Older version Hobie Outback opinions

Saltwater Kayak Fishing
1

Anyone familiar with the older versions of the Hobie Mirage Outback?
I’m looking at buying a used one and wondering how they are to peddle. I test drove a Revolution but not the Outback and I don’t know how they’ve changed over the years. (when were they first made?)

Any help?

Thanks,
John

2

There are couple of things you need to look before buying this yak. Check the bottom of the hull for soft spots. Like most kayaks, if they are left out in the elements for extended periods of time the UV damage can create soft spots or eventually cracks. Then inspect the drivewell. Check to make sure that there are no cracks. If it passes both of those inspections then check for any other signs of serious wear.

As for the Outback itself, it a very fun yak. It is one of the lightest in the Hobie fleet. It is a very nice kayak for ponds, lakes,and the coastal waterways. Because it is on the short side it does not cut through the water quiet as well as some of the other models. However, as long as you are not planning on making long trips I think you would find being able to use your legs instead of your arms will make up the difference. They have made several upgrades over the years, including the rutter control knob, the cables that attach the rudder to the control knob, and the seat depending on the model year that you are looking at. Even without these upgrades it is still more than a capable platform.

I hope this helps.

“The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad.” </font id=“size2”>

3

Thanks Lost@sea, That does help. I know there were improvements over the years, I just didn’t know what they were. I need to find out the exact age of this boat. Do you know how to interpret the serial # for age?

4

Sorry I do not. However if you were to contact Hobie with it I imagine they might be able to.

“The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad.” </font id=“size2”>

5

I bought it. It turns out to be a 2003 (last two ser # digits are 03) and didn’t look bad for wear. Paddled fine on a test drive on the Edisto and the price was good.
Yea! yet another boat to play with!

Thanks for the help,
John