Hobie Revo 11

the other "new" hobie at the show was an Oasis 11 - stricktly paddle kayak

Just read on the KA mag site, both are 47 pounds.

Revo11


Quest 11

Just because some might not think they are big enough, doesn't mean there isn't a market niche for it.  It's nice to see more diversity honestly.  There are tons of people out there that have absolutely no desire to be able to pack tons of gear into a large kayak.  They want something small and easy to deal with for a couple hours of fun.

As a revo owner, I don't see the point either. Demonick is right that with the Mirage Drive, it makes working with 2 folding crab pots a bit tougher. I end up with the pots in my lap on top of the drive and had crab in my lap. Next time, I'll face to the stern and put the trap back there(behind the seat) to unload the crab. 

Fishnut, build a PVC 'H' as in the photo.  Use small diameter, thick-walled PVC (1/2" Schedule 40) so it fits though the folded traps.  Also build it with longer upper posts, say 18".  Cut the lower posts so they go completely through the scuppers.  You want any stress on the hull not the scupper.  If you want a tighter fit in the scupper, 3/4" Schedule 21 fits over the 1/2" schedule 40 and can be liberally glued to it. 

The longer 'H' will hold two erect crab pots in place on the stern.  I think my Revo catch management with 2 traps will be to pull the first trap, cull the catch, stash the trap with crabs on the stern.  Pull the second trap, cull both catches into the lower trap, then fold the upper trap. 

While you're down there, ask them what their intended market is for the Revo 11.
I don't really see the point of it.   

I'd actually rather see a 14' or 15' Revo with a larger front hatch to make storing a cart, or long rods easier.

One cool thing about this little gem is that you can put a sail on it without title and registraton here in Oregon. 

People must like it.  It won the Best Boat award at ICAST according to Hobie's Facebook page.

Their only competitor in the class was a float tube.  It's unfortunate that NRS didn't submit their new inflatable fishing kayak or SUP.  There could have been some competition from Malibu too, but no one else submitted products to the new product showcase to really compete.

In the last couple weeks we've now seen 5 new kayaks in the 10-12' range.  I believe manufacturers are looking to gain ground on the inland states were kayak fishing is still emerging.  A dramatically large percentage of kayak anglers are on coastal states, where the larger kayaks are established and doing very well.  By building smaller, lighter kayaks, I think they're hoping to move inland.

Here's a note from Hobie on the 2012 catalog:

Thank you for your inquiry. We have not announced our 2012 models as of yet. To learn more about this exciting new boat please stay tuned to our website. The announcement will be posted on Thursday, August 4th.

As soon as we receive our new printed catalog we will be happy to send you a copy. Thank you so much for your interest in Hobie Cat products.

It will include the Revo 11

I looked at the video again and I thought, you know who this would really work well for, smaller people like a kid.  It's narrower than an Outback with more tumblehome on the sides so their shorter arms could more easily paddle it when necessary. 

Or, more likely, I don't know what the F I'm talking about.

I'm looking forward to one showing up at my "not so near" dealer.  It's certainly going to fill a niche for me.

Jim

Just because some might not think they are big enough, doesn't mean there isn't a market niche for it.  It's nice to see more diversity honestly.  There are tons of people out there that have absolutely no desire to be able to pack tons of gear into a large kayak.  They want something small and easy to deal with for a couple hours of fun.

Nicely put Lee