"ideal" ocean going kayak?

Howdy all,

I was wondering what makes for a "good" ocean kayak?  I got the Hobie Outback because of its width and stability, and I understand I made a bit of a trade-off as far as being speedy goes.  I know that a Revo or Adventure is going to quite a bit faster.

Now, that said, what are the exact drawbacks, if any with having a shorter, wider boat in the ocean - what sort of things should I be paying special attention to? - reaction time, broadside presentation to swell?

Cheers,
Madoc

If you are there to fish or crab etc, Oregon Coast style.  Than in my opinion there is only one factor.. Stability..  I haven't paddled many other boats but I would put my fish n Dives up against any out there for primary and secondary stability. 

PP and Spot will tell you that Cobra's are the best way to go.... and they're pretty much right, great yaks.. but we're talking about Cobra Commander and Destro here! My name is Zee and I was a comic junkie...

There are a good number of yaks that make good salt boats but one factor I look for in a salt yak is a really good balance between speed and stability. A fast kayak is great to get through bumpy, windy, or heavy current conditions situations but fast usually means tippy since the yak will be narrow. This is the salt and you'll be bouncing around like no other body of water so being stable is really important as well. So how can you tell if a yak has that balance? Demo it. If your local yak shop doesn't demo one you want to try post ask if you can try someone else's for a bit when you're fishing w/ them. Each one of us is unique and finding that right balance for you is going to take some time since you're idea of "balance" may be different than someone else.

With your Outback you should be fine IMO but you're going to be going a bit slower so it's going to take more effort to get from point A to point B. So what should you pay attention to? Your physical condition. Know when you're tired and don't push it. Know you limits. Don't go pedaling for the horizon in search of tuna. And carry a VHF radio. Chances are that yak will keep you upright so make sure that if worse does come to worse you can connect w/ the outside world.

Z

The outback is definetly not a speed demon but i've never felt unstable in mine and i've been out in some sloppy conditions. The turbo fins and the sailing rudder make it acceptable in the speed department. I have no problems broadside to swell, i think you can relax more on the fishing in the outback... when your not pumping trying to keep with a revo or adventure...