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Topic: Hobie Outback Vs. Revo 16  (Read 8998 times)

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eelkram

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Here's another idea to muddy the water...  what about a Revo16 w/a Hobie Sidekick kit?  All the benefits of a Revo16 with better stability.   :smt003
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marin_yaker

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Ok so for the revo 13- has anyone here used the Hobie live well with it? Is it hard to get to while you’re on the water? Seems awkward to turn around to get bait... or reach behind to get bait.
Ivory Dune Revo 13 2020


marin_yaker

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Here's another idea to muddy the water...  what about a Revo16 w/a Hobie Sidekick kit?  All the benefits of a Revo16 with better stability.   :smt003

Could work.
Ivory Dune Revo 13 2020


fishbushing

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I have and I had a really hard time storing all my rockfish out at PP with the limited space of a revo 13. It got sketchy and unstable on my way in with the swells hitting my diagonally from behind. I would reach behind into the livewell but definitely would not risk turning back too much. With the livewell the only place I have left to story my fish is in front of the pedal or on top of the rear hatch.
In dicey conditions, I don't recommend the livewell bc I felt tipsy with water filled in the livewell and carrying 2 lings and big rockfish.
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yakyakyak

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Here's another idea to muddy the water...  what about a Revo16 w/a Hobie Sidekick kit?  All the benefits of a Revo16 with better stability.   :-D
Lol, I am tempted to try it, but it kinda beat the idea of being a minimalist.  With the sailing rudder  daggerboard, if I pause in one of those 'oh shit' moment, the Revo stabilize itself perfectly.
« Last Edit: November 18, 2019, 09:58:06 PM by yakyakyak »
2019 Hobie Outback
2017 Hobie Adventure Island
2016 Santa Cruz Raptor G2 - Surf/stability champ!
2015 Hobie Revolution 16 - Speedster
2016 NuCanoe Frontier 12 - Extra stable with crazy load capability

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FOR SALE
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Rods and Reels: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=88549.0 (Shimanos, Casting/Spinning Rods + Reels


Uminchu Naoaki

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This is my take on comparing the 2015 Revo 16 vs 2019 Outback.  I have both kayaks.   FYI, my Revo 16 (with the updated seat)  is on sale, see my signature for the Revo 16, AI, NuCanoe, and Santa Cruz Raptor G2 for sale.
Revo 16
Pros:

 
       * Very fast with minimal effort. This thing is fast, I can speed past other kayaks easily.  Excellent for salmon trolling  <---- IMHO, this alone probably will trump all the cons.
Cons:

     * Not much space.  This is OK for me, I prefer to go minimal.  The more stuff, the heavier to carry/add drags, so I try to avoid that.     
* Stability.  The kayak is pretty stable, but once in awhile, it will give you the "Oh shit" twitch.  You can easily compensate with that by 1) Getting used to it, 2) brace out your logs, and 3) add sail rudder (which I did)
     * Long (but lighter than Outback)

Outback:
Pros:
         * Lots of space, geared more toward fishing out of the box.
     * More stable (but at a cost, i.e. slower)
Cons:
    * Slower, takes a lot of effort to move it forward, especially for salmon trolling. 
    * More fishing gear mods will make it slower and add drag
    * Heavier



Here is my 2 cents on your questions:


Outback questions:

1. Does the Outback handle surf launches well? Relatively OK.  It doesn't punch through well and because of the width, it can rotate easily (i.e. pushed sideways).
2. Given that the Outback weighs about 20 lbs more, fully loaded, is it too slow/hard to handle when it is choppy and/or the current is strong?  Compared to Revo 16, no doubt.  Hell, everything is slower compared to the Revo 16.
3. Is the Outback really difficult to load (I have a Toyota Tacoma - I think I can just put it on the bed and use and extender, but I would love to put it on the roof rack)?  I would put it on the bed and be done with it, I would do it regardless what kayak you have.
4. Is the 2019 Outback "spray over the bow" issue real?  Yes, it is.  I think the spray is more on the Outback compared the Revo.  But if you dress for immersion, you should be OK.
5. Does the 2019 Outback really "take on water" when the chop is high?  Yes, it does, but it should drain quickly if its on deck.  As far as on the inside, they provided a kit to waterproof the hatch (if not already installed).  Regardless, you should think about adding pool noodles or air bag regardless what kayak.


Revo questions:


1. Is the Revo stable?  Yes and no, see the Cons above.
2. Is the Revo easier to surf launch than the Outback (I'm looking at you MooMooOutdoors and TLA... I've seen those videos)?  Compared to Outback, yes.  It punches through the waves better than the Outback.  If surf launch is what you're looking for, get a Santa Cruz Raptor G1 or G2, they are the most surf worthy kayak I've owned.  I've had the privilege of misjudging my landing on some gnarly waves, the kayak compensated for my mistakes, which is very nice.  The G2 also has excellent storage in the back, perfect for crabbing!
3. Does the Revo require a lot of modification (esp compared to the Outback...)?  This is a relative question.  My guest is you will mod whichever kayak you pick.
4. How does the Revo handle in the current and wind (when compared to the Outback)?  Excellent.  The Revo is very fast.
5. Is there enough room on the Revo given that it is 27" versus 34" for the Outback for all the crap we need to fish?  This is another relative question.  Whichever kayak you choose, minimal approach is my suggestion.

Thank you for this. This response is amazing. One of the things I haven't really added into the equation is the species that I will be targeting. Salmon will not be my primary focus. Halibut, "Filthy" Lings as TLA so lovingly calls them, Rockfish, and Crabbing will be my focus. The main troll for me will be "ball bouncing" for Halibut in Tomales Bay, SF Bay, around Bolinas, Stinson, and Muir Beach. I might occasionally make it down to Pacifica for a NCKA event.

I think one of the biggest safety concerns is being able to handle the yak when the wind and currents are serious. If you're fighting water currents and wind at +10kts it can be pretty painful. The Revo definitely wins me over in those situations.

The outback is attractive because it's just done. I wouldn't modify a thing on it (I don't think...). I just worry that I could be in a touch situation if the Mirage drive breaks down and the paddling is tough or the wind and current kick up unexpectedly - giving me the hebeejeebees (I have no idea how this word should actually be spelled) about getting back to shore safely.

I think the final factor will be testing them both out at CCK in the coming weeks. I should probably pick a less than perfect day to demo.

Thanks again for the insights.
I'm Revo13-guy myself (2009, 15 & 18) but thinking about new OB so thank you for starting the conversation! I didn't like the old OB (2017) tho...
Yeah Demo Demo Demo!!!


yakyakyak

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I'm Revo13-guy myself (2009, 15 & 18) but thinking about new OB so thank you for starting the conversation! I didn't like the old OB (2017) tho...
Yeah Demo Demo Demo!!!
Just curious, why?
2019 Hobie Outback
2017 Hobie Adventure Island
2016 Santa Cruz Raptor G2 - Surf/stability champ!
2015 Hobie Revolution 16 - Speedster
2016 NuCanoe Frontier 12 - Extra stable with crazy load capability

-----------------
FOR SALE
-----------------

Rods and Reels: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=88549.0 (Shimanos, Casting/Spinning Rods + Reels


Uminchu Naoaki

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I'm Revo13-guy myself (2009, 15 & 18) but thinking about new OB so thank you for starting the conversation! I didn't like the old OB (2017) tho...
Yeah Demo Demo Demo!!!
Just curious, why?
All the bells and whistles :smt002


Sin Coast

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Here's another idea to muddy the water...  what about a Revo16 w/a Hobie Sidekick kit?  All the benefits of a Revo16 with better stability.   :smt003
But then it wouldn’t be as fast or efficient—which is the best quality of a Revo 16. Adding amas or sidekicks increases the drag and makes it less maneuverable. Sure you can do it. But its pretty stable without em.
To the original question though, based on the type of fishing Marin_Yaker mentioned (salmon trolling and possible beach launches), I’d say Revo too. I had a Revo 13 for years before upgrading to a Revo 16 in 2015...because I wanted the longer yak for offshore fishing & the new seat. I often miss my Revo 13 because it was easier to manhandle and more versatile. Lately I’ve been opting for my other/lighter kayaks over my Revo 16 because it’s so big & akward...especially at the end of the day.
The point about the newer OB being setup for fishing already, its true. So if you don’t want to install your own rodholders then it makes the OB a good option. Although, I think it’s fun to rig my fishing kayaks...like a nerdy, surreal episode of Pimp My Ride. For a Revo, I usually just put the fishfinder on a RAM ball in the sail post, then some Scotty bases or tracks on the gunwales. I have H-rails along the tankwell that I attach rod holders to also...in an attempt to keep the tankwell completely free/open (instead of using a Plano marine box W/rodholders or milkcrate w/rodholders). Because the tankwell sucks in most Hobies. Try stacking a few halibut & lingcod or rockfish or salmon and you run outta space quick. And I can tell the weight distributed towards the back makes the Revos more unstable...especially in trailing seas. Those are my only major gripes with the Revos though. The seats are not very sturdy either...but I think the OB has the same seat right? The Hobie seats are not even close to the JK seats when it comes to sturdyness & comfort.
« Last Edit: November 19, 2019, 01:45:09 PM by Sin Coast »
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I test rode the outback and revo 13... I went with the revo and it is amazing. Another vote for revo


NowhereMan

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...  daggerboard, if I pause in one of those 'oh shit' moment, the Revo stabilize itself perfectly.

That's a good point. The daggerboard on the Revo 16 does add some stability with minimal drag.
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NowhereMan

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... I think it’s fun to rig my fishing kayaks...

Customization!
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marin_yaker

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You probably know where I stand on "Outback Vs. Revo" topic.  :smt003 :smt003
I have never been on a Revo 16. I hear mixed reviews on Revo 16's stability but everyone that I know (in person) who has Revo 16, LOVE their Revo 16 and they have no issue with stability (once you get used to it).

I went back and watched a few of your videos. The one where you took your revo 13 to Lodi made it pretty obvious that you love your revo 13.
« Last Edit: November 23, 2019, 09:13:16 PM by marin_yaker »
Ivory Dune Revo 13 2020


marin_yaker

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I’m headed to CCK in Oakland next weekend hoping to demo the Revo 13 and Outback. I think the Revo 13 has me after reading all of the responses. The main concerns that I have right now:

1. How to keep live bait on a revo - the Hobie livewell takes the back tankwell, and that’s where I want to put my fish - in a soft cooler by Reliable. I would really like to put a bait tank/live well in the 8” hatch right in front of the seat. I’ve looked at bait tubes and all sorts of DIY things. Nothing fits the bill of being right in front of you and having a low center of gravity. If anyone knows about something that fits this spec, please let me know.
2. If the fish are in the back and the bait is in the hatch - where the hell do I put my tackle?
3. Also - I want to launch with my rods and net in a horizontal position. This doesn’t seem like a major challenge to solve - but any ideas would be appreciated.


On a completely different track, I actually looked at the Santa Cruz Raptor G2. I can’t tell where the bait tank goes. Does it go behind the seat? And, you can outfit them with pedal drives. Would you use a mirage drive for that? Lastly - who’s had one and how was it?

I really love the config of the Malibu kayaks - bait tank right in front of the seat. But I think the pedal drive system is essential and they don’t have that yet.

Thanks for all the help! Will update the thread after the demo.

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« Last Edit: November 23, 2019, 09:16:05 PM by marin_yaker »
Ivory Dune Revo 13 2020


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I have the Reliable bag and it's sort of rediculously big and funny looking on the revo 13. Nothing to really strap it down with unless you add some pad-eyes on to the hull. It will slide off because the big hatch isn't flat. I don't try to reach for the hatch unless it's flat calm so trying to unzip that bag can be difficult.
-Jason