Outback for a Big Guy

I'm thinking of taking the leap to Hobie from a Jackson Big Rig. I like the open PA but it's way to heavy for where I fish mostly in the marsh area, deep into the marsh. So I was checking out the Outback. Looks pretty nice, however I understand it may be a challenge sight fishing in it.
So I'm 6'0 265lbs. Any big guys like or had regrets in the Outback.

My best suggestion is to demo an Outback.....consider the Outback is 5" narrower and 1 foot shorter, but the capacity is only 50 pounds less than the Jackson.

I know you will fit, but would you be comfortable??.....the demo will answer the question.

I went from an Outback after 3 years to a PA-14....mind you I am 5'11" and 170.....the room increase in the PA-14 is worth it to me as I downrig troll, typically for 7 to 9 miles over 4 to 5 hours and enjoy the ride. The extra room inside the hull allows for many more options of tackle on the deck and other stuff too.

My old Outback, a 2010 version, had the original seat...that would kill my tush.....the 2013 PA-14 had the new Vantage seat.....as does the new Outbacks......and the comfort is terrific.

So, try before you buy !

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Here's something to consider...The Sidekick ama kit, which extends off each side of your kayak and provides added stability for use when sight fishing. It assembles quickly as well.

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

I am 6' and topped out at 250. The Outback is more than capable of being a sturdy platform. My only gripe about the Outback is that it is a tank when you paddle it. I currently am using a 16 Adventure/Revo and love it.

I do not know what the new advantage seats do to the overall sturdiness of the boat though.

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2012 Outback with sail / 2012 Outback / 2013 11' Revo / 2006 16' Adventure (no AKAs)

The difference in the stability of the kayak with a new Vantage CT seat is virtually insignificant, especially in the low position.

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

I am 6'3", 330lbs and own both a 2015 PA14 and a 2016 Outback. The PA is an outstanding marsh boat as I use mine all the time in the coastal bays, tidal areas, oiffshore/BTB here as well as ponds and lakes. You will never complain about the extra room the PA14 has or the stability. That being said it is heavy especially rigged out with lights, depth finder, 2 batteries, cooler and tackle boxes but that is the known tradeoff and with the Hobie Trax2 cart the weight is negated by all of the capacity and stability. I bought the 2016 Outback to be able to port a kayak on my RV kayak rack. The PA14 is too long to fit under bridges when stood on end in the rack. That being said to me there is a noticeable difference in the room between the 2 but the stability is close to the same. The seat is comfortable and the kayak is really light, compared to the PA14. In my case less than half of my PA14 as its about 190lbs loaded with all of the above and the Outback is just 80lbs albeit just the kayak. It works great for quick portages and is much easier to handle loading and unloading from the rack. I see other yakkers all the time in them off shore and while I am more comfortable in my PA14 offshore they seem equally as comfortable in their Outbacks.

I'm 6'2" & 265, the outback has been great for me. Plenty of storage and I can stand to sight cast( I broke my ankle in 2 spot last year ) so that's pretty good. Now I won't flyfish from it, nor will I stand and cast while offshore. The PA has better stability and storage, but comes at the expense of weight and $$$. For me it was an easy choice, but I demoed them first..

Thanks all. I pulled the trigger on a 2016 OB Papaya. Took it fishing last week. Performed great, mirage drive is sooooo awesome. It paddled well, based on past yaks I've had including the Jackson BR and Wilderness ATAK. Best thing is that it's soooo much lighter and easier to handle when loading up after a trip (truck bed).
At first I was either going to go with a dune or blue OB, but I really wanted to be visible on the water. Past yaks I've always had a yakattack vis flag, but had a few past bad encounters with boats. I figured that bright yellow color would be best versus a lil flag.
Go the sail rudder and talk about turn on a dime. Got the lil rudder control knob upgrade and HCrate which is so much nicer than my BlackPak.
Looking at some SeadDek or Marinemat but haven't yet pinned down a color I would like to go along with the papaya color.
Overall impressed and I'll keep this one for quite some time.