Battle of the Revos

Hey all. I am looking into offshore fishing on the coast of Texas and am trying to decide between a Revolution 13 and 16. My usage will mostly be 60% inshore marsh fishing and 40% offshore. I have quite a bit of time in both the sport and the outback I used both for the few years I lived in Minnesota. I really appreciate the stability of the outback but it is "heavy/sluggish" feeling while paddling and the weight is right about at the limit to reasonably load and unload by myself since i am a smaller individual 5'7" and 150 lbs.

The revo 13: This kayak seems like a good compromise between the 16 and an outback. Its lighter than the older model (2016) outback that i have used the most and cruising speed seems slightly faster than the outback. I am pretty minimalist in regard to my fishing setup all i carry is a couple small plano's that i throw under the seat and a hdi 4 lowrance, so i don't think the smaller deck space will be an issue for me. My key questions are in regard to launching on through the breakers. Can the mirage drive fit in the front hatch of the revo 13 as i would much rather just put it inside of the kayak instead of tying it down somewhere. Does it handle offshore chop and or swells noticibly better than the outback? As a side note, more out of curiosity than necessity can smaller individuals stand in a revo 13? I can stand in calm water on a sport and on an outback i don't really even think twice about standing and casting. I know it is not as stable as the outback, is the 13 comparable to the sport in stability?

The revo 16: I know its faster than every other peddle hobie (which is of great benefit for running a few miles offshore), but is the extra length worth dealing with over the 13? Also, can the mirage drive fit in the front hatch?

Thank you in advance for your time.

Bts, welcome to the forum. If you want speed and offshore capability, the Revo 16 is an excellent choice -- fast and smooth in chop. The 13 is a little slower, but turns better (probably not an issue offshore). IMO, loading is about the same for both if length is not an issue for storage. In some ways, a longer boat is easier to load. You can stand on the 13, but not as easily as on the Outback.

It seems like there isn't much surf on the gulf coast unless there is a storm, so launching either shouldn't usually be a problem. Rather than stowing the Drive in the hatch, why don't you leave it in the drivewell? The bungee with a big hook pulls one crank arm back so the fins rest against the hull and pose no problem on launch, and the Drive will be ready to go when you need it. But if you do access the front hatch, the Revo 13's hatch is MUCH easier to get to than the Revo 16's on the water. I'm not sure if the fins will fit inside.

As a minimalist and at your height, I'm surprised you haven't considered the Revo 11. It's quick, maneuverable and easy to transport; nothing like the Outback or Sport -- handles wind and chop better than both. In any event, a test ride should give you some great feedback.

BTW, Turbofins and the large sailing rudder will enhance the performance and handling on whatever boat you choose.

drives wont fit in hatch of either models. On the 16 it can be lashed on front hatch. Slip fin under bungie, hub shaft slips in slot of hatch, and just to stop it moving you can install a bit of bungie and a padeye on the bulkhead to hook around the pedal shafts to lash them down.

Trying to paddle any distance with drive installed is a pig. The revo 16 can be set up for a decent paddle the 13 is nowhere near as good.

13 hatch is readily accessible on the water the 16 much harder, and not safe to try in bumpy conditions.

The 16 has a daggerboard which I hear makes a big difference sailing. Pretty unique feature.

The only thing you’d probably regret is turning radius.

None of the models you’re talking about are great for standing. The new Outback is killer for standing.


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If this is an issue, install larger rudder, take short pedal strokes and lean to the outside. This makes even the 16 turn pretty quick