2010 Kayaks

Is there anything new from Hobie for 2010? Us bigger guys are still looking for a touring type kayak that has a higher weight load. Pro Angler is cool but something at about 450-500lb capacity that is in between the Revo and Adventure would be perfect!

I am 6'-5", 245 and would love the Revo if it had a bit more leg room. I am a former Adventure owner but did find that yak a bit wet and felt like I was pushing the weight limits with the Hobie bait tank, a few rods and tackle.

Hobie Reps:
What info can you offer? Has this demographic been discussed?

Big Guys:
What are your experiences with the current fleet of yaks?

Thanks,
Steve

Forefrazier, welcome to the forum.

I'm not a rep or a big guy, but maybe I can help some. The single seaters that would comfortably accommodate your height and weight are the Pro Angler and the i-12 inflatable. The next largest cockpit currently is the Adventure, which you know all about.

You would have all the seat and leg space you want on the PA and stay relatively dry. It's not a bad cruiser for speed, considering, but many users find the rudder overly sensitive and requiring frequent attention. It's advertised as a fishing machine, but is also a great general purpose boat and sails nicely as well. For expeditions, this boat could carry everything including the kitchen sink! Although probably on the short side for touring, the PA may surprise you -- it has the space and performance of a longer boat. IMO, it's your best fit and is worth checking out first hand.

I am 6'3 and 205 and I find the PA has plenty of room and capacity for all my stuff I take fishing. the PA seems very stable even in chop and wind.

Once you become accustomed to the fantastic steering on the pa you will find it doesn't require constant attention. There was a learning curve with it that went from man this thing is all over the place to rarely thinking about it. Its like all the sudden without having to think about it you learn the sensitive rudder (that also makes this boat incredibly manueverable) and you know exactly how much rudder to apply. Your first instinct is to apply too much rudder to begin with hence the need to compensate.

Tybee Said:

That's exactly the way I found it also but like you said hardly think about it anymore. That is also one of the reasons when someone wants to demo the PA I always suggest at least a couple hours in the craft. That way they have time to get more used to the feel of the rudder (and drive if they have never driven a Hobie) and then move on to start appreciating all the special aspects of the boat.

_________________
Roger
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