OK vs Hobie big guy question?

New guy here been lurking for a yr all over many sites..getting ready to make a few demo's for a new SOT fishing yak.

I've been in several types and brands of SINK yaks in rivers and lakes, never a SOT...I would still rate my experince level as novice/beginner

I've done a lot of research and reading, youtube and now cruising every yak site I can find and one question keeps haunting me about paddler size vs yak size.

I'm 6'3 and 275 arms like a gorrilia, and long legs to.....that being said,
I am looking at these models

OK Trident 15' and the 4.7.....

Hobie Adventure for the hand free operation and the mirage drive

considerations to a Cobra marauder?......just found those today, the 2010 line looked awesome.


What I don't get is total weight capicity based on size/width/depth.

Trident 15  rated to 500-550lbs

OK 4.7 rated to 400-450lbs

Adventure 16 rated to 350lbs

Revo 13 rated to 350 lbs

etc etc etc....

Based on price and rigging/gear added I am leaning towards the Trident 15, but I am stoked about the mirage drive but can't see using the adventure with only 75lbs to spare for rigging rods etc....
Is 350lbs the max? can you push that boundary?

I looked into the specifics for the Hobie PA but the shortend length, and 38" width seams like a tank and looks like more of them end up stored or used as a loaner once upgraded to a revo or adventure...still a fishing machine but the overall weight looks like a deal breaker?

So, now that I'm spinning with more questions than answers....is it possible Hobie will come out with a model similar to the Adventure for the big guy? rated to 450+ lbs?

Please feel free to add any input of any kind, gota start somewhere and the info would be greatly appreciated.
My primary use would be fishing Salt water from Newport Or. to Longbeach Wa.

Thanks Flatlander

Welcome to the forum Flatlander, good to see ya here!

Hey Flatliner.  Welcome!  I can only give my opinion on Hobie as I've test driven all the pedal options from the inflatables up the the Pro Angler.  I was sold at the hands free pedal mechanism.  I ended up purchasing two Pro Anglers.  Yes, they are heavy, but so am I.  I'm 275 and 5' 11" so weight capacity was an issue for me as well.  I really liked the Revolution by Hobie but decided that stability was more a factor for me.  I like the Pro Angler because it's more boat than kayak. I have plenty of room for gear, cooler built in, spot for additional rods, etc.  I'll take pedaling over paddling any day, but that's just me.  I have  truck that I can sandwich two together in the back to transport but for solo trips, I invested in a Yakima Rack with Mako Saddles and a removable roller bar for my Prius.  Good Gas mileage and it works well.  http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,5810.msg60197.html#msg60197

If you're still thinking of Hobie, go to a dealer and test drive them on the water.  Not sure what's close to you in OR but in Seattle we have a great dealer that's right on Lake WA and they let you demo all their yaks. Good luck!

Glad to be here Rawk, thanks for the welcome.

BB, you ever surf launch that beast?

I can do alot of bling for the extra $$grand$$ it take for the hobie.....the hands free fishing is a hands down winner and I really thinking about them...the real clincher is weight capacity.

Rawk steered me to a dealer in Or, I will be making a trip next weekend ish for a few demo's that are available.

Still would like to hear from the big guys using the above models in the original post.

I have not surf launched it.  There's a thread with a "fail" video of launching  PA.  http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=3573.0 .  I'm mainly fishing the Puget Sound from a launch or a beach.  Haven't tackled the open ocean yet.  I'm sure there's guys that do.  I'm sure other guys that can weigh in on this topic better than I.

Howdy Flatlander,

I have the Adventure and the Outback and for the ocean, I like the Outback which is similar to my two Ocean Kayaks.  The Adventure is a nice boat, but as I discovered, not great for fishing stability on the big pond.  I love it in the Sound and on lakes.  The Outback is wider, capacity is 400#, better suited for ocean fishing and IMHO a great all around yak for the ocean and rivers.

I considered the PA however the weight was more than I wanted to lift on top of my canopy.  I think it would be a great inland boat (if I had a make shift trailer) where launching in the surf wasn't an obstacle.  But, if you weren't going to do surf launches and you get a cart it might fit the bill.

Good luck on your choice and we'll see you on the water.

Greg

Hobies are sweet yaks, no doubt about that and if they made a trident with pedals I would be all over it!
I am 6'3" 235 and I have a OK P-13 my buddy is 6' 325 and he has a OK T-15. I love the stability of the Tridents and they launch really well in the surf. Landing takes a little more practice but I have been very happy with it.

Hobies are sweet yaks, no doubt about that and if they made a trident with pedals I would be all over it!

If I could have put pedals in my Ocean Kayak Scrambler XT's I wouldn't own a Hobie.  I think they're very similar and I've loved my OK's for as long as I've had em and 1/3rd the $$$$.

Hey Flatlander,

First off, the hands free of Hobie is dang near impossible to beat and worth the ransom.

Just to confuse you a little more. I really like the Adventure as a big water boat. But I think I might be a bit bias as its what I've been using for the last 5 years. In fact, I think I had the first one in Oregon as I had to have it imported. 
Launches in the surf just fine, but that's the easy part. Coming in is a bit more of a challenge and it does that well too once you've learned what to do. The only time I was somewhat uncomfortable with the stability is when I'd first gotten it and pedaled up to the base of the falls at Oregon City. But that was because I was sideways to the falls when I turned back downriver (don't do that)   But it sure was kinda fun passing sleds going uphill at 3/4 throttle because they could not get up on plane. (you probably shouldn't do that either)   

It is a tad tippier than the Outback, but a modicum of time in the boat will fix that and, for me, is well worth it for the difference in speed. NOTE: speed does not mean Ferrari vs. Yugo. It really means efficiency, as in how long will it continue to move with one stroke.  The lack of width of the boat works well for my favorite fishing position (straddling the boat with my legs in the water). That's a very stable position and with me (#273) and my fishin junk I sit that boat down on it lines pretty well adding yet a bit more stability. And it still scoots right along.

I do have some new respect for the Outback though as one of my fishin buddies has been able to keep up with me pretty well in his Outback with the turbo fins, but they (the turbo fins) are worth having on either boat. The Outback is no fun to paddle (neither is the Pro Angler), but they are not made to paddle. (most folk paddle through the surf)

Any reason you have not considered the Revolution? It's a very good compromise between the two. Wider and a bit shorter than the BigA, but still long enuf to paddle efficiently.

Doh! I just re-read you post.  I like the Revo and I "overload" the Adventure regularly.

Also, do check out this detailed review of the PA from a Revo owner.  There's a ton of Q&A discussed here about speed, stability, launching, etc http://www.akff.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=72&t=28415

@ FFT ,

First off, the hands free of Hobie is dang near impossible to beat and worth the ransom.

I really like the Adventure as a big water boat.

A+++

It is a tad tippier than the Outback, but a modicum of time in the boat will fix that and, for me, is well worth it for the difference in speed.

My thinking too

NOTE: speed does not mean Ferrari vs. Yugo. It really means efficiency, as in how long will it continue to move with one stroke.  The lack of width of the boat works well for my favorite fishing position (straddling the boat with my legs in the water). That's a very stable position and with me (#273) and my fishin junk I sit that boat down on it lines pretty well adding yet a bit more stability. And it still scoots right along.

Kinda figured I would be a leg dangler as well thinking it would add to stability issues


I do have some new respect for the Outback though as one of my fishin buddies has been able to keep up with me pretty well in his Outback with the turbo fins, but they (the turbo fins) are worth having on either boat. The Outback is no fun to paddle (neither is the Pro Angler), but they are not made to paddle. (most folk paddle through the surf)

Good to know, this is useful info specific to my hopes of use

Any reason you have not considered the Revolution? It's a very good compromise between the two.

Just thinking 15'/16' would be best used for my size but I do have interest in the revo as well, will have to demo that too.



Doh! I just re-read you post.  I like the Revo and I "overload" the Adventure regularly.

A+++++ that is definately info I was looking for.


Some good points raised so far by all, any and all info keep it coming please.

Thanks

+1 to everything Fishesfromtupperware said.  I have and love my Adventure.  It makes a great big water boat.  I went from a fish n dive (super stable but slow)  to the Adventure and have never looked back,  it took about one trip to get the feel of it.  Now it feels like a part of me and I don't consider it unstable at all.  For reference I'm 6'1" 190

I would demo all three, Adventure, Revolution, Outback and by the end of the day you will know which ones right for you.

+1 to everything Fishesfromtupperware said.  I have and love my Adventure.  It makes a great big water boat.  I went from a fish n dive (super stable but slow)  to the Adventure and have never looked back,  it took about one trip to get the feel of it.  Now it feels like a part of me and I don't consider it unstable at all.  For reference I'm 6'1" 190

I would demo all three, Adventure, Revolution, Outback and by the end of the day you will know which ones right for you.

Ron,
What water would you NOT use your Adventure on? Columbia, Willamette? Small coastal rivers are probably too small.

Jay

I am 6'3'' and 250 and love my OK Trident 15. I stay pretty dry and feel very stable in it.

I'm 6'2" and 240lbs, and have a Hobie Revolution.  Got it as my second boat.  The only problem I have is tapping the hull at full extention when peddaling.  Not really a big deal and I got used to it pretty quick.   I like the ride of the Revolution and it seems to work well for me.