Weak Revo 13er looking for advice--new or used Revo 11?

Hello Forum folk,

Are the 2015 seat and ball-bearing innovations worth getting a new Revolution?

Have had and loved my 2011 Revolution 13 since buying it new. Right after that, Hobie introduced the Revo 11. I towed the 13 on a cumbersome trailer until recently, when I sold the trailer and got a Thule Hullavator system for my SUV. Despite the reviews and videos showing the "ease" of one person getting the yak on the car with a Hullavator, it is frustrating to this baby-boomer weakling. Yesterday's struggle was the last straw.

I have listed the Revo 13 on Craigslist and want to get an 11. Choices are a used 2013 Revo 11 in pretty good shape for $1,550, an unused 2014 at the dealer for $1,849 (with warranty and free turbo fins), or a new one at full price from the dealer.

Of course, I will demo before buying, but does anyone have words of wisdom about the Vantage CT seat and new drive fins being worth the extra $300 for the 2015 models?

Gracias in advance,

Cate
Revo 13, but not for long

Cate,

If the waters you frequent allow you to be in the 11 confidently under snotty conditions, then sounds like you've made up your mind.

Maybe you could benefit from a trailer or alternative methods to lift the hull on to the Hullivator? Many people, myself included, bolted on aftermarket handles in the front of the seat well hatch, and in the hump separating the seat well and tank well. Or, you can try opening up the seat hatch to gain a better purchase while using the other hand on the gunwale handle for easier lifting?

I have both the 13 and 11 (pre-2015) and I cannot FEEL much of a difference in weight while lugging it around on land.

If you hate the existing seat and tried other methods, then the Vantage seat might be for you- I cannot comment since I never sat in one but was on a 2 year quest to improve my stock seat. I eventually got the i_Comfort seat and it helps to the point I stopped my search for other seats.

Good luck with your decision!

Hi cate.

I have a 2015 revo 11 and chose it over a 13 due to the difference in weight(4-5 kg) lighter and the overall size of the kayak. I wanted an all rounder which was easy to get on and off my car.

I friend has a 2013 revo 13 so my experiences are based off these two hobies.

I am small and pretty weak and find i can lift the revo11 onto roof racks by my self but could not lift the 13 with extra weight and size. My stronger and taller mate uses rhino universal side loader to lift his.

In terms of the seat. I love the new seat and keeping dry, especially during winter, although it has alot of moving parts compared to a standard seat and i have had mine bavk to the dealer already with issues.

With the new gt drive, i have not tried older drives but we have the revo 11 with stardard fins is just slightly slower than the 2013 revo 13 with turbo fins.

There are some other cool things with the 2015 models, the cool water dump vavle under the seat as well as different designs around the handles compared to the 2013 which seems to let less water in when hit by swell side on.

The Revo 11 is a great little boat -- handles just about anything the Revo 13 does but weighs a lot less (and has a one inch shorter cockpit). Because it's substantially lighter it is more agile and responds quicker. On the other hand it doesn't sail as well IMO. But one of the greatest things about this boat is the ease of transport. I took mine to Phoenix (about 400 miles recently in the trunk of my car -- may have looked odd, but worked great! You can haul this boat in just about anything without having to go overhead!


All the new features are great but they come at a cost. The value you get out of the GT Drive, new seat and draining scupper depend on distance traveled, aversion to a wet butt and likelihood of flooding the seat area. Once you demo the boats you will get a clearer picture of what your best option will be.

Photo caption.... "Car consumes kayak"

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

if you have back issues, get a sore back from being in the yak for 4 hrs, etc...then the new seat is worth the money. My back feels great after (so far) 5 hrs in my 2015 Outback. Greatest upgrade to a yak since pedals.

Back issues are a big part of inability to lift a Revo 13.

Thanks, all for your opinions. I watched the Vantage CT seat video on this Hobie forum, visited the dealer, saw the upgrades, and bit the bullet on a new Revo 11. My new yak should be in this weekend.

Don't know if I would have the nerve to leave it sticking out of the trunk to be consumed, though.

The way people drive around here, I would be rear-ended in a heartbeat.

Happy paddling/pedaling!

I have owned your model Revo 13, a great ride, I have just bought a 2015 Revo.

I would definitely spend the extra $300 and get not just the Seat and Drive but all the other refinements too numerous to detail.

If you get the best possible option now there will be no looking back on you're decision with doubt.

If, like me, you're health is not good and you're time Yakking may be limited then now is not the time to penny-pinch.

Go on, you deserve it

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Fair Skies, Max.

Well, thanks to you forum posters who responded, especially skymax down under. The new Revo 11 is certainly an improvement. Love the easy drop-in Mirage drive, the comfy, mesh adjustable seat, and a dry rear at the end of the day.

So far, the only thing I miss from my Revo 13 is the paddle stowage bungee on both sides. I am still too weak to lift the boat alone, using instructions on the Hullavator, but my Hobie dealer showed me some tricks to make it easier.

I DO deserve it!

Congrats! I have a Revo11 and a Revo13. I take the 11 when my back is sore and I want to have an easier time of loading/unloading (I occasionally suffer from lower back pain). Regardless, I find both are very capable in all scenarios where I kayak & fish.