Is the Hobie Outback suitable for someone 6' / 260lbs

Hello,

I've been a avid Kayaker / Angler for a few years now and am looking to jump into the world of Mirage Drive. I'm a big man (6' / 260LBS) but really like the overall presentation of the 2015 Outback.

I like the reduced weight and width of the outback over the PA; which is why I'd prefer to go that route.

My main issue is there are no dealers within a few hours of my rural location.

I will be using the kayak on Lakes southern, KY primarily; with the occasional calm river run.

- Sam
Somerset, KY

it is just right to handle your size, the pedal shaft length is adjustable as is the new seat. For rivers keep in mind that if they are real shallow with gravel bars the Mirage drive may drag.

thank you for the quick reply!

The capacity of the Outback is 400 pounds, so you should really like it!

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

I know a lot folks go by the 1/2 - 2/3 rule when factoring in weight of the paddler and capacity, I take minimal gear, 2 rods, 2 Plano boxes, and a binder for plastics. Plus water and a snack so I travel light typically. Glad to see I seem to be in the green zone!

I'm 6'2" and 230 and have no difficulties in my 2015 Outback. The Mirage drive adjustments allow for a wide range of leg lengths. As for shallow water, simply cleat off the pedals in the flat position and you've only added about 2" to the draft. Enjoy the boat!

I weigh 300 lbs and actively seek the biggest waves I can find to play in on my Outback! (Granted, on inland lakes they're nothing like coastal waves.) The Outback is the most ridiculously stable kayak I've ever been on, in conditions that make me nervous on my other kayaks I don't even break a sweat on the Outback.

6'3" 230lb here. It is very stable, I fished ledges on Lake Barkley in ridiculous windy weather during the Hobie Open last week. You will love the MirageDrive, It's just a great kayak, don't see me getting rid of it if I ever want a PA. Don't feel the need for one right now, happy with the Outback. Bought mine from Hoopers in Paducah, guess that's more like 3 or 4 hours from you, bought my first kayak from them, a Tarpon 120.

YES to nearly all of the above …but one word of warning — at 6'-3" and 265 pounds, I've put an irreparable crack in the forward part of the drive well on EVERY Outback I've had for the last 8 years. And that crack happens like clockwork EVERY 2 years — amazinly just before the hull warrenty runs out. That's FOUR hulls with the same crack!

After many discussions here on this forum, with my dealer, and with Hobie regarding pedaling technic — and analyzing the problem myself — the only answer that makes sense is that my large body frame tends to put too much constant pressure on the pedals — even when I'm not pedaling. I'm hoping my 2015 Outback has had just enough hull design change to mitigate this problem, but I won't know till my two years are up.

Hey all you big guys, I'm curious …has anyone here experienced the same crack problems on any of your 2+ year old Outbacks?

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Absolute kayaking corrupts absolutely.

Yikes! Sounds like you need a metal-reinforced drive well. Maybe some foam rubber sandwiched between said metal sheet and hull material. Hope the '15 works out for ya.