looking for feedback - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

daperrin · 04-02-2020, 08:45 PM

I took a test drive of the 2020 and did not like it. I got splash over in mild conditions in the bay. I went with the older Outback and am glad I did.

TJones · 04-02-2020, 11:27 PM

Great 2 steps forward, 1 step back. One of things the video had pointed out was how the older designed hull, water would be deflected. Great, so on the new one you will be getting a bath? Everything else sounds good. Stretch it out and lower it to cut wind resistance. But, lower the kayak and make you more susceptible to water splash? Why didnÂ’t they just look at an OK front end? This seems like a deal breaker. Hobie will sell thousands of this thing though. But to me, getting water sprayed on you when itÂ’s 55 degrees is no bueno.

SoCalEDC · 04-06-2020, 02:36 PM

I don't have an older outback to compare it to, but I definitely notice water coming over the bow in the chop in the 4 times I have had the kayak out since getting it a month or so ago. I was riding a trident 13 before, and I don't know that there is a huge difference in how much water gets on me because I've been wearing waders so I feel pretty dry, but just visually the bow on the Trident was taller and didn't look like it was taking as much water over front as the Outback does. There have been a few times when I have gone through a swell or wave/wake and thought to myself "I sure hope that hatch seal is doing its job". Inside of the hull does stay dry fwiw.

I will note, and I do not know if this is an issue on all of the Hobies or just on the new Outback, but significant water will enter the cockpit through the drivewell. It wont flood the cockpit by any means it seems that the cockpit floor is about even with the water level. I have a battery mounted in the hull near the sail mast so it is possible that they kayak is a bit nose heavy, so take this as purely one mans experience.

TJones · 04-07-2020, 08:07 AM

you are totally right. good thing you did not own a previous model, because you would be very disappointed. I was thinking about possibly getting one if I could build a storage rack to keep 3 yaks in my garage. I currently have a PA 14 and a newer style OK trident 15. the older outback was a dry ride overall except in very adverse conditions where most kayaks would get doused. the front hatch on the 2020 was retrofitted with a dual seal kinda like the PA's because of complaints of leaks on 2019. at least, this is the information I am getting off the internet. the new outback seems to have some great improvements, but in one of the most important attributes of keeping the user relative dry, it seems to come up short. improved speed, maneuverability, stability, and probably punching through surf. but getting sprayed in normal conditions that we face on a regular basis is annoying. maybe I test it out when all this blows over. thanks for you feedback.

04-02-2020, 08:45 PM	#1
daperrin www.TheKayakLaunch Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Orange County Posts: 229	I took a test drive of the 2020 and did not like it. I got splash over in mild conditions in the bay. I went with the older Outback and am glad I did. __________________ David P YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thekayaklaunch https://www.instagram.com/thekayaklaunch

04-02-2020, 11:27 PM	#2
TJones Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,524	Ty Great 2 steps forward, 1 step back. One of things the video had pointed out was how the older designed hull, water would be deflected. Great, so on the new one you will be getting a bath? Everything else sounds good. Stretch it out and lower it to cut wind resistance. But, lower the kayak and make you more susceptible to water splash? Why didnÂ’t they just look at an OK front end? This seems like a deal breaker. Hobie will sell thousands of this thing though. But to me, getting water sprayed on you when itÂ’s 55 degrees is no bueno.

04-06-2020, 02:36 PM	#3
SoCalEDC Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Rancho Cucamonga Posts: 608	2020 Model I don't have an older outback to compare it to, but I definitely notice water coming over the bow in the chop in the 4 times I have had the kayak out since getting it a month or so ago. I was riding a trident 13 before, and I don't know that there is a huge difference in how much water gets on me because I've been wearing waders so I feel pretty dry, but just visually the bow on the Trident was taller and didn't look like it was taking as much water over front as the Outback does. There have been a few times when I have gone through a swell or wave/wake and thought to myself "I sure hope that hatch seal is doing its job". Inside of the hull does stay dry fwiw. I will note, and I do not know if this is an issue on all of the Hobies or just on the new Outback, but significant water will enter the cockpit through the drivewell. It wont flood the cockpit by any means it seems that the cockpit floor is about even with the water level. I have a battery mounted in the hull near the sail mast so it is possible that they kayak is a bit nose heavy, so take this as purely one mans experience. __________________ IG: @blackflag_fishing Youtube: Blackflag Fishing 2014 Ocean Kayak T13 SOLD 2020 Hobie Outback SOLD 2021 Stealth Fisha 500 #StealthTribe

04-07-2020, 08:07 AM	#4
TJones Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,524	nope you are totally right. good thing you did not own a previous model, because you would be very disappointed. I was thinking about possibly getting one if I could build a storage rack to keep 3 yaks in my garage. I currently have a PA 14 and a newer style OK trident 15. the older outback was a dry ride overall except in very adverse conditions where most kayaks would get doused. the front hatch on the 2020 was retrofitted with a dual seal kinda like the PA's because of complaints of leaks on 2019. at least, this is the information I am getting off the internet. the new outback seems to have some great improvements, but in one of the most important attributes of keeping the user relative dry, it seems to come up short. improved speed, maneuverability, stability, and probably punching through surf. but getting sprayed in normal conditions that we face on a regular basis is annoying. maybe I test it out when all this blows over. thanks for you feedback.