Hobie Outback with Mirage drive for distance paddling?

Thanks, I put $100 down at the sportsmans show in PDX with Next Adventure. This will hold the "show pricing" and give me a $300 credit towards assecories.  I plan to test a boat next week with them. Maybe I should ask to test a couple of different ones with the Mirage Drive. I'm a middle aged guy with no aspirations of getting too crazy in the ocean etc so a stable fishing/hunting/photo platform is my big desire here. If a boat was a "bit" more sluggish but was stable and would allow me to do these things comfortably in a hand free manner then I would be very satisfied.


Has anyone ever put a lab on the back deck of an Outback? I was just wondering if my hunting buddy would even be feasible on calm water with my Outback.

Daveo,
Welcome to NWKA. We may have spoke briefly at the expo. I remember discussing bass fishing/duck hunting from a Hobie with somebody that spends time down in the Klamath Basin. I had the opportunity to speak with a lot of duck hunters at the expo. I was shocked by how many duck hunters commented on how effective a Hobie would be if tricked out  for duck hunting(RAM gun mount, Camo Dodger and camo netting). I guess you could really move around through the wetlands undetected. Just slowly peddling with left had on rudder, right hand on Shot gun, there would be no visible moving parts because your legs are covered by the dodger, which is covered by camo netting. As far as bringing a dog along, your biggest option is the Pro Angler(which is a lot of boat) and has a huge back deck. Its rated to 600# and 38' wide, but how often would you need that big of vessel? The outback is one of my favorite kayaks and is super stable with a width of 32" and rated to 400#. The back deck is large enough for a med sized dog, but they'd have to sit down kinda low in the back. As you've read early the Revo's and Adventures are amazing kayaks and super fast and very stable. When you call to set up the demo, try a couple different models. That should help you make the right decision.
Dave, just a reminder that the 2010 are $300 off the original price, but models and colors are extremely limited and selling fast. The other show deal was $200 off any accessories with the purchase of any 2011. All 2011 models and colors available. Cheers!

Daveo,
I hunted with a gentleman and his dog this last fall.  He had the the Hobie Pro angler.  The dog did sit on the back and it was quite a hunting machine.  In 2 feet or more water, I could not keep up nor run as silent as he did. When running channels he was always the first to shoot.  I WOULD HAVE TO PUT DOWN THE PADDLE AND DRIFT WHERE HE WOULD CHARGE THE CORNERS. It seems to be very stable but, he was very concerned about side shots and constant motion from the dog.
 In the reeds we came out even. I liked the set up with dodger and all of the storage. Although the stability of the Freedom hawk is amazing, I f I had to do it all over again, I would of ended up with a Hobie Pro Angler. The benefits of the Mirage Drive are overwhelming.
Stevehawk

Thanks much to each of you for all of your feedback and tips. I have learned from many of you and will apply your inputs to my decision making. When I go to Next Adventure I will request to try out both the Outback and the Revolution. I sense the Outback sounds like it may be the best fit but it is always best to have more data rather than less before I decide.

I purchased a Hobie Outback with Mirage Drive over the Revolution last spring and it's a great boat.  Fish like crazy in it and can troll 6-8 hours a day without getting exhausted and I'm 63 years young.  Don't know how much water I cover in that time but it could be over 5 miles easily.  The boat is stable, I do stand in it, can handle it alone and great for still fishing or trolling.  Plenty of space.  It is a little slow on the paddle, Revolution might be a little faster on paddle but the Mirage Drive makes for easy traveling.   

Thanks guys, I ended up with an Outback and am now in the process of rigging it up. Have put on turbo fins, sailing rudder. camo cover for photogrphy ( http://ohlsenphotography.com ) , and duck hunting. Then of course there is the rod holder and now the Hummingbird FF/GPS, anchor trolley....   Lots to do but I am having fun with it.   I even went out this weekend and found a 2 year old Hobie  Mirage Sport on Craigslist that had never been in the water, complete with  bunch of assessories.  An elderly gentleman with high aspertions found his desire was greater than his ability and was unfortunately never was able to put it in the water. I felt bad for him but he was excited to see it purchased by someone that would use it as he said he felt guilty and depressed every time he walked passed it and it reminded him that he could not get out in it.  I got it for half price of a new one!  I am hopeful for lots of fun in the future with my boat and occasionally even getting my wife out to join me. I will no doubt be on this site lots for information and guidance from you guys with lots of experience with fishing kayaks!

Ah, I saw Duck hunting in that last post.  I am always on the lookout for a better platform for "Duck fishing". love to chat, compare and come up with new Ideas. I already know that the Hobie is superior to my Freedom 12. Just need a little nudge in the right direction.

SH

Hi Stevehawk, I haven't yet had my Hobie Outback for a duck season but am beginning to think about and work on rigging for the next season. I have now set it up for a cammo dodger, gun mounts to keep the gun secure and safely out of my way, more cammo for the back of the boat etc. Here are a few links that might be of help.  dave

http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/drupal/node/251
http://www.austinkayak.com/products/1353/Kayak-Gun-Mounts.html