Advice needed - Hobie Quest 13

Anyone know anything about this model? It's one of the rare non-pedal Hobies. The girlfriend is interested in a SOT. She's got a 14' prijon SINK, but is jealous of the tanning capabilities my Tarpon 140 offers. 

There's one on CL now for a reasonable(?) price and we're giving it a good look.

Curious about it's construction quality and ease of paddling. The hull looks very similar to the outback, which I've heard isn't the easiest to paddle.

Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

aaaanyone?

I don't have any experience with the Quest13 but it looks more like a Revo13 to me...

http://www.hobiefishing.com/paddle/quest-13/
http://www.hobiecat.com/mirage/mirage-revolution-13/

yea it does, doesn't it...def'y moreso than the outback.

Is that the one at Ballard Inflatables?  I know a few guys on here have bought his "blow-out" priced models and been unhappy.  That shop is no longer an official Hobie dealer and everything they have is "new-old stock" and mostly 2010 and older hulls.  If the stories I've heard are still applicable if you buy from them beware that you are A) probably going to wonder how to get them to take your money, B) wish you hadn't tried, and C) want to strangle the shop owner.

Also be aware that if you have any problems with the boat that they won't help you in any way whatsoever.  You'd need to somehow convince a current Hobie dealer to help you out with any warranty claims.

For a cheap enough price it's probably worthwhile.  But I'd probably want a lower price than what they're asking to deal with them.

appreciate the input re: ballard inflatables. it's actually through a private party in the north burbs.

I don't have experience with that model. My wife and I rented a Hobie tandem paddle-only kayak on our recent Texas trip and that thing was a barge to paddle! I wouldn't even consider it for a paddle boat, honestly. It was easy to use and stable, but it paddled horribly, and I'm not even experienced enough to know a good paddle boat from a bad one!

appreciate the input re: ballard inflatables. it's actually through a private party in the north burbs.

In that case I'd say you should find a chance to demo the boat.  If it's basically a Revo without a Mirage drive it will probably be OK, and if you can negotiate a good enough price it's probably worthwhile. 

yea that's what i'm thinking of doing, hopefully this weekend. i'd love to get another tarpon for the ms, but we don't have the $ at the moment, and this is being offered for a very good price.

hopefully the demo goes well. the idea of buying a non-pedal hobie just sounds weird... like buying a porsche SUV, or non-alcoholic beer.