New Hobie Owner

Just wanted to pop on and thank everyone for all the great information on this forum.

About 2 years ago my Wife and I saw a Hobie Outback on display at the Minneapolis airport. We've talked about it pretty much to death, but have put off the decision primarily because of cost, and my only other experience with a kayak being a cheap rental that was so wobbly it was practically unusable (I'm 6' 3" and about 250).

Saturday we went down to HobieCats NW on Lake Washington here in Seattle and checked out the boats in person. We were so impressed by the units, as well as the level of knowledge of the dealer that we plunked down a deposit on an Outback and a Revolution.

On the way home we decided to go ahead with it and headed to REI to figure out how to get these boats on a small SUV. Ended up with a set of 66" crossbars and a Yakima rear roller. Called the dealer and he said he'd have them ready on Sunday.

When we headed down the boats were all setup and waiting for us. I was very nervous because it was really windy and the lake had a good 2' chop.

Boy what a mistake waiting 2 years was. The boats are unbelievably stable and cruising with the pedal drive is just a delight.

So we're planning our first major all day trip, and I'm making good use of these forums by making lists of things like tethers and tennis balls for the wheels.

Thanks, everyone.

Welcome to the Hobie world of great kayaks.
My wife & I purchased a Sport for her & a Revolution for me in '07.
Been having a great time. When you are ready to expand your kayaking
experience, the sail & side kicks are a great addition. I have them on my Revo.
I didn't know anything about sailing but am having a blast.

Enjoy them.

Bruce

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Everything before 60 is just a rehearsal!

I'm a new Outback owner also. I was exactly where you were when you bought yours. Welcome!

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Happy Yak Fishing!
Patricia

Patricia, you know Dan? What an awesome guy!

Oh, I missed it, where we were buy-wise. Sorry.

Welcome and I know you and your wife will enjoy..

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Quit Wishin, Go Fishin and Take a Kid with You

Nope, I was feeling the same trepidation about buying my first kayak because I've never been in one before. Chucking out $1700 for something you've never done before is intimidating. But I have to say I'm happy I did.

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Happy Yak Fishing!
Patricia

Hello all

Another newbie here from Scotland. Got me a used Outback and will be cruising the West coast and Lochs of Scotland. I' d prefer a proper sea kayak but don't have the storage. and since I'm already pedal obsessed (www.cosybike.co.uk) I thought a mirage drive kayak might be a hoot!

Looks like some good ideas on transportation here, I think I'm going for a lifting vertical frame storage on the back of my van. Its too tall to get on the roof and I can't afford any fancy rooftop rack. (fibreglass box van) This is not my van but its the same type! If anyone has any bright ideas "gies a shout" as we say over here.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2268/227 ... df.jpg?v=0

Wow, Scotland! Welcome Cosybike. I just got my outback also and I love it so far!

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Happy Yak Fishing!
Patricia