When do you upgrade kayaks?

I’m in a quandary.  I currently use a Hobie Compass. I primarily bass fish.  Smaller lakes as well as some of our local NorCal reservoirs. I do fine. I have fun. Plenty of fun.   Since buying the Comoass I’ve been fishing a lot.  1-3 trips weekly. I collects zero cobwebs and dust.

I thought I wanted a PA-12-360.  Then i piloted my friends.  It’s gigantic and I’d say it’s slow feeling. I help him move his kayak around and imagine horking it solo. It’s tiring to imagine. It might actually be too much kayak.  But it’s nice walking around on top. I can face sideways in calm waters.

Moving up to an Outback is pretty attractive.  Better fish dedicated features. New transducer hole allows side-imaging. Way better storage and tool layout.  I like how you can lower the seat on the fly if the water gets too choppy. I can also stand on an Outback. I heard stability is the same with my boat.  And pedaling side by side  with a friend his (Outback)seems plenty fast. I know my Comoass is fast. .  I know I can sell my Compass.

It’s difficult separating from my money. Haha.

(Oh, I like the option of attaching a motor to the back, should I start fishing tournaments).

I have friends that get a new kayak every two years. Eek. Not an option for me.

With Hobies, you need to be careful about upgrading, as pretty soon you'll find that you want an Adventure Island...

With Hobies, you need to be careful about upgrading, as pretty soon you'll find that you want an Adventure Island...

This is true, but for those who are wondering, the Adventure Island is big, long, heavy, but also the most fun!


I would say Outback is the way to go (2019+).  But do keep in mind that getting into a new kayak is like getting a new car.  At first you are very happy with it.  But for most, after awhile, it gets you to point A & B.  For others, it gets you to A & B with style.  The point is, if you want it, you probably dont need it.  If you need it, you will know you do.

New outback’s are nicer better setup then the previous. And u could take to the ocean with ease.

I would say Outback is the way to go (2019+).

The Outback does seem to be the most popular, and with good reason. But if I was to go back to a non-sailing kayak, I think I'd go with the Revo, as it's a little faster, and I don't mind challenge of trying to rig things in the more limited space...

I think it's pretty obvious that you should upgrade to the Outback, the Revo and the AI. 

I upgrade every 10 to 20 years, whether they need it or not

but honestly, when there is something better out there, that will really make a difference in your access to fish, water, and fun.  for me, pedal drive was a big motivator, 15 years earlier, it was some of the purpose built fishing yaks (Wilderness and OK Prowler/Trident - still 2 of my favorite yaks)

As a sailor, the AI looks really attractive to me also.

I got 4 years of multiple trips a week out of my revo, sold it to another member, and am almost 3 years into my new style outback.

Every once in a while Hobie makes a change that seems worthwhile. Recently I would say the seat change in ‘15, and the new hulls for the ‘19 outback, compass, lynx, and passport.

So if you wanted a change in hull for different performance to better suit your wants I would upgrade.

If you ever want to test fish a new style outback let me know and we can go fish and you can try out mine.

I got 4 years of multiple trips a week out of my revo, sold it to another member, and am almost 3 years into my new style outback.

Every once in a while Hobie makes a change that seems worthwhile. Recently I would say the seat change in ‘15, and the new hulls for the ‘19 outback, compass, lynx, and passport.

So if you wanted a change in hull for different performance to better suit your wants I would upgrade.

If you ever want to test fish a new style outback let me know and we can go fish and you can try out mine.

While you stealth around like a boss...

When a new Hobie model came out and you "want" it, and later you realize that you have a fleet and not enough space to store them!

I think it's pretty obvious that you should upgrade to the Outback, the Revo and the AI.

This!

Keep in mind, the hull correlates to speed.  So, it depends on what you want.  Typically either you get speed or deckspace, not both.  Probably the closest balance to both is Outback (but gotta be the 2019+ hull).  You should also consider other brand.  The Stealth folks seem to rave about the Tribe.  The old town co-pilot is another.  So, take your pic.

I think it's pretty obvious that you should upgrade to the Outback, the Revo and the AI.

This!

I have $1300-to $1500 Yaks laying around in the dirt after upgrading so many times... (15 kayaks now....) Be careful!

You should also consider other brand.

There are three kinds of kayak fishermen in the world, those who own a Hobie, those who wish they owned a Hobie, and those who don’t know any better. [Trying to start winter a little early.]

When do you upgrade kayaks.... Hummm... Whenever you CAN!    They call it the madness for a reason, and many of us have taken the plunge on several over time.  Your needs might change, you might want something easier to carry, or something that is more comfortable for longer outings, or trolling.  Whatever the case is, you might end up with a 'quiver' of kayaks for different uses.  You have been warned