Confused in Oklahoma - Boy Howdy! I sure do need some help.

OK. Here it goes. I have done a couple of weeks worth of research and decided that the Outback is gonna be the best yak for me, that I am confident of. Now it comes down to the decision on which model of the Outback to purchase. At this point is where the confusion started, and now the more I research, the more confused I get. I need to know many things before I make my purchase and since the closest dealer to me is a 3-hour drive away, popping down to the old local kayak shop is not an option. So, I need your help, please! I will highlight my questions in red because they will be strewn throughout this post. Also, I have labeled each yak in the pics below with an A,B,C or D to help with identification. Any help I can get will be greatly appreciated!

The Hobie website can be more confusing than helpful sometimes. Check out the changes between the first and second set of pics below from the Hobie site and you can see why.

The first is a side-by-side comparison of the NON-DETAILED VIEW of the Outback Fisherman and the Outback Recreational models. The rear hatch location and the rear cargo area layout are different in this view.



The second is another side-by-side comparison of the pic that pops up for each of the two models when the DETAILED VIEW link is clicked. The rear hatch location and the rear cargo area layout are the same in this view.



I have downloaded the kayak catalog from Hobie and I have a print copy of there accessories catalog. The catalog pics are just as confusing as the ones on the Hobie site.

Three questions here:

Which hull layout goes with which model?

Is there a specific model number for each Outback version that I can use for reference to when ordering my Outback over the Internet?

Can anyone provide me with or direct me to where I might find the dimensions (Depth x Length x Width) of the rear cargo area of each layout?

I have a specific use in mind for the rear cargo area, so the more info I can get about it, the better choice I can make when I order my Outback.

The next issue I have has to do with some of the specifications of each model.
Here are the specs listed on the Hobie site for each model of the Outback.

FISHERMAN MODEL
Specifications:
Length: 12' 1" / 3.68 m
(Rudder in "up" position adds 6.5")
Width: 33" / 0.84 m
Weight: 62lbs / 28.12 kg
Mirage Drive Weight: 7.2 lbs./3.27 kg.
Capacity: 400 lbs / 181.8 kg
Features:
>> Mirage Drive® pedaling system
>> Hand-controlled rudder with kick-up feature
>> Seamless roto-molded polyethylene hull
>> Self-draining cockpit scuppers
>> Acres of internal storage, fore and aft
>> 3 Hatches: Two 8" and a large forward flip hatch
>> Deluxe 2-piece paddle with 2 on-deck storage locations
>> 4 Molded-in rod holders>> 2 Molded-in drink holders
>> Molded-in storage wells all around the cockpit
>> Hobie Gear Bucket
>> Hobie Dry Bag
>> Water Bottle

RECREATIONAL MODEL
Specifications:
Length: 12' 1"/ 3.68m
Width: 33"/ 0.84m
Weight: 62 lbs./ 28.12 kg
Mirage Drive Weight: 6.6 lbs. / 3 kg
Capacity: 400 lbs./ 181 kg

Features:
>> Mirage Drive® pedaling system
>> Hand-controlled rudder with kick-up feature
>> Seamless roto-molded polyethylene hull
>> Self-draining cockpit scuppers
>> Acres of internal storage, fore and aft
>> 3 Hatches: Two 8" and a large forward flip hatch
>> Deluxe 2-piece paddle with 2 on-deck storage locations
>> 4 molded-in rod holders
>> 2 molded-in drink holders
>> Molded-in storage wells all around the cockpit
>> Molded-in dive tank well
>> Hobie Gear Bucket
>> Hobie Dry Bag
>> Water Bottle

Regarding the rudder system, is the Hand-controlled rudder with kick-up feature listed here the same as the Twist-n-Stow rudder system? If not, what is the difference?

Regarding the Mirage Drive Weight, I notice that the one on the Fisherman model is heavier. What is the difference besides the weight?

Is the weight capacity the same for both models(400 lbs.) ? I know that’s what is listed here, but I came across one site during my research that claimed to be a Hobie authorized dealer and they listed the weight capacity of one model of the Outback (I can’t remember which one) at 350lbs. So I am making sure the 400lbs. is correct.

Thank you in advance for any help I get. I sure am ready to get my Outback ordered so that I can start customizing and have it ready to go by springtime!

I had a same, but less confusing, experience choosing our Oasis.
It was strange to see a rudder-lever on the side of the kayak and T-handles on the other picture just beside it in the "2010 Kayak Collection"
But I think it's linked to the innovative side of Hobie, they constantly introduce improvements.
That is a wonderful thing in this bureaucratic world, Hobie's technicians are heard and need to be heard at in the future, they are the driving force of the company .
For customers it's not so pleasant if you can't find the exact information .
But is a blessing for what you get delivered

the ONLY difference from the recreation model and fishermen model is color, its that simple.

I've pushed for them to do away with the "fishing" and no "fishing" for years, same boat, the earthy tones will have a fish on the back in the graphics, 99% of people never notice.

So pick your color and enjoy your boat, they are the same, same mold, same outfitting, same mirage drive. I know its confusing but it really is that simple.

_________________
Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers

Some images are certainly outdated if still on our site and representing new product. The is no "Fish" / "Recreation" difference in the Hobie line anymore.



This is the correct / current detail view, although... it doesn't show the rudder "T" handles. The photo on the Fish Outback page is outdated. These get recycled and updated using PhotoShop on some year model changes, so not always a new studio shot is done.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)