Must haves for an out of the box Outback?

I am new to kayak fishing and looking at the 2017 Outback. My question is what are the absolute must have accessory/add ons that I need to get in addition to the out of the box yak. Obviously, I can add the sweet stuff on later but I am wanting to know what you all noticed that you had to have on that first trip out and did not.

Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the forum! There are 3 accessories I am big on that enhance your boat's utility. By purchasing them at the same time as your new boat, your dealer sill frequently give you a discount and/or install them for free (though there are not difficult to do yourself). These are listed in priority.

1. Wheels. Your economical choice would be the standard cart. It easily handles the weight loaded with extra gear on all terrains except soft sand. I use the basic cart (standard wheels) for all my Hobies. Your best upgrade choice is the new "fold n stow" cart that breaks down and can ride in your front hatch. The only exception is if you frequently launch through soft sand, in which case you might like the "trax 2" cart. Which ever one you choose, they increase your launching and transport ability enormously!

2. Large rudder (sailing rudder) for better handling and quicker turning in tight spaces. This is your best bang for the buck. It gives you a near zero speed turn capability, much better directional stability at all speeds (fewer tiller corrections) and is essential for slow speed control using the reverse feature to position your position in moving water!

3. Fins. Turbofins enhance your performance. You'll get much better acceleration and higher cruise speed with the Turbos, You can fish in equally shallow waters with these longer fins by using a "flutter" kick. The standard fins do a commendable job though, so I list this upgrade last. On the other hand, this would be the best one to have your dealer install for convenience.

Congratulations on your new Hobie!

PS I believe the Camo edition Outback comes equipped with large sailing rudder and Turbofins. Check with your dealer to verify.

I added full length Pro Angler H rails, Hobie square center hatch, Hobie square center hatch gear bucket, front hatch liner, Pro Angler horizontal rod holders (H Rail version), SuperNova LED light kit, and a H rail mounted Humminbird Side Imaging depth finder to my wife's 2017 Camo Outback when I first bought it. Since then she's been completely happy with the set up and hasn't asked for anything else!

Just to verify the above post the Camo Outback does indeed come with Turbo fins and the larger Sailing Rudder as standard equipment.

1. PFD

1a. Anything required by local boating regulations

2. Fishing rod and reel

3. Bait or lures

4. Sunscreen if the sun is out

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I would add a depth finder to the list as well. This allows you to determine if your getting to shallow to work the mirage drive at full peddle. You can always flutter the peddles if your shallow, bu you need to know when you get that shallow.

Here's what I'd recommend to maximize your Outback experience:


The basics:
Large rudder, (part 81397001)
Turbo fins (Camo Outback comes standard with these - MD180 turbo upgrade kits available soon)
Hookless Map pockets (part 78561001)

The extras:
Rectangular hatch kit, (part 71707003)
Tackle management system (part 7178001) or rectangular bucket (part 717409001)
Lowrance Fish Finder of choice (see pg. 42 of current catalog)
RAM base 1" or 1.5" (see pg. 33 of current catalog)
RAM FF Mount of choice (see pg. 42 of current catalog)
Lowrance Ready Fish Finder Install Kit (part 72020070)
Hobie H-Crate (part 72020088), H-Crate Jr (72020298), or Livewell (part 72020007)

Here's a link to the online pdf copy of our catalog, where you can reference part numbers: https://cdn.hobiecat.com/digital_assets ... 1474903011

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

I always say, less is more. I wouldn't add anything, not required by law, till you get a chance to get on the water under use. Then you will find out what you really need and where to put it. There is one thing you definitely always need, tethers for the rods and mirage drive, always. If it don't float, you will lose it sooner or later, guaranteed.
For my new sport I didn't add anything extra not required by law (in fact I removed some extras, like the back webbing, that just get in my way). I even setup my locator for now on top of the round hatch between my legs. Don't need sailing rudder, scupper cart or turbo fins and have no plans, for my needs, to acquire them. Outback may be a bit of a challenge to man handle, so you may want a scupper cart up front? One of the big reasons I went with a Sport instead.
Keep it clean, every ones needs are different.

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Mark
Tandem Island- 2013
2 - Sports - 2014

I would definitely just take the very basics for the first few trips and then decide what YOU really have a need for. Like you, I had no prior experience kayaking.
When I took possession of my new Outback, the dealer threw in a basic cart, which I have used once I think. I fish out of the port daily and ended up buying a small trailer to make my life easier. I still have basic fins and rudder, I'll upgrade to turbo fins and sail rudder eventually, but do fine with basics for now.
I initially added a drive leash for the reverse drive. It's fantastic, especially if you fish structures a lot. Rodleashes are also a must have. Pretty much everything is tied up, even if you dont tip over, it's easy to loose stuff overboard.
IMO a comfortable life preserver and a flag/light combo are the other first and most important additions.. Next a VHF, I went with Standard Horizon HX870.
After the first few times out, I added an anchor trolley (I like the leverloc) and 3 pound anchor (plus retractable clothesline mod), set up an old rectangular milk crate with 3-rod holder on back, knifes strapped on the side, waterproof tackle boxes and a 5 Gallon bucket with bubbler for live mullet, shrimp, etc. inside the crate. I also keep a set of fishgrips in there and attached a couple of rolls of mono/fluoro leader, long de-hooker, measuring tape. The crate is straped in with the rear bungies.
I added a Lowrance Hook7 which I run on a 15 amh jet ski battery, it was cheap ($35) and works great all day (downside is the 10 lbs weight, but it works out fine for me). I initially had a small net, but it turned out fairly useless, changed it out for a small gaff instead.
I installed a rectangular hatch (went with a white one from Duckworks Boatbuilder's supply because the round black Hobie hatches warp like crazy when out in the sun all day). I use an Ortlieb foldable sink inside it for easy access to small stuff, rags, phone, scissors, pliers etc.
35 liter shallow tubtrug in the front compartment where I store flares & first aid, a froggtogg rainsuit, extra rags, another tackle box with spare swim baits, a headlamp. Large fish cooler bag buckled over the bow hatch.
Usually take 2 rods, sometimes a third for a baitfish rig.
I just added a Scotty rodholder, comes in handy but more of a want not need...OK so thats a lot of stuff but hey, I got completely addicted to kayak fishing since having to give up other passions-you only live once. And by far the best exercise and therapy for a bad back and wore out joints.
Oh and a phillips screw driver because the hinge screw on the left side of my seat keeps backing out, weird- tried threadlocker, lockwasher, nothing works so I just keep screwing it back in. Real pain when the backrest comes apart from the seat...
Fish on, c u on the water

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I love my Hobie therapy

Forgot to mention, a plug-in cart is something that should be on the "must have" list.

https://www.hobie.com/accessories/carts/

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

Square hatch and anchor trolley. Add rails for rod holders or whatever you want. The hcrate is nice or something similar.

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All Fisherman are liars except you and me, but sometimes I wonder about you.