Thoughts and Impressions of the 07 Hobie Outback Mirage

[seaslug]

Does the new Hobie Outback have the "lay flat" rudder? My March 06 has the older drop-down rudder but has changed to the new hinged hatches which I love!

Tip on the hinged hatches - drill quarter inch holes in the cross-bracing under the hatch lids to attach short leashes to your plastic tackle boxes, etc. Then when you lift your hatch you can just pull the line right out.

What did they do with the drive unit? I bought the new, high performance grey and black fins which work great. A guy who works for Hobie says they have shortened the even newer fins a bit because they were wearing out the adjustment holes on the drive.

I like the ability to really power out if I want to move fast.

[Robert]

Sea Slug,
Yes the 07 has the lay flat rudder. The new hull design is more stable. Especially
for lighter people. It is a awesome kayak!

Robert

[slayersmith]

Did you guys get a chance to try the adventure? Its a 16ft boat, with the turbo fins it just flys. I bought an adventure about 4 months ago and love it.
I picked up an older outback off of e-bay about 3 years ago. It is a great boat very stable. I made a rack on the back of it for hoop nets, I can carry 5 nets,with the Scotty trap ezz its a hooping machine. Can't wait only a couple of weeks until the season starts.

Perry, If you try the hobie peddal drive you might not go back to a paddle boat. I love being able to troll and still have a hand free to drink a beer.

Take it easy!

Aaron

[Robert]

Slayersmith,
We didn't try the Adventure. I'll bet that the Adventure hauls butt! For the type of fishing that I do, I am more interested in stability and capacity. The 07 Outback has these issues covered. I am looking forward to some
while trolling!

Robert

[slayersmith]

Robert,

Everything hobie makes is quality. You will be very happy with a hobie, I know I am. They are not cheap but worth it. If you do get one make sure you make a lease for the peddel drive because replacement is $400.00 brand new.
Last year I loaned my hobie outback to a buddy and he lost the peddle drive in the surf during a launch. I had a little luck though and found a peddle drive on e-bay for $200.00 (they never come up) it was an expensive day for my buddy.

Take it easy!

Aaron

[Robert]

Slayersmith,
Good advice my Brother! I got over confident and didn't leash any of my rods
for 3 years. A few months ago I flipped my Tarpon over in the bay, of all places, on a fairly calm day and lost a couple of rods and some gear. I learned my lesson big time! I don't care if I am going out in water 1 ft deep. I put a leash on everything now. When I found out how much those Mirage drives cost I started making plans for a leash right away.

Robert

[slayersmith]

Robert,

Good luck on your purchase!

Take it easy!

Aaron