Why can't picking a kayak be easy?

I took water over the front of the Revo multiple times, but never on the Outback.

That can be arranged.   Buoy 10 is a great place to look for those fun waves.  They make trolling so much more fun.

nice video! there is no way I would try that in a paddle kayak... That is another reason why the Hobies are so good.

Curious as to why you think pedals are the better tool for the job in that situation.  Did you notice that Rudy stopped pedaling (and started chuckling) when he went through that wave?

I usually don't get involved in pedal vs. paddle debates, but sometimes do as I don't like to see a false sense of security due to pedals (or paddles or rudders).  Pedals are but one tool in your arsenal.  The provide propulsion in a straight line.  A rudder is another tool.  It provides turning at the rear of the boat.  A paddle is yet another tool.  It provides propulsion and turning (at the front of your boat).  All three, and combinations of, have their place.  It's not clear to me that any one is superior in this situation.  The person in the cockpit probably has more of an influence than the tools they choose to use.

Back to the original question. Sinker, you've paddled them both.  And it sounded like you think the Revo is much more pleasant to paddle.  To me that is about as "apparent" as you can get.  Go with your gut here!!!

-Allen

nice video! there is no way I would try that in a paddle kayak... That is another reason why the Hobies are so good.

Curious as to why you think pedals are the better tool for the job in that situation.  Did you notice that Rudy stopped pedaling (and started chuckling) when he went through that wave?

I usually don't get involved in pedal vs. paddle debates, but sometimes do as I don't like to see a false sense of security due to pedals (or paddles or rudders).  Pedals are but one tool in your arsenal.  The provide propulsion in a straight line.  A rudder is another tool.  It provides turning at the rear of the boat.  A paddle is yet another tool.  It provides propulsion and turning (at the front of your boat).  All three, and combination of, have their place.  It's not clear to me that any one is superior in this situation.  The person in the cockpit probably has more of an influence that the tools they choose to use.

Back to the original question. Sinker, you've paddled them both.  And it sounded like you think the Revo is much more pleasant to paddle.  To me that is about as "apparent" as you can get.  Go with your gut here!!!

-Allen

I'd say on that specific trip, the peddle drives were an advantage to save time, not necessarily safety.  Had I not had the peddle drive, I would have had to paddle to calmer waters (maybe 200 yards away) to rig up since it does take some time and when I did stop peddling, there was a tendency to go broadside to the waves even with my sailing rudder.  Rigging up an 8 pound ball, both hands engaged, would not have been fun in the conditions if I had to put my paddle down.  The bait was concentrated right in that "slot" and I was getting hits occasional from the pollock and cod so I did re deploy several times in those conditions.  In swells with longer periods, a paddle would have been no problem.  But in these sharp wind plus current waves, loss of control could have resulted in a bad outcome...I think.

Once there, I think in many ways I would have rather had paddles in my hands.  In fact I was thinking about grabbing the paddle if it got any worse so I could use it to brace.  Also there was that the thought that my paddle is leashed so if I fell overboard, i would be "tethered" to the yak.  I imagined getting dumped, the kayak "surfing" away from me, and then.....

So as in many situations, there are pros and cons. 

A paddle is yet another tool.  It provides propulsion and turning (at the front of your boat).

-Allen

You forgot to mention "balance".  Having a paddle to brace with is kinda important in "challenging" conditions. The only time I have been uncomfortable in my Adventure was turning downstream at the foot of Willamette falls. That transition from nose-to the current to the other way around, had quite a pucker factor before I got the paddle loose.

Other than that, pedals rule 

Thank you guys for your honest opinions here. 

I am still up in the air on it.  I have a full day rental with the outback on Monday -  I am taking it on the crabbing trip.  I want try to pull some rings from a Revo after the outback and see how it feels. 

The next step is a full day with the Revo. 

I realized that if i go with the Revo, and I ever take it to the G-Bay on a summer trip, I can always get the Amas if I want to stand and cast for spring pike. 

I think I will stick with pretty simple rigging, so the available mounting space should be fine on either. 

This is a good problem to have!

They are both awesome fishing platforms but I am going to have to second the notion that peddles do not make the craft and safer. I have paddled side by side in some pretty serious pucker conditions both close to shore and 4 miles off shore, my OK P-13 and a buddy in an Outback. I never felt that either of us was safer than the other. Personally I think you are safer/more stable with a paddle in your hands.
What ever you choose enjoy it and be safe!

I took water over the front of the Revo multiple times, but never on the Outback.

That can be arranged.   Buoy 10 is a great place to look for those fun waves.  They make trolling so much more fun.

I will have to give that a try next year (and the ocean too). That looks like some good heart pumping action - a good way to clear all that pulled pork out of my arteries

I definitely agree on that.  I cannot imagine playing in big waves without a paddle in my hands. 

One thing I was wondering -  Does anyone use knee straps in rough water?   

I know it would not work while pedaling, but the paddle SOT's I have used in the gulf all had knee straps to help while going through the surf. 

Knee straps.. !! That sounds as dangerous as seat belts for a motorcycle.. It's also a Sit on top transportation device   . 

All good points. But in my specific case...using a downrigger in the waves, I don't think you could have safely fished side by side with me in a paddle kayak unless there was a way to keep the bow pointed into the waves without paddling. But if you took the time to paddle to slightly calmer seas which was relatively close by, then head into the big stuff I think you'd be fine. Like I said I was reaching for my paddle and without knee straps you will notice the death grip I had on one handle and I was constantly aware of where the other handle was when I had my hand on the rudder controls. You can see me feeling for it with my thumb.

I'm going to start another thread on what folks think are the limits of safe "fish-ability" in these SOT kayaks when I get a sec.


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I definitely agree on that.  I cannot imagine playing in big waves without a paddle in my hands. 

One thing I was wondering -  Does anyone use knee straps in rough water?   

I know it would not work while pedaling, but the paddle SOT's I have used in the gulf all had knee straps to help while going through the surf. 

I bought knee straps for my wooden SOT for going through the surf.  I also bought a helmet for the same reason. I have not installed them yet, but if I start doing a lot of surf launches, I may opt for them. 

I have both paddle and pedal boats,  SINKs and SOTs, a pirogue and a canoe and I love them all.  Each has its purpose.  The main reason I went to the pedals was due to a nagging arm injury.  Now I just hope my knees hold out!