Outback Owners - talk to me

How does the outback perform in current?  I got stuck in some wicked current off of waddah... Took me 30 minutes to cover the distance it would usually take 3or four minutes to cover. I found myself wondering how those pedal kayaks stand up to such events.

Revjcp;

I have a pro angler 14 and I visit the tillamook bay a lot. I have had the yak since December. I have been out in the bay with 7-9 feet of water moving out and have no problems peddling against the tide.

There is a youtube video of the mirage drive versus the top paddlers and how more efficient and powerful they are. If I find the video I will post it here.
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That video should pretty much answer the question. But I've gotten out of some sticky spots with my outback rigged up with the turbo finds.

You want the turbo fins for sure. I didn't install my turbos at first because I wanted to see how the stock fins performed in current. Merz has an Outback with the turbos on it. I couldn't keep up with him with the stock fins and it seemed like I was working really hard to cover ground. After a few trips of struggling I finally upgraded. It's night and day. Suddenly it was effortless, I was gliding through the water and it felt amazing. The current  has never been an issue since the upgrade...add wind to the equation and you've got a different story though.

I suggest upgrading to the large rudder, it really makes a difference.

I borrowed a outback last year while fishing near Wada. In a strong current I really struggled to make head way where as the guys in the Revos and Adventures had no problem.
The outback is a tank!

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... where as the guys in the Revos and Adventures had no problem.

I wouldn't say I had no problem.      There are few times when I can remember being that tired after a day of pedaling.  The currents in that area are no joke!  But yes, IMO, the Outback is a tank and I'm glad I had my Revo that day.

I've fought the flood tide a couple times at Newport, stock fins.
I cut straight across the bay and get into the slower water on the north side. 
I now have Turbo fins and wil report the difference when I go to Newport on Tuesday.

I have both an Outback and an Adventure.  If I am fishing strong current like the mouth of the Columbia, etc... or going long distances, I use the Adventure. I have used the Outback many times in strong current but it wasn't easy.  I love the Outback for lake fishing and ocean fishing the nearby reefs.  If I am covering a long distance or trolling for salmon for hours, I will take the Adventure because I can't easily keep up with the guys in the Revos.  Knowing what I know now, if I were to only buy one Hobie it would be the Revo.

So, what is a "long distance"... I have heard this statement from a number of people through various posts.  For me, paddling my T13 2-3 miles from shore is a long way.

I have an outback but the only thing I can compare it to is a mini x.

Seems to work decently in current. I troll all day with turbo fins right at 2knts I think in most conditions. I agree it's wide but it seems to handle any conditions I've had it in.


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I consider a 'long' way to be 10+ miles.  I can generally go 4 mph for an hour without a break in the revo.  If you're looking for speed, look at the Revo or Adventure - but an Outback will still be easier to maintain speed than the average fishing paddle kayak.

I routinely do 9 + miles on my Outback and don't consider it a long way.  It is when I have to go 3 miles just to start fishing that I consider it a long way.

I routinely do 9 + miles on my Outback and don't consider it a long way.  It is when I have to go 3 miles just to start fishing that I consider it a long way.

+1

I'd say the same. You can go all day. Less effort than walking. But spending an hour or mor just heading back is no fun.


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Like most others, my revo goes much faster and has less drag than my outback however the weight in the kayak will also impact performance. The outback also has a more pronounced keel than the revo and I have found that keel catches cross currents.

Like most others, my revo goes much faster and has less drag than my outback however the weight in the kayak will also impact performance. The outback also has a more pronounced keel than the revo and I have found that keel catches cross currents.

Yes, I learned that on the Sandy River.  It was a fun lesson, though.