Inaugural Outback sessions, MA7: observations, questions, pics

Finally busted out the new Hobie this weekend with a few sessions on Orcas Island. As a long-time paddler it was definitely different, mostly in a good way. Initial observations:

Pros:
- Ability to hold a position and jig in place was huge, and directly contributed to catching a nice chinook on the very first outing. Was one of the main reasons I bought the kayak, what a game changer
- Fast (mostly)
- Hands free is great
- Surprisingly stable in big waves
- Fits a lean 11yo on the back nicely (see pic)

Not pros:
- Rudder started getting stuck third session. Thought it might be seaweed or something, tried raising and dropping a few times but no change
- Slower in strong winds. Would be spicy if drive broke and had to paddle in same?
- Less intimate with the water
- Kayak and all associated gear much heavier and bulkier than I am used to

Questions for Hobie owners:
- Thoughts on the rudder issue? Couldn’t really troubleshoot on the water, don’t know what to look for
- Fatigue: when paddling I found it easy to mix up styles and positioning to distribute workout among muscle groups. On Hobie tried adjusting sitting position, length/setting of pedals but didn’t have much success. I could always switch to paddling but would love to hear feedback. Also disclaimer I am not in regular mid-season shape
- Drive: what are critical parts and tools to bring with to handle most common issues?

All in all a good start but looking forward to getting more dialed in. Keeping my paddle kayak for lightweight sessions, but the Outback will be seeing a lot more action this year.

Yeah those peddles are a game changer, you'll outfish boats when the wind comes up or the current shears. Awesome fish!

I was planning on buying a foot pedal kayak myself this next year, have used a few on different trips,  but I love the little wider kayak than my ocean kayak is. Turning is definitely not done on a dime but I will love the upgrade. Is that a 2019 Hobie?

Yeah, the amount of actual fishing (vs re-positioning or fishing with a bad line angle) goes through the roof with the pedals. I tend to troll/dr a lot but jigging is quickly taking up more of my time, and catches a lot of fish. And key when there is crap in the water (seaweed etc). Was really pumped to see that fish come up, more so once I saw it wasn’t a wild.

The boat is a 2019 Outback. The changes they made were the last thing that got me over to the Hobie side, it’s pretty squared away.

Outstanding fishing report, sweet chinook.

as for the 2019 Outback, which as you have confirmed is an amazing boat, these are the issues I am aware of:

bow hatch leak- resolved by adding a secondary seal to the underside of the lid.  I think that extra seal is coming standard on all new Outbacks now.

rudder warping- there appears to be some residual stress in some of the rudders, causes the back edge to warp a bit in the center, it can be straightened but it isn't easy (soak in boiling water, clamp flat, let cool, repeat...).  Storing the boat with the rudder up and steering not centered might contribute to the warping, especially if it gets warm while in that position.  Hobie will replace badly warped rudders under warranty.

drive nuts- critical item:  sharp thread edge can cut the nyloc material when a nut is tightened, then it can loosen during use and potentially fall off.  several threads on this.  I have some all-metal SS locking nuts arriving today to test out, so I will be posting more on this soon. 

cheers, roger

For the rudder sticking; are you spraying the kayak down after each outing in the salt? Freshwater users don't need to worry about this; but dried up salt in the rudder system can cause the up/down to stick, and also cause the steering to be less smooth.

Thanks guys, this is good. I sealed the hatch, but will look at the rudder and nuts. Keen to hear how the metal locking nuts work, and will look at the drive tonight.

I sprayed the kayak down 2 out of 3 times, will work to keep it regular. I have to get used to handling this thing with care, my old kayak is a beater which makes it easy to be able to load, unload and ferry over obstacles. Between weight and rudder Hobie a little different.