I'm getting a Hobie!!!!

[andyk]

After a sales pitch to the wife she has yes to a brand new Hobie on finance   
Been having a good look through the their online catalogue and I could spend an absolute fortune! Didn't realise how broad their range of products is. 
I've got a bit of an idea of how I want to kit it out and what accessories I want to get to take advantage of the 0%. I'm hoping you guys can help and give some suggestions or put up some pictures of you kitted out Hobie to give me some more ideas. 
Cheers

[theomen]

I'll photograph my setup for you in a bit.

[theomen]

Ok So I Peddle a Revo 13, IMO it's a great all rounder. I can fly fish side saddle, troll lures all day and it sits nicely at anchor while bait fishing. A lot my fishing sessions see me put a lot of miles under my kayak which Is why I went for the Revo over the Outback. When I searched forums prior to my purchase there's a lot of people that say the difference in speed isn't great but in my limited experience when I peddle along side a outback its certainly noticeable but by no means is the outback a slow kayak its no doubt faster than most if not all plastic paddle kayaks. Speed aside the efficiency of the mirage drive is excellent and its just so effortless.

There less Storage on the Revo than that on the Outback but I find that there's still plenty of space to take everything I want to. Side pockets, 8" hatch, space for 2 lure boxes under the seat and then a full crate at the rear and relatively easy access to the front hatch while afloat. I genuinely can't see how people think that's not enough.

This is How I've rigged my Revo;
Upgraded the Mirage drive to turbo Fins, Scotty Trac along both sides to mount various Items including my Lowrance Elite 7TI which is mounted onto the track with a Ram track Ball. The cables are rigged through the cable glands Hobie supply, its also home to my trolling rod holders which consist of Scotty Gear head trac adapter, scotty rod holder extender, scotty rod holder masterII and a set of slip disks. I've fitted a half length Hobie anchor trolley to my right. As I only anchor from the stern for me it was pointless doing a full length one, its just more rigging to get in the way. I've put a small cut down builders bucket into the 8 inch hatch which keeps my stuff from sliding about inside the yak. My action camera is mounted on a DIY pole which slots into the hole for the sailing mast, plenty enough forward to get all the whole shot but still reachable from the seated position. I was lucky enough to win a H Crate at Grafham which was something I was going to order anyway, it fits into the tankwell nicely and is very solid once strapped in but before that I just used a DIY crate made from one of the infamous folding baskets from Wilks with some cable ties and piping.





Custom Decals complete the look and make you immediately identifiable to others afloat or in the car park


I'm perfectly happy with the layout of the kayak and everything is where I want it but there's a few things I wish to change; I knew it would be a issue when buying them but due to the way in which the Trolling Gear trac adaptor tightens the left hand one slips when using large lures/its choppy/strong take etc so I'm going to change them out in favour of a standard scotty deck mount which will fix to the Trac with the mighty mount adapter kit which will eliminate it slipping due to having 2 fixing points.
I'm getting the 1.5" Ram Track balls for my ram tubes for bait fishing.
Finally I'm after the rubber mesh side pockets and 2 additional rod holders for the H crate.

Any questions just ask.
Shaun

[andyk]

I'm looking at getting the Outback, I like doing 2 day trips in my kayak so the extra storage would be good. I was thinking of upgrading to the turbo fins, most I've seen or ones I've seen for sale have them, is there much of a difference using them?
I think you've rigged yours how I was thinking but with the Outback they have the four flush holders. The two at the front I was thinking putting in a scotty wedge ball thingy with rod holders and maybe some track down one side for fish finder and bits.
I'm sure I'll have more questions soon. Wanna make sure I do some proper research and get it right 1st time as I have a habit of rushing into things because I'm too eager lol

[Izzetafox]

Andy,

Firstly well done mate, you won't regret it.
Without being pushy can you mention the site when you order, it all helps.

I have an Outback and the Pro Angler. Totally different kayaks. The PA is the do all, store all and even have a BBQ on it where as the Outback is stripped down in size but still perfectly adequate.
Get the Turbo fins you will see about a 10% improvement in speed, may not sound a lot but over a day it will make a difference.
Consider getting the H Crate mate. Very handy for tackle boxes plus there is a rod tube in each corner for rods or landing net.

There are a couple of indentations near the cary handles and you can fit a 3" length of track in them. Ideal for a ram ball for trolling.

If you talk nicely to them they will fit your anchor trolley with the kit that they do.

As Shaun says fitting the FF is a doddle as the holes are pre-cut with all the grommets for just about every cable type, use some sealant on them though just to be sure.

Once you have one mate you will not stop smiling, I know I was and I have seen half a dozen new owners in the last few months and they are the same.

Terry

[andyk]

Yeah no worries Terry will do. Good idea for the anchor trolley, rather they do it than me.
I think I'll go for the turbo fins, be a worth while upgrade. I was wondering if the track would fit in there, couldn't remember from one I saw at the WPC. Can't wait to get it ordered. Unfortunately the ff will have to wait for a while till I get some more monies  . Luckily most of my haunts have plenty of visible features to fish to. 

[Izzetafox]

You could also consider the oversized rudder mate, again it does make a difference with tracking in a cross wind.

You'll love the seat Andy.

Kris does the rigging and he has done loads so you are safe, plus he always uses nuts, bolts and sealant.

A word of caution though......don't put the rudder on full lock when you are at full speed.....you may swim it does a tight turn and you can go over.

Don't try sprinting in it, find the right cadence and you will go on all day no problem.

Terry

[Izzetafox]

Oh yes one other thing. Before you fit your trolling mounts sit in the yak and see where the rod handle comes and if you can adjust it so your legs don't catch the butt as you pedal.

Terry

[boesman]

Congratulations, I'm getting one too... I'll just have to wait a bit longer.

Keep us updated.

[andyk]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to see if I can find somewhere local who stocks a few different models to sit in and try. I think a meet is needed soon though, with the lure season nearly here for Rutland and the other large reservoirs now opened up (thanks Terry and anyone else who helped) it would be nice to meet up again while the weathers still half decent and maybe some of you nice folk could let me and anyone else who's looking to get one, try yours. Never know, might even catch some fish!

[boesman]

Great idea, I was thinking the same. I would love to have a sit in a few.
Are you waiting for the new 180 drive and camouflage colours?

[andyk]

Camo colours?!?!? When's this happening?
I'm not fussed about the reverse, if it's not much extra I might or you can get the kit to upgrade the existing pedal drive. I go backwards so rarely it would probably be quicker getting the paddle off the side of the yak and use that

[Izzetafox]

You will be surprised how rarely you actually need to use the paddle.

One thing to bear in mind is that with the drop in the value of sterling future shipments from the US will probably be dearer.

Sadly this will affect all imported yaks in no time.

Don't wait too long.

[boesman]

Here is part of a response I got from Hobie UK last week:

"The response was they should be in Holland ready to ship in November/December.

 
The cost has not yet been finalised. The current price for a 2016 Outback £2695.00 Inc.Vat We estimate the 2017 edition will retail at £2995.00 Inc.Vat. However, this is very dependent on where the exchange rate comes in when the boats are available."

Unfortunately I have to wait, Terry. I'm busy buying a new home and finances will be tight for a while. Otherwise I would have owned one already. I'm hoping for a longer term 0% finance deal...

[Izzetafox]

Aug 28, 2016 11:09:25 GMT boesman said:

Here is part of a response I got from Hobie UK last week:

"The response was they should be in Holland ready to ship in November/December.

 
The cost has not yet been finalised. The current price for a 2016 Outback £2695.00 Inc.Vat We estimate the 2017 edition will retail at £2995.00 Inc.Vat. However, this is very dependent on where the exchange rate comes in when the boats are available."

Unfortunately I have to wait, Terry. I'm busy buying a new home and finances will be tight for a while. Otherwise I would have owned one already. I'm hoping for a longer term 0% finance deal...

Yeah fully appreciate that home comes first.

Andy,

As above that new price reflects the new 180 drive upgrade but I don't think it includes any increase caused by the exchange rate.

It might be wise to give Steve a ring and find out what he thinks about currency effects on the price. You have to bear in mind that the Hobie's come from the US ($) to Holland (Euro) and then shipped to UK so there is a danger that the price could be affected. Steve Beard is an honest guy and will give you the best advice.

On which model to go for I think you would be best with the Outback. The Revo is a great kayak but as Shaun says the space is restricted. The increased stability and space of the Outback for little reduction in speed would benefit you if space is useful.
I think the Revo is aimed more towards the sea angler who also does some fresh whereas the Outback is the other way around.