revo vs outback: which is better in the wind & strong tide?

Ok, I think I've narrowed my choice to either the revo or outback. Since I've not demo'd either one, I'd appreciate anyone's input on my situation. I like to paddle/fish in Chincoteague which frequently has 20+ mph winds and tides which can get pretty strong. When the wind and tide are against me, I get nowhere by paddling. Of course one option is to avoid such days and/or fish with the tide/wind - but that's not always feasible, so my dilemma. As I understand it by reading your posts: the revo is faster, the outback is more stable. Would anyone care to weigh in on their boat of preference when battling one or on occasion both factors? And what about those small inflatable pontoons? Would that give the nod towards the revo? Please share if you have an opinion. Thanks!

Tide would be a near zero difference between the two. They have pretty similar speed capability. Windage from the larger (Outback) could be a factor, but you will find that the torque that the MirageDrive offers can move a brick through the water, so either hull will move easily. Very different from paddling. There are many posts in the forums about guys towing much larger fishing boats back to the dock with their Hobie Mirage kayaks.

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

Like Mr Miller said, the pedaling speed of both are identical in most situations, but the Outback rides a bit higher and will present more of a target for wind to blow against.
You didn't mention what kind of waves you would be experiencing in the hypothetical question you posed?
If the wind was strong and the waves were high, I think I'd rather be in the Outback. If you're talking about strong current and winds, but no significant chop, I'd stick with my Revo13. I've had both, and the stability of the Outback is confidence-inspiring.

I have owned both and in almost all situations, prefer the outback over the revo. The stability alone wins me over but i have been in very testing situations in both and never sweated anything in the outback and was a bit nervous in the revo (16) when I got caught in a squall with 35mph sustained winds and 3' chop. I survived OK but did spend a couple of hours with a severe pucker grip on the seat..

I was lucky enough to get to "refresh" my stable last year and went to a PA 14 and an LE Outback.

I will start actively guiding again this year and will add 2 more outbacks to the fleet.