For anyone that has a new Outback yet, or anyone from Hobie, I have some questions on the new Outback.
My local dealer won't have one for a few weeks yet so I won't be able to look at one until then. I mainly use mine for fishing and expeditions. Needless to say with the expeditions, the under hull storage is critical for hauling tents, dry bags and all sorts of gear. It will be difficult for me to make a decision until I can see the smaller front hatch and evaluate if I can still stuff as much crap in the hull as I can the current model.
Additionally, I have outfitted every Outback I have had in the past with a set of the YETI cooler stainless steel tie down receptacles in the back tray, as well as mounted additional flush mount rod holders through the back deck. Both of these operations required use of the rear hatch to access the underside of the hull and either tighten nuts or perform some other type of operation for a successful install. I am concerned about the lack of a rear hatch, so a few questions based on that:
-Does that rear circle looking thing above the rudder come off and allow access to any of the rear hull area?
-Is that nice circular outline with the Hobie "H" in the back tray for crazies like me who want to saw into a brand new hull and add a circular hatch?
-If the later is true, is there even any room under the hull at that point for storage or is it more compact now?
Any help on the above issues or re-assurance on under hull storage much appreciated!