Newbie thinking about Revo...

Alright so I REALLY want to get into kayaking! I've been a couple times with friends and once by myself and I have always loved the idea of going kayak fishing. Well I earned enough money now (I'm a senior in highschool) that I can afford a nice kayak. I wanted to see if you all thought I was making a good decision on which model.

I like to fish (alot)...the boat will be primarily for fishing.
I also like to go to islands and camp, look for shark teeth, etc.
I live on the intracoastal waterway near a big sound (ossabaw and wassaw for those of you near me) so I will occasionally have some waves/wake to deal with.
The furthest distance I will be going is about 3 miles one way.

I've done extensive research and really like the features that the Revolution has. I went to the local dealer today although the sales guy was gone and I got to see a revo in person - LOVED it!

Basically I'm ready to buy it, but I wanted to make sure you all thought this model would be well suited for me. I know it's not as fast as the adventure, but since I'm not going too far I don't think it will be a problem. Also since I'll be in college next year I'll probably do alot of fishing in rivers, lakes, etc. so the smaller length will be helpful.

What all do I need to get started fishing? Anchor, PDF, etc?

Sorry for the long post, but I'm really excited! Thanks for any advice you can give me!

Frank

Hi Frank and welcome to the forum. You've obviously done a good job researching this. The Revolution would make a great kayak for your purposes. It can be rigged very nicely for fishing, its versatility is unsurpassed and there are lots of accessories you could get later to expand your capabilities.

You can get an accessory catalog from your dealer to see what's available. If you search the forum here, there are plenty of ideas about rigging. If you want to expand into scuba diving, sailing or photography later, the Revo would also meet those needs very well.

If you check out the Hobie web site, there is a fish version and regular version. They're the same except for color and the fishing versions include a few accessories for a few dollars more -- or you could buy them separately if, say, you like the color availability of the standard line.


Try to get a demo ride first so any questions you may have can get answered before you buy it. Let us know what happens!

The revo is a great choice, my favorite boat in the fleet. Check is the local authorities, or your dealer, and find out what safety items are required to be legal. What type of fishing are you going to be doing the most of, this will help us get the right options for you.

_________________
Brad Stephens
[email protected]
(866) 786-5266 <--- Advice HOTline
http://www.sunjammers.com
www.facebook.com/sunjammers

Hey Frank,
A hearty welcome to the Hobie Forum! As both Brad and RR said, the Revo would be a great boat for you. Fast, stable, and easy to rig for fishing--you will love it! Good luck, and let us know how it all sorts out.
Best,
Dick

_________________

Aloha Frank!

After seeing and lusting on the Revolution, it would be a mistake if you don't go ahead and buy it. If you were to buy something else, you will ALWAYS have that "Maybe I shudda bought the Revo" feelings afterwards.

Let's face it, most people already know deep down what they want. When they ask for opinions, what they're really looking for is an approval.

Well, buddy you have all of us approving your choice .. so go for it!

You'll love it!

_________________
7 Rivers and 33 miles of surrounding beaches!
What more can you ask for?

Frank,
Ditto to what everyone above has said. I'm very impressed with the fact that a high school senior has saved up enough money to buy a Revolution! Congratulations, now treat yourself to a great kayak. Welcome to the group and post some pictures when you get it rigged and also of the fish you catch. Best of luck to you and have fun!

Wow thanks for all the replies! Sorry I didn't respond sooner - I went up to Lake Santee in SC. with a friend of mine to do some fishing, but his boat broke - See, I already needed a kayak!

I'm going tomorrow at 1:30 to try out a revolution - I can't wait!!! Hopefully I'll be able to come home with it.

What exactly is the difference between the Fish model and the standard? The only difference I see is the color. The one on display at the local dealer is blue (NOT a fish, correct?) and it looked like it had 2 rod holders behind the seat.

Also what's a good color? The moss is my favorite, but I was thinking that it might be better to be easily seen.

Guess I need to buy a comfy PFD...

As far as the Kayak goes .. NONE other than having different colors. I just bought an Outback Fisherman. And the only difference as far as the Kayak goes is the color, I opted for the Khaki color .. very subtle and pretty.

The Fisherman package came with: a) A kayak roll cart with the balloon type wheels (they call it a Trax Cart). b) Three Gear Buckets (with a carrying case for all three), which are round plastic containers with separators for Lures, hooks etc, which goes inside the round storage hatches. c) A rod leash.

You can buy all these separately but as a package, it comes down to about $150.00 extra. I believe that the Revolution is around $1599.00 without the Fishing package and $1749.00 with. The package is really quite nice to have if you can afford the extra. The Trax makes it easier to roll the cart through sand. The buckets fits nicely inside the storage hatches and you definitely should have some kind of rod leashes. You can easily lose a fishing rod in the drink!

While we're at it, you may need to eventually put in some additional eyelets to tie things down ..ie your mirage drive when not secured inside the well. You wouldn't want to tip the kayak and lose the drive ... OUCH $450.00! A cooler, Landing Net, Gaff, paddle, Rod Leashes ... etc.

Go to Wal-Mart and buy a Fishing (PFD) life vest. It's a bit different than the regular Stearn Life vest in that you have more freedom with you arms when casting.

Hope this helps.
A newbie just like yourself.

_________________
7 Rivers and 33 miles of surrounding beaches!
What more can you ask for?

Yea--ditto to what Kauaiguy said. I have added two extra cleats and about 4 extra eyestraps or eyelets for gear leashes, Mirage Drive leash , etc. Also check to see if your PFD is designed to be used with a yak (i.e., with a high back) so you aren't getting hung up in the seat back when you sit down. I would also suggest the Fisherman package since those gear buckets are pretty handy. Good luck and be sure to post a pic or two of your first catch.

_________________

Just got back from my ride! It was AWESOME!!!!! By far the coolest thing I've done in a long time.

So I'm going back in the morning to pick it up since my truck is in the shop.

I have my colors narrowed down to blue or yellow...I'm thinking yellow because I want to be seen - what do yall think?

Not only an excellent color choice, but a handsome shade of yellow it is! It has unsurpassed visibility, so if anyone runs over you, you'll know it wasn't by accident!

They don't call it "yum-yum yellow" for nothing...

Well I picked it up today and went for my first ride! I launched from the community dock in my neighborhood and went through a lot of little creeks to get the feel of it and then came back through the intracoastal waterway - LOTS of fun!! Throughtout the ride a couple ideas of things popped in my head that I wish the kayak had, and sure enough it had all of them! (leash to hold pedals apart to keep drive up, seat adjustments, etc.) Being able to flip the rudder up that easily is great in shallow water.

On my way back I passed an island which has been on fire for the last few days. DNR isn't sure how it got started - sometimes shrimp boats beach there to do repairs and maybe one of them somehow started the fire.

Pics to come soon! Thanks to EVERYONE for the great advice - I'm really happy with my decision!

One question: if I push the pedal forward until it stops there is a knocking noise. Everything was tightened down good and the drive wasn't swaying. I'm guessing that it's just the arm of the pedal hitting the hull?

I think I'll try padding it and see if it goes away.

Be sure when securing the drive into the drive well that the cams are tightend all the way into the it's lock position. Sometimes when I'm in a hurry (not good idea), I just drop the drive into the well and turn the cams until I think the Mirage Drive is secured, but ... in my case it causes the knock because it leaves wiggle space between the edge of the well and the bottom of the cams. As a result when I push the pedals forward, the drive rocks up and down causing the drive pins to knock against bottom of the cams(?)

Besides, I read somewhere today that if you don't make sure that the cams are tightened all the way and there remains some play allowing the drive to rock back and forth, it could create some stress in the well area possibly causing a crack in the seam. Seems like the well area is the weakest point of the Kayak. They used to have lots of problems with leaks there.

Also, if you have LONG legs, it's best to adjust the pedals so that when you push forward it doesn't go all the way to the front stop area which can create the knock (as you said, maybe hitting the hull up front). I read this somewhere also. Besides you don't have to make full strokes to make the thing move!

Hope this makes sense.

Just an FYI.

_________________
7 Rivers and 33 miles of surrounding beaches!
What more can you ask for?