Newbie Just bought older Outback

Hey everyone,
Been lurking here for years. I wanted a PA, but just can't deal with the weight for transporting via a roof rack. I am a big guy, so needed something that could handle my weight.
I just bought a 2000 something Outback SUV from a guy here in the Atlanta area. The ad said he bought it new in 2009, but when I met him to buy it, he said it was a 2008.
Well, in my excitement, I didn't notice that it is not the current style, no large hatch in the front, like the current model, and the area behind the seat has a molded area for a cooler, not the large flat area on the current models.
I looked for the "engraved" SN on the right side of the boat at the stern, don't see anything, but I was looking at night with a flashlight.
I will check again in the daylight.
In any case, a deal is a deal, and it looks to be in very good shape. It has the original style rudder, seat and Mirage drive. I figure worse case I use it this season and if I like it, keep it, or sell it and get the new model.

Here are my questions. I have searched for pictures for how others have rigged this model for fishing, but the posts I have found, the pics are gone. Does anyone still have this model that can re-post? I am wondering how you are using the area behind the seat, a milk crate won't fit in the molded recess. I was looking forward to using a a crate like I see everyone using on just about every yak out there. I read somewhere that Hobie included a cooler with this model that fits there, obviously I didnt' get that. Anyone know of something that will fit? I looked at Austin, didn't see anything.

Are the hatches just for access to mount options? Doesn't seem like you can really store much in them, and what the heck good does the little one UNDER the seat do?
I know folks upgrade to the turbo fins, but is the ST option better, if you are concerned about cracks in the hull from stress?

Any ideas or clarity would be much appreciated. I am also wondering how you guys lift the dang thing. Only one handle midships! There must be a trick to it. I will be putting it on my new Mazda 3 GT 5 door, with a Yakima rack, and J type carriers. But that will be a challege with nothing to hold on to. I am 56, and no spring chicken!
Any way, thanks in advance for any help, I have enjoyed this forum for several years, and look forward to being able to contribute soon. I hope to haul this down to PCB in May and have a blast.
thanks
Rick

Bookooc, welcome to the forum and congratulations on your Outback!

Your model is an '06 or earlier. The last two digits on your serial # will tell you more specifically. A little white chalk will make the serial # much more readable. It was a very solid boat and you should get good use out of it.

The old Outbacks usually used coolers in the deep well (originally Colemans). If you can't find a perfect fit, you can always shim with Styrofoam; screw your rod holders right to the sides. Here's a pic I stole from member Apalach (different forum).


Or, you can fill the well with Styrofoam or cover it with plywood and put your milk crate on the now flat surface.

With regard to easier lifting, Hobie makes some soft handles you can mount anywhere. Here's a related article with some suggestions:
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=8813

Are you referring to the 8" hatch in front of the seat? First, it will help give you access to mount your new "grip". It may be the newer flip-up Hobie hatch (comes with small holes in the flange to attach light tether lines for gear stowing), but is more likely the older style detachable lid. In that case, you can screw a couple of short screws into the underside of the lid and attach some string or light cord for tether lines to tie on any gear or dry bags and be able to retrieve them. The Hobie hatches can also use a Tupper-ware style "gear bucket" with customizable compartments. You can replace your hatches with the newer style if you don't already have them and want to go to the expense. If you have another hatch under the seat, someone may have added it for additional interior access??

If you have the older Drive (has stainless steel chain sprockets), that's a very strong Drive and can accommodate any fins you like. I prefer the Turbos but also like the STs -- easy to use, almost as efficient and less expensive. Standard fins come in handy for tough areas like oyster bars if applicable.

Enjoy your new ride!

Hi Roadrunner,
Thanks for the reply and the welcome.
I was finally able to find and read the serial no, and this is a 2005. Not what I was told, but oh well. Too late now. Thanks for the info, I will do some more research.
thanks
Rick

I have the original Outback with upgraded turbo fins. No problems after having put at least 1000 miles on it. A standard crate fits fine on the upper part of the back deck. I keep the deep recess area directly behind the seat open for wheel storage. Your correct that the storage hatches are worthless except for in hull access. I added a three pole holder to each side of the crate. I also add a 3' vertical PVC tube with PVC cap to each center pole holder slot on each side with an outward facing long stainless eye bolt toward the top of each. From the eye bolts I hang whatever is needed for quick access for the type fishing I am doing that day using magnetic style connectors used in fly fishing. This works great for small nets, lip gripper, dehooker, etc. Since I typically have at least one fly rod with me, I can also use the upper extended eye hook shanks to hold my fly pack immediately behind me while still allowing access to the crate below. This puts my zinger mounted fly accessories just over each shoulder but far enough back to keep them out of the way when casting. The cooler that came with the kayak is just a small soft sided cooler and it fits well inside the crate.

Sorry you didn't get the newer model but don't be too upset as the original works great too.

Hi svango,
Thanks very much for your reply and your insight.
I just got home my yearly shopathon at BassPro shops spring classic sale.

Spent way too much money as usual, but got some good deals.

Have you are anyone else here used Kayak Fishing Stuff for buying accesseries etc?
I can get on the forum there fine, but I be danged if I can find a way to see or buy anything there. They talk about it, but there doesn't seem to be a store there anymore.
Any other good sites in additon to Austin Kayak?

Thanks again,
Rick

I purchased my Hobie Adventure from KFS as well as many other small items. I even stopped by their store once while traveling in NYC area. Excellent staff to deal with and prices were reasonable. From what I read elsewhere online, the economic downturn hit their business hard .... the store is no longer available. Hopefully, they will regroup and be back in business in the future.

Thanks svango,
I finally found some posts from a search that discussed it's downfall. Too bad.
I am about 2 years too late to the party. Its a real shame, since I really wanted to see the posts that Apalach had there regarding the mods to his 2005 Outback. I have found a few here, but the ones I really want are bad links to the KFS site.
I tried contacting him here, but I guess he is laying low.
thanks for the reply,
Rick