Do You Like the Hobie Vantage CT Seat?

I'm running out of options for a new kayak without opera house seating, and the only time I tested a Revo with the Vantage seat, I felt twitchy - like I was too disconnected from the hull - and I didn't like it.

Am I the only one?  Do you get used to that feeling?

I'm running out of options for a new kayak without opera house seating, and the only time I tested a Revo with the Vantage seat, I felt twitchy - like I was too disconnected from the hull - and I didn't like it.

Am I the only one?  Do you get used to that feeling?

They do have high and low positions, but it isn't as easy to adjust "in flight" as the videos show.

Sitting on the deck makes it easier to get into the hull compartment under your legs, for those of us who have to use our smartphones to see our toes. High seats make it easier to get in and out for those same people.

With the new vantage seat in my Outback, I don't feel quite as 'connected' to my outback as with my older kayaks with he soft seats, but I am comfortable all day in the new seat.  I waited for the new seats in 2015 because more than a few hours in the older style bothered my back.  I have gotten so used to the vantage seat that as I look at getting another yak, it is hard to consider the older style seats.  So I have definitely gotten used to it.  When I'm fishing now, it is not my back or butt that dictates how long I fish.

They do have high and low positions, but it isn't as easy to adjust "in flight" as the videos show.

Sitting on the deck makes it easier to get into the hull compartment under your legs, for those of us who have to use our smartphones to see our toes. High seats make it easier to get in and out for those same people.

I hadn't thought of that.  I almost need to put the smartphone on a pole...  Thanks for that!

With the new vantage seat in my Outback, I don't feel quite as 'connected' to my outback as with my older kayaks with he soft seats, but I am comfortable all day in the new seat.  I waited for the new seats in 2015 because more than a few hours in the older style bothered my back.  I have gotten so used to the vantage seat that as I look at getting another yak, it is hard to consider the older style seats.  So I have definitely gotten used to it.  When I'm fishing now, it is not my back or butt that dictates how long I fish.

It seems to me - with absolutely no information to back it up - that the lawn chair seats are targeting flat-water fishing, and I felt like I wouldn't want to be doing a surf launch in it.  Great in the SE or the flats, but not so good in the PNW.

I also have a Tarpon 100 (it's what I'm trying to replace with something a bit longer).  Those seats are on a tray-like mount.  I'm even a bit twitchy in it compared to the Revo.

But I'll have to keep in mind the "easier to get out of" comment.  Few things are funnier than to have people asking if you were out in the ocean in that kayak, thinking you're all studly, and then you fall on your butt getting out...  DAMHIK.

I dont have a problem surf launching with mine in a revo 13.  I would not try to adjust it on the water.  I always use the low position in the ocean.  It is a mostly dry ride although the hand controlled ball stopper venturi design leaves a bit to be desired as its just one more control to deal with.

I do have a problem with one of the screws constantly backing out which is kind of a pain, but I just tighten it down each time I put it away, its come to be part of the routine.

I feel like in low position I would be connected enough to the kayak to roll it if I ever got around to installing leg straps, but I think at my size I'm pushing the comfort level for that at 6'0" 220lbs.  I wouldnt want to be much bigger on a revo 13.

I keep my 16 in the low position. It gets twitchy on launches because it doesn't drain well. That is really annoying.  Once I'm past the surf, everything is fine and I adjust the seat to make my back last longer. I've considered adding training wheels to it, but I don't really launch her in rough water enough to justify it. 

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

The vantage seat has caused me no problem launching out of PC or Depot Bay.  I have used my Outback on the ocean, Columbia, and Willy, with no problems. I did dump once on launching at PC, when a big wave hit just as I got started, but I don't know that it would have Ben any different with the soft seats.  I just realized that I haven't had that yakon a flat lake yet.

I haven' run any rapids with the Outback, but that is more because of the propulsion system under the boat, and the ungainly paddling of an Outback.  That is actually one of e reasons I am having a tough time deciding on the next boat - I like the Vantage seat, but don't really need a Hobie if I am just going to pull the drive and paddle.

I did feel more connected with the soft seats, especially in my SINKs, but with a bad back, the Vantage seat is the ticket for me.

And, yes the newer seats are definitely easier for lake fishing.

I dont have a problem surf launching with mine in a revo 13.  I would not try to adjust it on the water.  I always use the low position in the ocean.  It is a mostly dry ride although the hand controlled ball stopper venturi design leaves a bit to be desired as its just one more control to deal with.

I do have a problem with one of the screws constantly backing out which is kind of a pain, but I just tighten it down each time I put it away, its come to be part of the routine.

I feel like in low position I would be connected enough to the kayak to roll it if I ever got around to installing leg straps, but I think at my size I'm pushing the comfort level for that at 6'0" 220lbs.  I wouldnt want to be much bigger on a revo 13.

Thanks!  I think you launch through similar conditions as me, so this is good to know.

I'm a couple of inches shorter than you, but sadly, we weigh the same.  I guess thigh straps aren't going on my future wish list.

The vantage seat has caused me no problem launching out of PC or Depot Bay.  I have used my Outback on the ocean, Columbia, and Willy, with no problems. I did dump once on launching at PC, when a big wave hit just as I got started, but I don't know that it would have Ben any different with the soft seats.  I just realized that I haven't had that yakon a flat lake yet.

I haven' run any rapids with the Outback, but that is more because of the propulsion system under the boat, and the ungainly paddling of an Outback.  That is actually one of e reasons I am having a tough time deciding on the next boat - I like the Vantage seat, but don't really need a Hobie if I am just going to pull the drive and paddle.

I did feel more connected with the soft seats, especially in my SINKs, but with a bad back, the Vantage seat is the ticket for me.

And, yes the newer seats are definitely easier for lake fishing.

Thanks for answering.

I'm considering a Quest for fishing and running the coastal rivers.  I can't get used to the molded foot braces and my ankles get mighty sore when using the Revo without the Mirage drive.  They cost a bit more than paddlers from other companies, but I'm familiar with the Hobie hull.

Is the sixes or elk supposed to be in shape by sunday?  we could always give it a go then, it's the next day i can get free.  I have a santa cruz raptor g2 that I'm looking to run a river with.  The smith should be in shape by then if you have a CA license.

I don't think they'll be in shape this weekend.  The Sixes is flowing over the top of the big rock at the Grange this morning and the Elk is flowing over the tops of the bushes on the rock bars below the 101 bridge.

The Elk might be in shape.  Yesterday it was muddy, and today it's a dull olive color, but I'm thinking mid-week, maybe Tuesday.

Neither are carrying much wood right now, so that's a bonus.  I'm not hearing much about steelhead in either river, but a nice one leaped at my feet the other day, before the rains, when I was banking, so they're in there.

I don't have a CA license.  I'll have to see about fixing that.

I'd like to do the Elk again this year.  I'll let you know what it looks like tomorrow morning.

I started with an older Revo with the older seat and now have the Vantage CT. For me, there was only a slight difference in that twitchy feel , but the tradeoffs FAR outweigh in favor of the new seat. In fact now, after having it a while, I am definitely more used to it and don't feel twitchy at all. It just took a bit of time. It was just "different" at first. I trust it more. I even felt comfortable enough to sail it without the AMA's. Now that experience really changed (improved) how I anticipate the secondary stability! Just imagine the momentum and weight of the mast alone sticking up and how that affects stability- kind of like a tight rope walker, is the best I can explain it.

A couple other things to consider:

The older revo was a wet ride. My but is no longer wet with the new seat.
The speed drain is a fail on Hobies part in my opinion. I recommend removing it completely. There is no sense in allowing water to build up in the seat area. Just let it drain freely, all the time. Makes a big difference in stability!
The comfort and adjustability of the new seat is hands down a game changer for being on the water ALL DAY.
You can still fasten an aftermarket soft seat in the new Hobies If you want to. I've done this once when I forgot my seat at home and fortunately was able to borrow one. Felt pretty good actually.
Try the Revo both loaded and unloaded. Move gear forward and aft. You will notice how this drastically changes the stability and feel of things.

I started with an older Revo with the older seat and now have the Vantage CT. For me, there was only a slight difference in that twitchy feel , but the tradeoffs FAR outweigh in favor of the new seat. In fact now, after having it a while, I am definitely more used to it and don't feel twitchy at all. It just took a bit of time. It was just "different" at first. I trust it more.
...

The older revo was a wet ride. My butt is no longer wet with the new seat.

I don't think I've ever heard of so many people so concerned about their butts!     I get it.  I had to add a pad to the Revo's seat (it's a 2014) so I so understand that the old seats could be more comfortable.  By a lot.

Try the Revo both loaded and unloaded. Move gear forward and aft. You will notice how this drastically changes the stability and feel of things.

Okay, I didn't try that when I tested the Vantage seat since it was only me in the kayak.  Good point.  And if you've tried sailing without the AMAs, you're a wild man.

I think you've answered my basic question of whether one gets used to how different the Vantage seat feels: YES.

Thank you.

I'm a big dude.  6'4", 250 lbs.  I ride in a Revo 16 with the Vantage seat.  I came from a 13' Perception Triumph (direct butt-to-hull connection).  It took me a few trips to get used to the seat, but it really wasn't that bad.  I keep the seat in the low position in the back, with the front fairly high up the track to provide some support for my long legs.  It's narrow and tippy, but it's very doable.  Playing around in a safe environment to get familiar with the stability is key.  The sailing rudder creates quite a bit of roll moment on the boat, and is useful for staying upright once you get used to it. 

I do have training wheels on my boat, and use them about half the time.  It depends on where I fall on the "less crap to deal with" vs. "I don't want to go swimming today" spectrum. 

I offered to let another yakker test drive the Revo once, no training wheels, seat set low. . . . the poor guy couldn't even stay on the boat.  After a few wobbly false starts and a rollover he gave up.

The seat is legit.  My longest day on the water with the Revo is about 11 hours.  In the Perception, I could do about 6 hours.  The Revo with Vantage CT almost doubles my fishing my time. 

I feel much better about myself: I didn't roll the Revo at any time during my test ride!

A guy's gotta take his successes wherever he can.

I won't be going with a 16 footer, but getting used to any new boat in a safe environment is an excellent reminder for all of us.

I'm feeling better about the Vantage seat, too.  It seems no one has long-term complaints about the seat, and it just takes some getting used-to.

Thanks.