Hobie Outback Kayak Review 2

Answers by Tom "HobieTom" Buckalew

1. How long have been fishing the Outback?

I got my first kayak, the Hobie Outback, in the summer of 2002. My second Hobie came last summer at the Kayak Fishing Classic 2. I got a great deal on the first Hobie as the "demo" that I test paddled. It is the original model. The second one is a more recent edition and really only differs in the rod holder angle, which is much better on the newer one.

2. Why did you choose this boat?

I wanted to kayak fish for a while, but I have had reconstructive surgery on both shoulders. My arms do work, I just trust my legs much more. I was doing a lot of floattubing and liked the same freehands movement with leg power. I test peddled it and I was hooked.

3. Have you owned other boats? Which? In what order? Discuss your
progression to the Prowler.

I have not owned or tried other kayaks, I need those peddles.

4. What are the tradeoffs of this kayak?

I love this kayak, but the tradeoffs are definately there.There is no hatch/inside hull storage for rods. I would like to eliminate the anxiety of losing or damaging gear. This seems to be an industry standard these days. Also, the bait/livewell tank has always challenged me. The best area, behind the seat, will not fit a 5 gal. bucket. I use a square plastic container from Target. It is cheap and works good for a while, but the cheap plastic cracks after a while. ( Jim Sammon's tank is a pretty good fit, I am saving $ for one). The peddles work very well,but the same peddles that I rely on, can stop me dead in my tracks in thick kelp. It is easy to pull them out or use them to your advantage as a kelp anchor.This is really only a problem for predawn (dark) peddling. Most kelp can be "powered through" or just go around. The peddles also need alot of maintenance. They do bend, loosen up, and just need adjustments. My local Hobie dealer (Fastlane) has taken care of it, fixed/upgraded. My final gripe, is in the cheap plastic eyelets. There is also a bungee cord hooked to these. For me, the bungees are gone (too many snags on them) and the eyelets are all swapped out for stainless the same size. I just bring a rope to tie down those big boys. (the day I get them?)

5. What are the strengths of this kayak?

The biggest strengh has to be the "handsfree" movement and the capability of the peddles. The peddles are fast or slow. I can punch through surf or mimick a drift chute pass.I can easily go back over a piece of kelp while winding in my slack to pull it off. In the Bays, it is very fast and trolling or multiple lines can be managed straight by peddling. Always bring a paddle, you'll need it, it is the reverse gear and it is crucial in steering in the surf. The hull is very stable. I have braved seas and high winds at the Coronado Islands, La bufadora , Mexico and LJ. I have flipped it in the surf and helped others with re-entry. I feel very comfortable in it and it's capabilities. I highly recommend the boat, I know some people have bought one after fishing with me.

6. What is the one thing that keeps it above the rest in your mind?

Obviously the peddles, and not just because I need them. They work really well. Also, I have the sail kit and it works good. (If I knew how to sail, probably better)

7. Anything else?

I have to say, I think a big turn off is the price. A brand new one is gonna set you back. Hobie has been great though, fixing my stuff for free.

Read another Hobie Outback review: Review 1 - Review 2 - Review 3