2015 vs 2016 rev 16

Hello all,
I have both a new 2016 rev 16 and a new 2015 model available for me to purchase, with about a $400 difference between the two. My question is: did enough change/ update/ improve on the 2016 model to make it worth the extra cost? Both are brand new.

Thanks for your advice!

2015 has rear thru hull wiring kit on bottom of tankwell, this is a serious leak risk, as the tankwell floods and the fitting is not meant for submerged applications. 2016 has it moved up on the bulkhead like the rest of the range. Big improvement. Other than that no real difference apart from a couple of larger padeyes, which you can retro fit anyway. I would back pack with goop that fitting though as it is still close to water line.

The reason for this was the bulkhead was too shallow on a revo 16 for original fitting. They now have a shallow surface fitting that does not require a back nut

I swapped my 2015 for a 2016 under warranty due to this issue.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Here's a link to a description of how to read the serial # on your kayak.

https://www.hobiecat.com/articles/boat-serial-number-location,15/

If in fact there was an assembly error, contact your local dealer and have them file a warranty claim.

_________________
Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

Thank you HStrech. The yak was made in Aug of 2015, but the model year is a 2016. Somehow mine didn't get the upgraded spot placement for the wiring port. Wish I would have known to look for this issue. Had no idea. This sucks.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

For the extra $400 you got a couple of XL padeyes and a slightly better seat strap.. Maybe $30 or so in accessories. I'm guessing the 2015 was a run out model sold cheap? Does he have one on show and if so which version. First one I got in late april this year was a palmed off early 2015 without being advised it was superseded. Took on water with or without gooping, so had it replaced under warranty.

On 2016 the thru hull plugs in the side pockets at the front are also on side, not at the bottom towards the rear, again the using surface mounted 3 ways rather than 2 way style with backnut

Changes listed here;
http://www.hobiecat.com.au/mirage/mirage-revolution-16/specs/
though not obvious what it all means until you see them

A please explain from your dealer is required, get him to point out the differences and explain why you haven't got them.

Dont get me wrong, love the correctly fitted 2016 model, $400 off the old model and having that hole welded up would still be worth it, as its not a big job for someone who's competent at it. It may be something your dealer is capable of doing.

I received a call from my dealer today and all I can say is...Hobie is an amazing company. They have completely resolved my issue. Nobody's perfect...especially not very large international companies. These folks are awesome, and I hope anyone trying to decide which brand of yak to purchase reads this. There are many yak builders out there now targeting the fishing industry, especially when it comes to pedal driven boats. If a problem is found on one of these new untested pedal yaks, will that company stand by its products ?? I can tell you for sure that Hobie does. Customer for life.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

What was the outcome?

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Yep I had immediate results once i claimed warranty direct from hobie, so they know its an issue and will resolve it on a case by case issue without telegraphing it here, or even giving dealers a heads up.

Put plenty of goop behind the new style fitting as its still flimsy and close to water. But mine is holding up well now, and I have an easy "improved" sealing method sorted for if it ever proves iffy.

I'm happy with the 2016 model

Can't wait for my new girl to arrive ! New to fishing the 16' but I've loved it so far. Have lots to learn about handling her in following seas and surf landings...so gonna prob ask the vets on this yak for advice at some point. Can't believe how it cuts through wind and chop so easily. I was almost three miles out when the wind shifted and fog began to cover the north side of Montauk. I almost soiled myself when I saw that through the bino's. Booked back to Clarks Cove as fast as I could pedal !! Couldn't believe how quickly I covered that distance. It was awesome. Was also caught in some pretty rough situations when a few massive commercial draggers cruised by. Combine their wakes to all the surrounding recreational guys buzzing around and it got pretty messy out there when the tide changed. Yak handled it really well. Def was grabbing the handles REAL tight a few times for sure !! Talk about white knuckles when some of those rollers came up from behind me !! Fog ruined the day but good maiden voyage either way

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Throwing it around and leaning into the turns etc is a good way to get the feel for it and learn to feel comfortable with its "twitchiness".

Following seas can be a test of nerves. Having everything stowed and locked down with total confidence in your ability remount in those condition goes a long way to making it less stressful about it all going ass up.

Then practice, no point having one of these if you are going to avoid using it for what it was designed for.

I used the "back it in" technique to land my PA in iffy surf conditions. Can the Revo 16 be ridden into the beach by turning sideways w the paddle and edging the yak while the wave pushes you in sideways ?? I know mirage drive must be flat to the hull to have any chance of this. I know some guys deploy sea anchors to slow their speed through the surf zone and allow waves to pass by. Is this the best method ? I am not afraid to get out there at all. Rolling off shore doesn't scare me at all. But being pounded bow first into the sand and having my equip trashed on a surf landing is what concerns me most. Feel if I could get good at landing in surf I could fish more areas w confidence

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Controlled broaching a revo 16, especially with drive in is going to be very difficult, it is also something they are want to do. Even bunging the fins up wont hold and if your foot comes off peddle fins will catch and flip you, also as you get into shallows you run risk of them digging in, bent a few masts doing this. This is worse with turbos as they extend to edge of yak and so more exposed than they would be on say a PA.

You could come in backwards but that leaves you a fair time in surf zone. Revo 16s are hard to maneuver/turn in this environment so less time spent there the better.

I think most would wait for a break then gun it, and pull drive as soon as you get close in. Or pull drive first and paddle in. Removing drive provides good drainage for when the swamped cockpit fills like a bathtub. Which brings another issue, storing a pulled drive on a revo 16 safely so you dont loose it is not that convenient, dont rely on a quick clip leash. It is hard when on water to get it under front hatch bungies.

Last option is jump out, hang on the back and body board it. Worth having a decent grab handle for this, its what I would do if i got wiped rather than try to climb back on. I have a sleeved grab rope attached across rear tankwell padeyes for this as well as added lifting point for kayak.

If you are going to try the sea anchor method i believe the series drogues are better than the normal drift chute. Never tried it. Be aware if surf is too big it might rip you over front of yak

In rough conditions when water is coming over make sure drain is locked open to reduce water filling seat well and slopping around to destabalize you.

Im thinking of adding some more substantial foot braces at my preferred distance to help bracing under paddle, the existing ones are iffy.

Do you think having the new mirage drive 180 might help w exiting the surf zone ? Ability to pedal in reverse when a wave coming from behind you to hold the yak in place...then forward again after it passes ? Kind of slowing you down like a sea anchor would

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk