Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
March 29, 2024, 05:29:19 AM

Login with username, password and session length

Recent Topics

[March 28, 2024, 11:47:21 PM]

[March 28, 2024, 11:34:08 PM]

[March 28, 2024, 09:44:18 PM]

[March 28, 2024, 09:12:36 PM]

[March 28, 2024, 07:11:09 PM]

[March 28, 2024, 01:13:46 PM]

[March 27, 2024, 07:25:42 PM]

[March 27, 2024, 07:05:39 PM]

[March 27, 2024, 12:35:34 PM]

[March 27, 2024, 11:18:23 AM]

[March 26, 2024, 07:45:07 PM]

[March 26, 2024, 06:19:03 PM]

[March 26, 2024, 05:47:06 PM]

Support NCKA

Support the site by making a donation.

Topic: Hobie Model Year Changes?  (Read 2943 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

hoihtah

  • Sand Dab
  • **
  • View Profile
  • Location: Santa Clara
  • Date Registered: Aug 2016
  • Posts: 71
Hey everyone,

As an eager fisherman trying to get his feet wet in kayak angling... I'm currently deep in researching for my dream kayak.
I've narrowed it down to Hobie Outback or PA.  I'm debating whether to get it new or used.

But I can't seem to find any info on what each model year changes were.

Does anyone know a good resource to look up what model year offered what?

Thanks in advance.
Matthew
« Last Edit: August 26, 2016, 11:15:48 AM by hoihtah »


MattSwayze

  • Salmon
  • ***
  • View Profile
  • Location: Humboldt Hill
  • Date Registered: Feb 2013
  • Posts: 293
Get a 2015 or 2016, they have the upgraded seat and mirage drives. The outback is extremely versatile, stable, and much easier to haul around than a PA.
aMayesing Bros.


NowhereMan

  • Manatee
  • *****
  • 44.5"/38.5#
  • View Profile YouTube Channel
  • Location: Lexington Hills (Santa Clara County)
  • Date Registered: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 11259
I agree with M. Swayze that the outback is probably going to be the better choice. But, I'd suggest you test out something pre-2015 to see if the seat will work for you. I have no problem with the seat on my 2014 Adventure, and if you're OK with it, you can save some money.
Born in Arizona
Moved to Babylonia
Got a condo made of stone-a


Str8FishiN

  • DEPTH SQUAD
  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • #hobiefishing
  • View Profile Hobie Fishing
  • Location: Pacific Ocean
  • Date Registered: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 3459
If you can get your hands on a 2015 get it!  The difference between the 2015 and 2016 are very minimal and you'll save $$$. 
"Success if living the life you love" -MOOCH


hoihtah

  • Sand Dab
  • **
  • View Profile
  • Location: Santa Clara
  • Date Registered: Aug 2016
  • Posts: 71
Thanks for the info.

I guess between 2015 and 2016, 2015 is definitely a better value.
But how about ones that are older than that.

As a DIY'er, I could get small things retrofitted onto an older model.  But I am not sure where the sweet spot is as far as older models are concerned.


NowhereMan

  • Manatee
  • *****
  • 44.5"/38.5#
  • View Profile YouTube Channel
  • Location: Lexington Hills (Santa Clara County)
  • Date Registered: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 11259
The big difference is the seat. You can't retrofit the new lawn chair style seat onto older models. If that's a big deal to you, you'll want to get a 2015 or newer. If not, then you can get something a little older and save quite a bit of moolah. If possible, you'll want to test drive to see if the seat is that important to you.
Born in Arizona
Moved to Babylonia
Got a condo made of stone-a


Need2hav

  • Salmon
  • ***
  • View Profile
  • Location: Carmichael
  • Date Registered: May 2015
  • Posts: 116
if I didn't own a Hobie yet, I'd wait a few more months and get the 2017 model. The mirage drive is the latest-greatest (or at least coolest) that has the reverse feature. I have a 2016 Revo 13 and I still plan on getting the new drive next year when avail :)


NowhereMan

  • Manatee
  • *****
  • 44.5"/38.5#
  • View Profile YouTube Channel
  • Location: Lexington Hills (Santa Clara County)
  • Date Registered: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 11259
Also a matter of personal preference, but reverse on the mirage drive holds no appeal to me. Seems more likely to breakdown.
Born in Arizona
Moved to Babylonia
Got a condo made of stone-a


oldfart

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • View Profile
  • Location: Sebastopol
  • Date Registered: Jul 2013
  • Posts: 1111
The pre 2014 models don't have a scupper transducer mount and you will need to use transducer through the hull.
"Pedo Viejo" is what Antonio called me.


Salty.

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • View Profile
  • Location: Sonoma County
  • Date Registered: Sep 2006
  • Posts: 4808
Some important things to look for in older models 2009 was the first year for the click and go Mirage Drive before that there was large thumb screws to hold the drive-in . other noteworthy changes were the original seat retention system mods. The ones with the grey handles and quarter-turn inserts work good. The original simple non-adjustable inserts as well as the second generation expanding inserts are not good. Also the rear tank well strengthening inserts in the scupper-holes so you can safely use a Scupper cart. Basically get the newest model year you can afford you could try a search on the Hobie forum I know I've seen posts covering this exact topic
« Last Edit: August 27, 2016, 07:14:38 PM by Salty. »


TFM

  • Salmon
  • ***
  • View Profile
  • Location: West Sacramento
  • Date Registered: Jul 2013
  • Posts: 436
Best thing to do is try them out - selecting the right kayak really depends on personal preference. I bought a 2015 outback last April and traded it for a 2013 PA12. I couldn't be happier. The PA12 fits my fishing preferences perfectly. I would recommend your fishing style and locations you will primarily fish then get the right tool for the job. Both yaks have pros and cons.


NowhereMan

  • Manatee
  • *****
  • 44.5"/38.5#
  • View Profile YouTube Channel
  • Location: Lexington Hills (Santa Clara County)
  • Date Registered: Aug 2011
  • Posts: 11259
Following up on Salty's post, here's a discussion on the Hobie forum. It's specific to the Adventure/Tandem Islands, but I believe that most of it holds for other models as well:

http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=46735
Born in Arizona
Moved to Babylonia
Got a condo made of stone-a


Salty.

  • Sea Lion
  • ****
  • View Profile
  • Location: Sonoma County
  • Date Registered: Sep 2006
  • Posts: 4808
hmmm. So it looks like 2012 was the year for both the twist loc seat retention & the scupper hole reinforcement upgrades. At this point I would say there's several choices for the buyer.

1.New 2017, when they are available. Gets you everything plus reverse. I've noticed a lot of people saying they think they'll never use it.
      I believe I'll be using it often and I'm looking forward to having it available.

2.2016-2015. The Vantage seat. Save your money because it's worth it.

3.2014. Some models got the transducer cavity molded into the hull.

4.2013-2012. Twist lock seat retention & scupper hole reinforcement.

5. 2011-2009. Click & go Mirage Drive retention vs 2008 & older thumb screw knobs.

6.2008 & older. ???? I know at some point the the Twist & stow rudder was introduced. Not sure what year.

I think if you're looking for a used Hobie & want to save $$$ a 2012 or newer model for $1000-1500 could be had if you're willing to live without the newer Vantage seat. Otherwise a 2015-2016 for closer to $2000 if you can find one in the color & model you want.
 I think the new 2017 Revo13 I want is going to cost $2500.


 

anything