Hobie Kayak, too heavy? alternatives?

[benm]

I am very keen on getting a kayak for fishing, and definitely want one with a pedaling system, which is why I have been looking at Hobie kayaks. While the Mirage Pro Angler 14 seems like "biggest and the best" of the bunch, I'm not to keen on "62.60 kg fully rigged weight". I will most likely be putting it on roof racks by myself, also, I will be using it in open water so stability is a must. There are just so many Hobie kayaks available it is pretty overwhelming. I would like to know what alternatives people recommend that are not so heavy. Thanks.

[bassboy888]

have a look at the Hobie PA 12

[sifisho]

If you are using it in open water (i.e. offshore), your best bet is probably a revo or adventure rather than a PA as you will need to be able to punch through waves and the weight of the PA will slow you down considerably. The revo is still a very stable yak.

[arpie]

Hi Nineworlds

Good luck in your hunt for your yak! I've been using a hobie for about 6-7 years now & love them! You can't beat 'hands free'!

Check out the Revo (2 sizes) or the Outback. Depends on your size/weight as to which would be better for you. The Outback would be slightly more stable than the Revo (in my eyes.) You can add outriggers to make them more stable if preferred.

Best thing is to go for a demo in all of them (with your rod/reel in hand) & test them all out.

DON'T buy one you haven't tried!! Make sure that YOU pull it out of the water, to ensure that you can!

There are a variety of tricks to loading the yaks onto the roof. Some just put a connecting pole between the 2 roof racks (on one side) so that you can just put the nose up between the 2 roof racks, then just swing it around & slide it up onto the front & then back roof rack. Others load them from the rear, using a rack system (google K Rack) or other suction/bar method on the rear window or some rig a separate removable 'holder' that sits on the tow bar to assist in loading!

Check out Youtube for a variety of loading options.

cheers
Roberta

[rjc123]

Hi nineworlds,

I own a hobie PA 12. Let me tell you, it aint much lighter than the 14. I always get someone else to help getting it on and off the roof. Fantastic yaks though!

I'd probably recommend a sport or outback. Stick great yaks but when it comes to fishing, the pro anglers really make it easier.

Best way to work things out is to do a demo of a few different yaks and try getting them on the roof yourself.

Cheers, Tom

[Paul]

Hi Nineworlds

I've also got the PA 12 and it isn't much lighter than the old or new PA 14 but it is a very comfortable and stable platform. So stable I anchored up and had a BBQ on it the other night (not something I'm advocating btw in case the nanny state brigade is out there). You're more likely to fall in the water than the kayak ever capsizing. I've got loading and unloading it down to a tee and sometimes find it easier to do myself with just the use of the beach cart & yoga mat than with assistance, but maybe it's just the shape/height of my car that allows for this. As Roberta suggested, there are several tricks available on the net that show you how load and unload it.

I've never owned an Outback myself but I have read reviews from some people who have owned both the PA and the Outback and said that although the Outback is lighter, it's more awkward/difficult to load due to the hull shape so it's also something to consider.

Cheers

Paul

[A.dawg]

I've got a 14 it's not too bad to load up if your on a flat area and not parked slanted on a hill.

It's a beast it can even be hard to pull along bumpy/ sandy/ sandy ramps etc

But it's a extremely comfortable to fish out off.

Some guys get trailers for em but if you can find a way to overcome the weight problem you won't regret getting one.

I place a large piece of clothe on my boot lift the nose onto the boot uni lip the trolley and lift and push from the back.

make sure your not on a slant otherwise the yak may slide off and you will hav no chance of holding it back.

Happened to me and I was lucky my brother was nearby and saw it falling.

Alan

[LungFai]

Wave Walker Pedal Kayak www.hydrocycles.com

[Paul]

There's also the Native WaterCraft propel range:

http://nativewatercraft.com

You're given the option of reverse as well. From what I've read the pedalling takes a bit of getting used to as it's different to the MirageDrive, but nothing that can't be overcome.

Edited January 17, 2013 by Paul

[benm]

Thanks for the quick and informative replies everyone, greatly appreciated. I think I am still confused as ever, though, having people recommend 5 different kayaks; Hobie PA 12, Revolution, Adventure, Outback, and Sport! I think I will have to print out this thread and take it with me to the shop.

[sifisho]

Where are you looking to use it? Sheltered water, on the harbour or offshore (i.e. past the heads or longy)?

[benm]

Where are you looking to use it? Sheltered water, on the harbour or offshore (i.e. past the heads or longy)?

Mostly offshore, so launching pretty much anywhere off the coast.

While not the lightest, the Pro Angler 12 seems to be the best suited / most stable for these conditions from what I have read, so I am leaning towards that now. I will have to do some further research on methods of loading it onto roof racks, since I have some problems with my shoulder.

[arpie]

For offshore, I wouldn't be using a Pro Anlger. The Revo and Outback (even the AI if you want to do SERIOUS offshore) would be the way to go. The Sport is too short. You bounce from wave to wave whereas the longer Hobies slice thru the waves.

Roberta

Check out the Thule Hullivator as well - it is a 'lifting' rack for kayaks. Perfect for people with shoulder problems.

http://www.google.com.au/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=hullivator&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&redir_esc=&ei=lXT4UMiXE-SSiQe84YGwDA

[sifisho]

I would second Roberta's comments above. The PA isn't designed for offshore use, people can and do use them offshore so it can be done however you need to consider:-

1) Its going to be harder to launch and land through any kind of shore break because it is heavier and wider

2) It wont be as fast through the waves

3) If the mirage drive fails (which does happen) its going to be very hard to paddle in any kind of weather. Both the revo and the adventure (and to a lesser extent the outback) still paddle ok.

4) If you capsize (this is something you need to test before you even think about going fishing) its going to be harder to flip back over (having said that if you do fall out the PA is probably going to be easier to climb back in)

There is a lot of advice out there on the specialist Kayak Fising websites that I wont name.

[Paul]

For offshore, I wouldn't be using a Pro Anlger. The Revo and Outback (even the AI if you want to do SERIOUS offshore) would be the way to go. The Sport is too short. You bounce from wave to wave whereas the longer Hobies slice thru the waves.

Agreed. I went out with Gav (nbh00d) who owns an Adventure Island the other week and he cut through the water with ease and at considerable pace with the sail up while I struggled to maintain a steady pace and couldn't catch up. While the PA will go offshore, it's not as pleasant an experience unless the conditions are superb.

Cheers

Paul

[martymonsta]

You also need to consider your dimensions mate - weight, height etc.

In the Hobie stable if you're considering offshore you'll be best off looking at (only) the Adventure (or Adventure Island if dedicated sailing is your thing), the Revolution (13 over the 11) or the Outback (not a good paddler if you ever need to paddle).

I have owned a Revolution since late 2007 and it is fine for offshore.

Marty

[benm]

Thanks everyone. So scrap out the PA. Looks like it's down to the Adventure or Revolution, since they have the longer and narrower hull designs. Based on sifisho's advice, I am not too sure if the Outback would be any good since it also has a wide hull.

[arpie]

The Outback is .84m wide - it has a deeper, straighter sided hull, whereas the Revo 13 is .72m & sits lower in the water & has a rounded hull. The Revo 11 is .74m wide

I have never got a wet bum in an Outback or my Sport - but HAVE got wet bums in Revos - and that wasn't even on a particularly rough outing! You may need a pair of waterproof trousers if you don't like getting a wet bum in a Revo.

Revos are easier to paddle than Outbacks and they make less noise in sloppy water (Outbacks have some 'hull slap')

Take both (or all 3) out for a trial! You never know - the Outback may suit you more! You can also retro fit the ama/outrigger (one or both) to the Adventure, too, without the sail rig.

A few are turning up 2nd hand now & then & well worth a look - big savings to be had

Roberta

Edited January 18, 2013 by Roberta

[A.dawg]

Revo 11 is too short in my opinion. Nbhood had a mate who owned one and sold it for an adventure due to the fact he wanted to go offshore as well.

Adventure is definitely your best bet but if you have owned a kayak before I wouldn't recommend starting with an adventure or going offshore atleast until you know what your doing and you feel comfortable.

Adventure is very long and thin much more stable offshore but inside it can be pretty hard to balance when you first start using it.

Also make sure you have the correct safety gear and have read the rules for kayakers.

Another very important thing to do before you even consider going off sure is to make sure you practice a deep water re-entry into the kayak. It can be quite hard in an adventure.

If you do manage to flick your yak or fall over board you will need to beable to get back into the yak.

I would recommend starting with a revo or outback and fishing the estuaries and bays for a few months and if you think your ready then sell it and go for an adventure.

Hobie kayak do hold their prices pretty well and it won't be a huge loss selling and buying another one.

Good luck on your hunt

[benm]

Went to the dealer today and tested the Outback and Revo 13 on the water. It was pretty windy and really choppy. I actually got more wet in the Outback from all the hull slap. I still got a wet bum in the Revo 13 but I didn't get the big splashes in my face. Paddling was much easier in the Revo. They didn't have an Adventure to try, but I think the Revo 13 is a nice balance between the Outback and the Adventure, also the lightest of the 3.

Checked out the Turbo fins on the water and both yacks were exceptionally faster.

The Hobie cart with grey balloon tyres made it easy to drag up and down the sand.

My final decision was the Revo 13. I ordered it with the Turbo Fin Kit, larger rudder and cart (Trax "2"). I'll have to wait 2 weeks to get the colour that I wanted.

Some time down the track I'll be getting an extra rod holder or two fitted up the front as well as a sounder. I was surprised that the sail kit was so expensive so I think I'll be looking around for cheaper alternatives.

Thanks for everyone's advice!

[Paul]

Went to the dealer today and tested the Outback and Revo 13 on the water. It was pretty windy and really choppy. I actually got more wet in the Outback from all the hull slap. I still got a wet bum in the Revo 13 but I didn't get the big splashes in my face. Paddling was much easier in the Revo. They didn't have an Adventure to try, but I think the Revo 13 is a nice balance between the Outback and the Adventure, also the lightest of the 3.

Checked out the Turbo fins on the water and both yacks were exceptionally faster.

The Hobie cart with grey balloon tyres made it easy to drag up and down the sand.

My final decision was the Revo 13. I ordered it with the Turbo Fin Kit, larger rudder and cart (Trax "2"). I'll have to wait 2 weeks to get the colour that I wanted.

Some time down the track I'll be getting an extra rod holder or two fitted up the front as well as a sounder. I was surprised that the sail kit was so expensive so I think I'll be looking around for cheaper alternatives.

Thanks for everyone's advice!

Congratulations! Now the true fun starts with pimping it up

[sifisho]

I reckon you have made a good choice there. My advice would be to take it out a few times before you decide where you are going to put rod holders and sounder etc. Also, and most importantly, go out without any fishing gear and learn how to get back in when you fall out. If you fish offshore you will fall out at some point and you dont want to be learning when you out at Longy in a bit of chop.

[elferoz777]

Went to the dealer today and tested the Outback and Revo 13 on the water. It was pretty windy and really choppy. I actually got more wet in the Outback from all the hull slap. I still got a wet bum in the Revo 13 but I didn't get the big splashes in my face. Paddling was much easier in the Revo. They didn't have an Adventure to try, but I think the Revo 13 is a nice balance between the Outback and the Adventure, also the lightest of the 3.

Checked out the Turbo fins on the water and both yacks were exceptionally faster.

The Hobie cart with grey balloon tyres made it easy to drag up and down the sand.

My final decision was the Revo 13. I ordered it with the Turbo Fin Kit, larger rudder and cart (Trax "2"). I'll have to wait 2 weeks to get the colour that I wanted.

Some time down the track I'll be getting an extra rod holder or two fitted up the front as well as a sounder. I was surprised that the sail kit was so expensive so I think I'll be looking around for cheaper alternatives.

Thanks for everyone's advice!

Good work mate,

Do you mind me asking how much it cost?

Looking at my budget I think a yak is going to be better for me than a small boat so I will be looking into these as an offshore option in the coming months.

[arpie]

Well done, you've done your homework & will enjoy your new yak. You should be able to do lots of add ons without drilling holes in it unnecessarily, too, even the fishfinder, as you can have the electrics coming out from the front hatch to the FF on top.

I added an anchor trolley to mine (that I use with my drogue/sea anchor) just by adding D Shackle & runners to the handles of the yak.

I haven't taken an anchor out in years - I just hold my position in the current with the mirage drive & just chuck a 'uie' if I need to get back to my spot. No noise!

Make sure you add inserts to any 'flush deck' rod holders by putting 'down pipe' in them to extend them (keeps your reels away from splashing salt water.) Put a notch in the pipe, for the reel neck to sit in so it won't spin if you hook a fish (and pull out.)

Lots of good ideas from Fishraider Yakkers & on the web!!

cheers

Roberta

Pacific Action Sails are a good alternative & poplular with all brands of yakkers including hobies

http://www.pacificaction.com/

Edited January 20, 2013 by Roberta