NorthWest Kayak Anglers
Kayak Fishing => The Kayak Shack => Topic started by: Tohopko on July 20, 2015, 05:42:02 PM
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I got a chance to demo all three boats today in Gig Harbor. Let me say up front, I REALLY wanted to like the Slayer Propel the most. The reverse just seems like a must have. Although I still haven't decided, it is not the front runner at the moment, even with reverse. Keep in mind, my observations are purely based on the short test and IMAGINING how it will be fishing from them, as I haven't even thrown a line from a kayak yet.
My test order was Revo 13, Slayer Propel, then Outback:
Revo:
Pros- Easily managed weight and pretty damned quick, along with a very responsive rudder and turning capability once I figured out that you have to put the deployment line in the clip and hold it extended. Couldn't figure out why the damned boat wouldn't turn to the right! The Revo also paddles as well as any of the more stable paddle boats that I have tried. Lowrance transducer pocket is the bomb. Finally, extremely comfortable seat!
Cons- no reverse means having to use the paddle for tight maneuvering around docks and obstacles, a definite factor in some of the lakes. Deck real estate is also a definite limitation on the Revo, as is the lack of pre-installed attachment points for accessory holders. You will not find me standing in a Revolution.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised that although the Revo wasn't "rock solid", it was plenty stable enough for me to reach around behind me, even without turning side saddle. Contrary to what I thought going in, the back and forth pedaling action on the Mirage drive did not feel as foreign to me as I expected as a recumbent cyclist. More on that when we talk about the Slayer.
Native Slayer Propel:
Pro- Extreme stability, Reverse, pre-installed track system for accessories, deck acreage that goes on for days and days. I could easily see where everything would go that I could possibly need. Stand, dance, jog in place...pretty tough to tip, and I could reach down and move the boat slightly forward and backward by turning the cranks by hand.
Cons - Heavy. I've seen the published number of 120, I have seen the internet discussion about a hull weight of "around 90". It is heavy. I could pick up the Revo and Outback hulls and press them over my head. I might have made it with the Slayer, but after 4 shoulder surgeries and 3 bad cervical discs, i wasn't going to try it after the initial pull. I will say the firmly attached handles and balance points were very, very good. Rudder. Y'all already know this. The stock rudder is pretty slow to turn the boat. You can lean and try to find an edge, you can back up, but it is still more difficult to turn than the Hobies. Sure you can get the aftermarket rudder--but then you have to deal with it sticking out beyond the stern for transport.
Overall, I was disappointed. There is much to like in the stability and space. Reverse really is that cool. However, I expected the turning issue, anticipated it paddling worse than the Revo (it actually wasn't bad with the drive up and stowed). What I didn't expect was the overall "feel". As a recumbent cyclist, I expected the pedaling motion to be more comfortable than the Hobie. It was not. Two main reasons--I was grossly overpedaling the boat for what is my normal cadence on a bike. I was cavitating the prop big time with my "normal" pedal cadence and force. When I slowed the cadence, the prop was much more effective and I actually went faster. Pedaling that slow, with not much resistance, just didn't feel quite right. Probably very good for someone that is not a cyclist--easy to pedal, and you don't really have to pedal fast--just not comfortable for me. My other "feel" issue was the seat. Now, I might have missed something, but the angle of the seat bottom is fixed as far as I could tell. With the Hobie, you can raise the front of the seat bottom up, effectively increasing the recline of the entire seat. If you could see how far reclined my bicycle seat is, you would understand why this feels more correct to me. Finally, I'm not sure the additional stability would help you versus hurt you when coming in through the surf (versus the Hobie--I know it is all relative).
Outback:
Pros- Much the same as the Revo with the exception of speed, and the addition of lots more space. The slightly shorter length also helps a bit with maneuvering among the docks. I could also stand pretty easily.
Cons- A tiny bit heavier than the Revo, doesn't paddle quite as well. If you don't feather the pedals, it paddles for crap, in fact. Once I remembered to feather and lock, it was much better (this was the same on the Slayer--don't try to paddle far with the drive down). I still felt, for the price point, that there should be more pre-installed options for mounting gear.
Overall, very pleased with the Outback. My demo paddle was a 230, and I am sure a 240 or even 250 would have helped the paddling. I still like the speed of the Revolution more, but need more time to look at how I am going to set up the boat.
The reach to the pedals on the Outback seemed just slightly longer tan the Revo for the same settings, but that could have been my imagination and the process of getting more familiar with adjustment of the seats and pedals.
So, I still haven't made up my mind. The Slayer is not out of the running, and I am still anxiously awaiting more info on the WS system, but the Hobies surprised me. It is easy to believe that there are is a lot of "fan boy" in the posts that sing the Hobie praises, but I really was impressed with the feel of the drive system. I might just have to have a Hobie AND a paddle boat :)
So, show me some Revo and Outback rigging options, please. I know Pete is a minimalist, but I hear we have some gearheads around here as well.
I say again--total noob, but I know there are others out there!
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Tohopko, thanks for your informative post. I am leaning heavily toward an Outback -- maybe this week.
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Tohopko, thanks for making the effort to come down to Gig Harbor to try some boats out. I hope my staff was super helpful. Please let us know if there is anything we can help with. If you want to re-try any of the boats let me know.
Blake
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Blake, Jason did a fantastic job of showing off the boats. I'm still debating models, but the demos were great and helped know exactly what I'm getting into. I probably should have taken a bit more time with each boat, but this was a great taste.
Jim