Hobie Mirage Fishing Kayak Guide

[Yakass]

We've posted a rather lengthy article that goes through the pros and cons of the various models in Hobie's range for fishing, which some readers that are considering buying a Hobie might find useful in terms of choosing an appropriate model. As guys who get to deal with people that are misinformed about suitability of certain models daily, we figured it was high time we put pen to paper to set the record straight and provide an informative starting point for research. The article is way too long to post here, so if you're interested in reading, follow the link below. Note that the article makes no effort to compare against other brands (we're not interested in getting into that), only other Hobie models. It also includes info on the new 2015 models and in a few instances we've made speculative educated guesses. We'll be updating this info wherever required when we get a chance to get them out on the water.

http://slhobie.com.au/info/fishing-kayaks

[gus fitzroy]

That's a great guide Josh, thanks for that.

I'm interested, is there any data on speed difference between the models? Obviously there's user and condition differences, but can you put a percentage or speed difference in moderate wind/chop between say a revo 13 and an outback?

Thanks, Gus

[Yakass]

Gus, performance difference between the Revo 13 and Outback varies greatly depending on conditions. It zero wind flat water conditions, the differences are negligible. But as soon as it gets a little windy and choppy the Revo pulls ahead. Average reported cruising speed of the Outback seems to be somewhere between 4 kmph to 4.5 kmph. Average cruising speed on the Revo is between 4.5 and 5.5 kmph. Of course different users report different results, and varying conditions will skew those figures as well. In my opinion the Revo 13 is far better suited to our bays, PPB because it gets pretty choppy quite often and WPB because of the tides. But of course you can pull it off in either.

I might include a bit more info on potential speeds when I get back to work tomorrow.

Just noticed a few typos while re-reading it, but changed login details to the admin system at work today, so I can't fix till I get back to work tomorrow. Sadly, typos are a consequence of writing articles in a retail environment (so many distractions). Maybe I should start proof-reading my own work

[laneends]

Gus, performance difference between the Revo 13 and Outback varies greatly depending on conditions. It zero wind flat water conditions, the differences are negligible. But as soon as it gets a little windy and choppy the Revo pulls ahead. Average reported cruising speed of the Outback seems to be somewhere between 4 kmph to 4.5 kmph. Average cruising speed on the Revo is between 4.5 and 5.5 kmph. Of course different users report different results, and varying conditions will skew those figures as well. In my opinion the Revo 13 is far better suited to our bays, PPB because it gets pretty choppy quite often and WPB because of the tides. But of course you can pull it off in either.

Out of interest would the Quest be as capable as the Revo in rough conditions? Apart from getting wetter would both of these be safer than say a PA when it gets rough?

[shane]

I'd still have to respectfully disagree with your asessment of the PA for offshore use Josh. I've used mine a lot offshore and it's not all about outright speed. I'll trade a small speed reduction for increased alround stability, capacity and virsatility any day. It's no AI but I'd certainly rather take a PA14 offshore than a few of the other yaks you've listed for offshore. Also offshore fishing isn't all about chasing pelagics either. I can't think of a pedal yak that would be better drifting or anchored for handling bottom species like larger gummies, snapper and sharks.

[Yakass]

Wind and range is the problem Shane. On a good day, sure, its great. Wind is the natural predator of the PA and that's just the trade off you get with so much beam and freeboard. The issue is that if you're off shore and you end up a long way out and wind gets up from an inadvertent direction, you've got a problem. And way too many people don't understand this. The PA has it's pros for sure, loads of utility, stability (if seated low), but it is not well suited to stiff wind. And in off shore conditions, if wind becomes an issue, the potential consequences are huge. It was never built to be used off shore. But certainly, if conditions are benign enough, it's ideal.

On the topic of range when I talk about off shore, specifically I mean 'out wide'. Not just getting into off shore waters.

[Yakass]

Out of interest would the Quest be as capable as the Revo in rough conditions? Apart from getting wetter would both of these be safer than say a PA when it gets rough?

If you're a good paddler, most certainly. The hull shape of the old one is probably even better, as the centre of gravity is lover and the freeboard is less to. The newer model uses a mold based on the Revo 13, so technically it is every bit as capable, providing you have good paddle fitness and technique. Safer than a PA? In windy conditions, definitely. Safer than a Revo? Not really. Having a second means of propulsion adds an extra dimension to the safety factor. I say this as someone who nearly became a statistic in my paddling days. That very experience is what drew me to pedal kayaks. It is also the experience that taught me that barge-like kayaks are diabolical in the wind.

[shane]

Wind and range is the problem Shane. On a good day, sure, its great. Wind is the natural predator of the PA and that's just the trade off you get with so much beam and freeboard. The issue is that if you're off shore and you end up a long way out and wind gets up from an inadvertent direction, you've got a problem. And way too many people don't understand this. The PA has it's pros for sure, loads of utility, stability (if seated low), but it is not well suited to stiff wind. And in off shore conditions, if wind becomes an issue, the potential consequences are huge. It was never built to be used off shore. But certainly, if conditions are benign enough, it's ideal.

On the topic of range when I talk about off shore, specifically I mean 'out wide'. Not just getting into off shore waters.

I respect your opinion Josh but I've had the PA out in windy rough conditions and haven't had any issue with it catching wind or getting blown around. Mine has a much larger rudder so this does help with maintaining direction. I'm also classing offshore as generally 2nm and greater off land.

[shane]

Out of interest would the Quest be as capable as the Revo in rough conditions? Apart from getting wetter would both of these be safer than say a PA when it gets rough?

Keith, This is just my personal experience and opinion but one of the main reasons I went from a Quest to a PA was to extend the range of conditions I could confidently fish in. With the PA I happily fish in windier and choppier onshore conditions than I felt safe to in the Quest.

Another main difference is I would struggle to penetrate into wind in the Quest, say if a northerly got up off Millers. With the mirage drive there is enough torque to penetrate into very strong winds (25kt+) even in the PA, whereas paddling you would be going backwards.

[GoneFishn]

Unless something breaks, hey Shane