pulled the trigger on a new Outback.

first i was a tad shocked the blue/gray color isnt an option anymore. BOO!

i got the Bone colored one..Dune or something. i currently harass fish from my Camo 2018 Hobie Compass, and i kinda always liked the Outback for it's more fish-ready approach to things. i'll probably build a simple rack to hold both boats (in my garage) and keep them all. plus, i like how the Outback is kinda motor ready with those threaded inserts in back. i'm not saying i am going with a motor, but i do like the option. i also like how the Outback is already predrilled for a fish finder. drilling into my brand new Compass was not natural feeling at all . i do like the weight savings on the Compass and i have lowered it off a small cliff-side to reach water before. i'll keep it as my "4x4" kayak. hehe. (maybe, my wife wants me to sell it)

i'm looking at 4 weeks to take delivery. my shop has the kayak, just none of the bits and parts. no seats, no drive, etc.

i dont expect head/shoulders better kayaking with the Outback at all. i bet it is actually disappointingly similar. but i tried my friends PA12-360 and it simply was too much boat for my style of fishing. i have to stop kicking to let him catch up with me all the time.

Update. An Outback feels more stable than my Compass. Standing up is easier. Part of it is that the standing pads offer more traction so you can just stand up. It’s primary stability is greater than the Compass. My Compass has that immediate “whoa-there!” Feeling when I first stand up.
Speed is about the sane. Turning radius, similar.

Gear organization is heads/shoulders better on the Outback. I would drop my rod handle into the pedal-hole to old my rod on the Compass. In the Outback every rod fits in one of those tool holes near the accessories racks. Easy!

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

i am thrilled to report i get zero leakage in the front hatch. i almost guffawed when i saw the silicon application at the hardware. at first glance it looked like someone lost a contact lens in there..it is just perfect round/domed blob. but it works.