super-stable outrigger kayak. I've got a second sail (spinnaker) that makes it possible to get some benefit from the wind even in light conditions. Other than the price, the only real downside that I can see is the weight and transport.

If you're interested in an AI and you can live without the vantage seat (2015 and newer), sometimes there are great deals to be had on used ones.