Performance difference between revo 13 and 16

Questions new members commonly ask e.g. Which kayak should I buy?
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peatop
PHD in Yakology.
Posts: 2846
Joined: 17 Sep 2017, 18:34
kayak: dune PA14
Real Name: Peter
Location: Clifton springs

Performance difference between revo 13 and 16

Post by peatop »

The newbie questions keep coming lol
Just wondering what the performance and handling is like on the 2 revo's, as looking at them the are noticeably different, also while i was fishing at the channel a dude turned up in what i thought was a revo but he said it was an oasis as i was speaking to him i had a run so didn't get to drill him for information or get a good look at it, is an oasis just a tandem revo? If so what would it be like running solo?
Mob no: 0401580668
Yak PBs kingfish (about this big <>>><), squid 39 cm, king george 42 cm, snapper 72 cm, gummy 122 cm, 71cm flatty (estimated ) Cobia 133cm
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laneends
Vyak Addict
Posts: 6641
Joined: 25 Jan 2013, 15:59
kayak: Quests 11 13 Adventure 16 Revo 16 ORSki epic k1
Real Name: Keith
Location: Melbourne, Bundoora

Re: Performance difference between revo 13 and 16

Post by laneends »

13 and 16 are completely different beasts. 16 is a lower smoother ride and great for distances, but you need to feel comfortable in a kayak more than pedal boat. ie less obvious primary stability. It is also the only pedal kayak that is decent paddler with a few mods and skills required to operate rudderless. The 13 has probably more utility with easy access to front hatch. Performance differences start to show more when you have to head into rough weather and headwinds rather than in ideal conditions. It runs flatter through waves rather than slapping over them.

Some people worry about manhandling a 16 foot kayak off the water, but I find it no harder than my 13 foot quest. Being shallower and narrower makes up for being longer

The revo 16 is essentially the old adventure without amas and updated seating, which does make a difference other than just avoiding the wet bum scenario. The 16 is not a huge seller, not really sure why. I find the 16, with the mods I have made, to be the perfect all rounder for everything other than skinny water.

If you ever want to give one a try just let me know. I'm sure if you caught up with a couple of us you could test them side by side.

Forget tandems solo unless you really have a necessity for one.
peatop
PHD in Yakology.
Posts: 2846
Joined: 17 Sep 2017, 18:34
kayak: dune PA14
Real Name: Peter
Location: Clifton springs

Re: Performance difference between revo 13 and 16

Post by peatop »

Ty Keith,
That first part was somewhat aimed at you, but also anyone else that has had both ;)
As i was busy doing normal day to day stuff i thought about that guy in the oasis, the thing i noticed first, apart that it looked like a revo, was it was ridding high in the front, so now thinking it was a tandem, the reason for asking about tandems, was im close to 2 kids(not a great distance) they both have enjoyed being out kayaking with me, however my first kayak is..... well not safe to go where i go, therefore they cant even start to enjoy the experiences i have to date.
Like i said, i have atleast a year to decide on what kayak would suit my style of fishing and also i guess lifestyle.
My kids are a very important part of my life however if over the next year i feel that this is a fad for them well all good, but this is no way a fad to me :yahoo: so im just asking the questions now rather than when the time comes, i can make my decision with an informed perspective.
Mob no: 0401580668
Yak PBs kingfish (about this big <>>><), squid 39 cm, king george 42 cm, snapper 72 cm, gummy 122 cm, 71cm flatty (estimated ) Cobia 133cm
Yakass
Qualified Fish Monger
Posts: 351
Joined: 16 Dec 2012, 13:05
kayak: Adventure Island
Real Name: Josh

Re: Performance difference between revo 13 and 16

Post by Yakass »

I've owned both and am a fan of both. If I was going to choose again I'd go the 16, hands down, but I say that as someone who likes to go offshore and not adverse to putting in some distances. Not that the Revo 13 isn't capable of that (it is) but the 16 does it better. As already mentioned it does paddle better but for me the biggest difference in performance is how it handles following seas, which has a lot to do with the shape of the stern. The ducks-arse stern of the 13 can get thrown around a little bit when sloppy water chases the yak, where as the 16 handles those conditions a lot better.

If I was only fishing inland and the local bays here it would be a tougher choice. But I'm more interested in kingies and tuna than I am snapper, so for me 16, all day
Hobie kayak specialist - SLH - http://www.slhobie.com.au/
Youtube channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/yakabout
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