No cool aid for me

[revredfish]

Spent the day in the Hobie Outback. Did not like it one bit. I know many of you are very devoted :borg:- and will feel the need to defend your ride but this is my opinion of the boat.

After 40 minutes of adjusting all the various parts here's what I found:

My right knee began to hurt within 20 minutes :shocked:.
You are in essence holding your legs up in the air the whole time you are peddling - awkward at best.
Personally I found the whole "move the fins, move the rudder, get out the paddle get through the mud, deploy the fins, deploy the rudder, put up the paddle" thing completely annoying.:spin:

I'm used to being able to skim through 2 inches of water in my big Game standing up and fishing and then plopping down and going - just not the same in the Hobie.

I know I'm not the only tall guy in the club but I finally got the peddles where I like them (fully extended) only to find that I was whacking the hull every time I peddled.

The rod holders - who placed these things? too far back in the back and too close in the front. Nowhere to mount your scotty mount right in front of you. No where for your backup rod when stalking fish.

the seat - who designed this thing Dr Kevorkian? my goodness it stinks:grind:


What I liked:

it was cool when on a straightaway to get there fast :yes:- but you really do expend a ton of energy moving that boat with your legs - Yes I could move faster and yes the cardio exertion was equally high.

It was great to chase the birds and be able to cast as you approached. I'm sure eventually I wouldn't have myself barreling through the school half the time.

Yes you can fish hands free, wait not really because you have to steer constantly

As far as I'm concerned that is it. so much of the practical fishing space is sacrificed to the pedal drive that once you get to the fishing space your experience is so much less fun. The whole boat is built around that drive.

Also I found that I had a nice inch of cold water in the bottom of the yak all day - good thing I wore the boots.

So for me as long as the arms hold out I'll be in a paddle craft. The Hobie is not for everyone. Maybe if I could afford owning one kayak for the marsh and one for the lakes I'd be on board.

[jonalford]

nice report
I want one but also want to keep my Magic for the summertime reds in the marsh

[Gnatless]

Well Rev I have been looking at the hobie revolution and was also concerned about the high position of your feet. I seems like it would kill your back, has anyone experienced back pain? I guess I will have to try one but in the mean time I like my trident well enough.

[swampninja]

I haven't tried the outback yet, I was thinking of that as my next boat for my son, and as a backup if someone else wants to come along. I will definately have to demo one first. I'll stick with my Pro-angler for now, It's like fishing from my recliner.

[Musicdoc]

Paddlers forever!

[Chickapin]

@Gnatless I recently got a Hobie Outback and love it. I've had problems with my lower back and recently with my upper back/shoulder, but none of those in the kayak. Without the peddles, there is no way I'd be able to paddle all day long with my upper back issues. In terms of fishing, especially fishing a popping cork, this boat can't be beat. The ability to work structure and broken marsh without using a paddle has been a huge help to me.

No boat is perfect for everyone, you've got to demo. Demo the boat for as long as you can to try and tweak your back. Bring along a fishing pole and cast around to see if you like it. The seat on the 2010 models has "lower lumbar support," which is basically an inflatable pad. I have no idea if it adds comfort compared to the older seats, but I have never had a problem with it.

[revredfish]

Well Rev I have been looking at the hobie revolution and was also concerned about the high position of your feet. I seems like it would kill your back, has anyone experienced back pain? I guess I will have to try one but in the mean time I like my trident well enough.

I think much of my back pain is from the seat pressing into my sides. I'm sore all over lower back, legs , neck ?!, and even my arms some - I think this is from repossitioning myself all day long.

I think like anything you would develop the needed muscle groups so that will resolve with time.

And note I said I'd paddle as long as I could. My family is prone to breakdowns in thumb joints, and wrists so I may succomb to the peddle some day. Think I would have to try the mariner though. Now I've got to limp to work and get cracking!

[valvguy1]

Let me first say...... The New Outback is Here, The New Outback is Here, LOL.

I just picked up the 2011 Warranty Replacement for the one that I had with the cracked hull. Yep..... Hobie warranty replaced the 06 Hull.

I have yet to put it in the water but I wanted to address some of what Rev said. It did take a little getting used to. The seat in my old one had a tendency to "slip out". But, after I added the new cam-lok seat holders - it was fine. I do sometimes kind of recline but other times I pull the straps and peddle more upright. Seat Pinched you on the side? Rev..... that's just the bucket seat effect, lol. 'Course when you're my size........ you can even get crowed in a pew, lol.

Paddle vs. Peddle:

We've only been at this a little while but here is what I have noticed. Our range paddling - was only a little over a mile. Now, 3 - 4 miles is no big deal. Now I didn't paddle long enough to really increase that range - I cheated. For those of you that have been paddling for quite some time - the additional range will be less of an issue than it was for me.

I also notice a different technique in fishing for Peddlers vs. Paddlers. I notice Peddlers covering a LOT of water blind casting as a Bass Fisherman might do. I believe that many of the paddlers are going in skinnier water and sight casting more. I'm sure there are exceptions - just my observation.

This model comes with Click and Go - much easier and it has a Stowaway Sailing Rudder. I understand that the increased surface area of the Sailing Rudder makes it quite a bit more agile.

The storage area for tackle trays is gone...... I'm going to miss that. It now has a bait bucket organizer. Yawn.

Mounting...... you know they've got to sell some accessories, right? LOL. They have Rocket Launchers that fit into the rod holders and even cam lock Ball Mounts for whatever that fit into the rod holders.

We'll see....... gunna try and get it on the water tomorrow after church.

[marshdaddy]

Rev, I didn't like the seat either. Replaced it with a Surf to Summit. Now, much more comfy.

[Where Y'ak?]

Not everyone enjoys the tast of KoolAide. That's fine. Mine tasted pretty good this morning when I pedaled my way to a limit of trout and a limit of flounder. My arms are sore also. Photos later.

[OlDog]

Rev, I didn't like the seat either. Replaced it with a Surf to Summit. Now, much more comfy.
Which one did you get? I don't like the stock seat either.

Other than that, like my outback.

[tefishmaster]

I too found the Outback uncomfortable......That's why I went with the Native Propel it just felt so much better and fished better.... I guess that's why they make so many different kinds....

[Gnatless]

I don't what to give up the skinny water but I really like long adventure trips so I was thinking about the revolution. Peddle to my area remove the drive and paddle into the ponds or other shallow areas. The revo is suppose to be a much better paddle boat. If anyone has a revo "tell us what you think about this idea"

[jonalford]

and after you remove the drive where do you put it?

[OlDog]

and after you remove the drive where do you put it?
I usually just lay the pedals down in the bottom, where it came out, and the fins on the ft. deck. Hasn't gotten in the way yet.

[theoldcaster]

KEEP ON PADDLING, I paddled for a year, but I will never go back, to each his own!

[Cobia 1]

Rev, had similar problems until I corrected the adjustemnts and replaced the Hobie seat with an after market seat. I agree with you it is easier to paddle, more upper body strength, but legs are improving.
Now I have the PA and have not been in town to use it.
If you do get the Kool-Aid, I think you will still need a paddle boat for fishing after the fronts blow through.

[valvguy1]

Rev, had similar problems until I corrected the adjustemnts and replaced the Hobie seat with an after market seat. I agree with you it is easier to paddle, more upper body strength, but legs are improving.
Now I have the PA and have not been in town to use it.
If you do get the Kool-Aid, I think you will still need a paddle boat for fishing after the fronts blow through.

Cobia1...... I think you've hit on something here. My Lower body strength is much better than upper body. Maybe that is the reason I like it so much.

[MDR]

two words: trolling motor. LOL

[marshdaddy]

Which one did you get? I don't like the stock seat either.

Other than that, like my outback.
GTS Expedition.
http://www.surftosummit.com/gts-kayak-seats-c-299.html?osCsid=t57ouah3piv3pdqbfsffs8uts7

[ReelThrill]

I don't what to give up the skinny water but I really like long adventure trips so I was thinking about the revolution. Peddle to my area remove the drive and paddle into the ponds or other shallow areas. The revo is suppose to be a much better paddle boat. If anyone has a revo "tell us what you think about this idea"


I have a revo and I love it. The mirage drive can also fit into the front hatch of the revo. I have only had to take it out once though. Other than that I have been able to flutter kick through shallow water. It paddles just fine in shallow water and with the turbo fins is a rocket when moving from spot to spot. The only upgrade I would make on the revo is the seat. Other than the PA seat, I don't like the Hobie seats that much. Unless the newer models are an improvement I would recommend a different seat. Like everyone has said, test a boat out before you buy it. If you want to join me a day a try out the revo you are more than welcome to. Will be on the water next saturday. Let me know and I will throw the revo on the trailer. Will be fishing somewhere in St Bernard. More than likely Hopedale or Delacroix.

[Reel Rebel]

Rev, try the Native Mariner Propel. I'll gladly hook up with you if you'd like to try mine...but careful, you may find the peddling motion more comfortable (I did), easy up and down of Propel drive if in shallow area (haven't found need to raise it much), rudder built in line with keel, easy to paddle if desired, huge rear deck to hold all sorts of items, plug and play system for all sorts of Native or McGyver GADGETS, forward and REVERSE, and the most comfortable seat on the market (who wants to replace the seat on a new $1,800 kayak). One last thing, because of the NMP seat and the peddling action, I don't feel like my legs are "suspended" while peddling.

I respect ALL Kool Aid drinkers...in fact, I kinda consider myself one of sorts... I suggest Kool Aid comes in Mirage and Propel pitchers. After 4 trips, I LOVE MY NMP...

[BayouCadillac]

I don't what to give up the skinny water but I really like long adventure trips so I was thinking about the revolution. Peddle to my area remove the drive and paddle into the ponds or other shallow areas. The revo is suppose to be a much better paddle boat. If anyone has a revo "tell us what you think about this idea"

You think that b/c that's how they convince you to drop $1600 on a new boat ("its like two boats in one"), at least that's what I kept reading on Hobie/cool-aid.com. After owning a 2010 revo for a year, my observations:

(1) great for covering long distances in any type of seas (fully loaded or not). I'm 6'3" and used to weigh 240. Would carry about 40 lbs of crap and boat was fine.

(2) second to none for trolling (i.e. HTH) or any type of current fishing.

(3) unbeatable in the bathroom department...the mirage drive acts like its own portalet!

(4) pain in the arse in shallow waters (think TB or MAG)....have covered miles of skinny water with the flutter action, but its hard to flutter in 4 inches of water...my old native ultimate could skim across those mud flats with ease.

(5) borderline worthless to paddle in any type of water with any type of gear. When I demo'ed my boat, it paddled fine (empty). Once I loaded it up with my gear, and tried to paddle it once at TB in shallow water, I did nothing but J hooks and circles....by the time I got back to the truck wanted to leave the boat on the side of the road was so frustrated....other Hobie owners have experienced similar problems, but are often called crazy and ne'er do wells for slandering the great Hobie...see dicussions on Hobie's forum. Apparently, this has something to do with the Revo's battleship bow and left/right weight distribution....I've done some tests in LSU lakes and have concluded the only way to paddle this boat, is to tow it behind an Ocean Trident 15 (which is the best boat I've ever paddled).

(6) where do I put the freaking mirage drive when not in use? Have no idea, still haven't figured it out. sometimes I want to throw it overboard.

(7) my seat has an air-bladder that is OK for under 6 hours of fishing, but anything over and my back starts to hurt.

Honestly, if I had not bought a stinkpot this year and been yakking more, I would have probably sold my Revo by now and gone back to paddle only...Ocean has a new Trident line out with some pretty cool features (like built in ice chest, etc.).

Regardless, when I saw your post, I had to say my two cents....my apologies to all the Hobie gods....they'll probaby come take my boat away now.

(5)
(4) Other

[revredfish]

there are no hobie gods.... lol... just saying

[theoldcaster]

I switched to a outback and I can say that it took several trips before I became comfortable in it, but once I became organized and adjusted everything to fit me, I love it more each trip! I fish a lot of skinny water and have not found it to be a problem, just putting the fins in the up position cures most problems, but I have removed the peddles several times to push out of some areas. In sort there is no PERFECT boat for all times, but I will give up a little shallow water for the easy and comfort of fishing from my outback. That said I also have an ultimate 12 that I do use on short trips with very shallow water, but have only used it once after buying my outback. The cool aid is not for everyone, we tried to get Rev to drink some and he closed his mouth,THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME ANYONE HAD EVER SEEN HIM WITH HIS MOUTH SHUT!:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Cobia 1]

The cool naid is for everyone, as long as the other cup has paddle juice. I believe that after a big front passes through, the hobie will leave a lot of water unacessable. need a ride 135 in addition!

[Mung]

So, the answer is to get a Hobie for certain areas, and a paddlecraft for others. Never heard anybody griping about having more than one gun, more than one fishing pole, more than one woman(oops, maybe not that last one-waaaaay more expensive than two kayaks).

[thrash]

I have two yaks. I like my hobie for long distance or deeper water(more than 6inches). I like my Perception for river runs or floats/camping.

[Mung]

I have 3 now, and am always looking for more.

[revredfish]

TOC - I also have you beat by around 80lbs - might have something to do with my problems with skinny water....

[Glwlsu]

Mung you have three of what ???? Just asking ???

[theoldcaster]

Come on Rev, you have to admit that was funny!

[pedalmedic]

- for the Hobie is crab traps, sunken junk. Ya hit it and end up with a bent shaft.

[Glwlsu]

Can bend shafts bad repare fins etc etc. Hobie's not for everyone but I'll keep my two. Not going back to paddling. I get my exercise by fishing more days and trying to lift that bad boy up into the truck bed !!!! Oh ya seem slike the fish enjoy taking that ride in those PA, Outbacks and revos also.

Yet to get into offshore but it's coming fast this summer with a few tarpon thrown in and hopefully some peacock bass !!!! Need to reduce that bucket list !!!!

[revredfish]

Come on Rev, you have to admit that was funny!

I don't talk that much;)

[Mung]

Mung you have three of what ???? Just asking ???



Kayaks brah, 3 kayaks, one canoe, two bateaus...

[BayouCadillac]

So, the answer is to get a Hobie for certain areas, and a paddlecraft for others. Never heard anybody griping about having more than one gun, more than one fishing pole, more than one woman(oops, maybe not that last one-waaaaay more expensive than two kayaks).

Could not have said it better myself....About a year ago, I owned 5 yaks, 4 guns, and one woman....Since then, that one woman has made me sell 4 yaks, 2 guns, and buy her 1 yak...AND then she tells me a couple months back that we need to make some more room....got a baby girl on the way!

[ijuswannafish]

Congrats on the girl.

[valvguy1]

Could not have said it better myself....About a year ago, I owned 5 yaks, 4 guns, and one woman....Since then, that one woman has made me sell 4 yaks, 2 guns, and buy her 1 yak...AND then she tells me a couple months back that we need to make some more room....got a baby girl on the way!

Hey BC,

Congrats. Kids are the greatest. I'm a little worried about you being outnumbered though. My friend with 4 daughters said there were so many girls at his house........ that he'd learned to sit down to pee too...........

[theoldcaster]

God's gift

[Nobody]

If you got a girl on the way, you might consider getting those guns back!

[pedalmedic]

Could not have said it better myself....About a year ago, I owned 5 yaks, 4 guns, and one woman....Since then, that one woman has made me sell 4 yaks, 2 guns, and buy her 1 yak...AND then she tells me a couple months back that we need to make some more room....got a baby girl on the way!
All grown up.. And to think you were a trouble making student worker. Congrats!

[BayouCadillac]

All grown up.. And to think you were a trouble making student worker. Congrats!

yeah, took me a while, but I'm there...tell chustz he did a good job raising a smart-ass, borderline delinquent, grunt who knew how to "get things done" when "things got to be done" or at least follow instructions when I had to.:spin: