Purchasing Hobie Questions

So I'm in the market for a Hobie. Most likely an Outback unless someone convinces me the Revo is that much better.

My first question is. Where should I buy a hobie? Washington and pay sales tax? Online and pay shipping? Or drive to Oregon although I dont know if they mark it up because the lack of sales tax?

Also, is the 2015 worth the extra cost? Just want your opinions because for me the seat itself makes it worth it.

Thanks again.

my understanding is the new Hobie prices are set by Hobie, should be the same in all states.  road trip to Oregon!

2015 advantages depend on which model, some changed significantly, others less...and of course your budget, pre-2015 boats should be a bit cheaper now and more used ones on the market as some folks get 2015 boats...cheers, roger

Also, for warranties I know Hobie typically has you deal with the dealer. Does it have to be the dealer you purchased it from? or can it be any dealer?

I havent heard many good things about Hobie Cats NorthWest so I dont want to purchase from them. But they would be ideal location wise to do anything with the warranty. 

I'd say, come on down to Oregon...

Kayak Shed did right by me and I'd not hesitate to recommend them. Next Adventure is also up there on my list.

Fred "True" Trujillo

Sticker price for Hobie Kayaks is the same in OR as it is in WA, CA, TX, NY, etc. Warranty issues can be fulfilled by any Hobie dealer.

Go for 2015 Outback  if only for the seat.

Most likely an Outback unless someone convinces me the Revo is that much better.

It is YOU that must convince yourself! DEMO!

My first question is. Where should I buy a hobie? Washington and pay sales tax? Online and pay shipping? Or drive to Oregon although I dont know if they mark it up because the lack of sales tax?

Whomever you feel comfortable doing business with and will let you demo

Also, is the 2015 worth the extra cost? Just want your opinions because for me the seat itself makes it worth it.

Sounds like you answered your own question... but it really comes down to what you can afford or justify in your own mind it is worth it to you.

Go for the Outback, that way I can beat you to any fishing spot in my Revo 13...

Fred "True" Trujillo

Fred nice one!

Maybe I'll ask it this way. Why did you choose the Revo over the Outback? Speed? Is it really that noticeable?

I contact Hobie Cats NW to demo some kayaks and they were beyond unhelpful.

Are there any other local (Seattle Area) Hobie Dealers that offer Demos?

Gig Harbor Fly Shop (located, oddly enough, in Gig Harbor) just recently became a Hobie dealer, as well as Native Watercraft with the Propel line.  Justin was great about letting me demo the Propel before my recent(ish) surgery, and a couple others on the board here have tried before buying.  Come down and check it out - just plan on the drive thru Seattle and Fife sucking rocks thru a hose...

http://gigharborflyshop.com/kayaks/

Jim

I'd say, come down to Oregon to purchase the boat. As for as Revo vs Outback, it really depends on what type of fishing you're mostly looking to do. From my view point, the Revo is better suited for offshore and salmon fishing. The boat holds its position better in the wind and current than the Outback. It's also faster and cuts through the surf better as well. The Outback is the perfect lake boat. It has more deck space and the wider platform allows you to stand and sight fish. I currently own the 2015 Outback and i've used it in both offshore and lake/river fishing. I also fish w/ most ppl that have the Revo, during ORC w/ the wind and current running there was a noticeable difference in how well they were able to hold position over structure and how far I was drifting off of it. They weren't getting the "hull slap" that I was experiencing and their boats were just faster through the rough stuff. I'm not bashing the Outback at all, I love the boat......but here in the next few months i'll be purchasing a Revo13. I like the Outback for bass fishing, I can stand and the room in the boat allows me to have a spot for everything. I'm previous boat was the adventure island and the speed (even w/ the amas-akas on it)was faster than my outback. Good luck....it took me awhile to decide on which boat to pick (i did choose the outback) as i knew i'd want to bass fish a good bit. Now that i'm hitting the salt and have a few ppl to teach me the ropes on salmon, I'll be picking up a Revo.

As mentioned, prices are set by the manufacture whether you buy in person or online. What does happen though is that while their respective hands are tied on initial price, they all have the opportunity to include "incentives" like accessories, safety gear, etc. It won't likely be much due to an already low margin, but you'll know who truly wants your business. Ordering online is great for getting it delivered right to your door, but then there's the initial price, taxes and shipping.

Also as mentioned, your warranty should be honored by any Hobie dealer. You mentioned Hobie Cats NW hasn't been very cooperative in wanting to hook you up on a demo so personally, not only would I not give them your business, I would be very reluctant to have them perform warranty service or much else. They sound like they would give you the run around, to include taking your boat in and then waiting for a stocking order to get any needed parts, rather than having them in stock or expediting them.

Finally, I totally agree with the retailers mentioned such as Next Adventure and Kayak Shed. Online you might want to give ACK.com (Austin Kayak & Canoe) a look, especially when it comes time to order goodies that may not be available to you locally. Good luck fella and welcome to the insanity. 

Thanks for the all advice and information.
Even tho this topic has been beat like a dead horse.
I think I'm 90% sold on the Outback.
Hobie-Wan Kenobi is coming to the dark-side.

On paper, the Outback has a higher payload rating, which might be meaningful for those of us who order from NRS' "Grizzly" collection.

There don't seem to be many Native dealers, nor do I hear much from Propel users in this community. Is it the consensus that these boats are better suited to rivers and calmer saltwater bays like in Florida/Gulf than the PNW ?

The idea of a 10'x33" pedal boat with forward and reverse, and a 400# capacity has me intrigued with the Slayer 10. I'm sure it would be less fun to paddle, but how often does your drive fail ? And if you constrain your surf launches to quieter surf days...

Im definitely not in the "grizzly" section, more like "pencil" section. 6' 155lbs.
I dont trust propel just yet. Plus those drives look infinitely more complex to do self-repairs.
But reverse seems like a game changer for fishing close to structure, and being able to stop at a moments notice.