Gary J Domain wrote:
HI Everyone
I am considering either the Outback or Compass. Which one to you believe is more stable? I know they are both 34" wide but the OutBack seems wider due to the way its tapered. Therefore,does this fact coupled with the longer length and added weight make it more stable?
If you're buying new, my comments won't be relevant to the new 2019 Outback, which looks INCREDIBLE! If you're buying used this may help. We have both boats ('18 Compass and '13 Outback) and with ours I would say no, the Outback is not more stable. it's wider at the bow, but the Compass has a hull design at the rear more like the PAs which lends to stability. I also feel the advantages gained by the more slender attack of the bow on the Compass is an advantage in maneuvering. Lets face it, my unsteady butt isn't standing in either boat. They are both fantastic in their own ways. On stability, my feeling is my Compass may have a slight advantage because of the aft hull design. For me the Compass with a few modifications was the better option, but my wife loves her Outback. I'd say if stability is crucial to your needs and if its within your budget and you don't mind the additional weight, consider a PA. Otherwise, you'd probably be happy with either the Compass or the Outback. As an additional side note, I like the Compass as a clean slate for customization. Lots of cool things you can do to a Compass with regard to storage compartment configuration that I liked. Not a fan of the large bow compartment on my wife's Outback. Hope that helps a bit in your decision. Again, the new '19 Outback looks absolutely fantastic! and if it had been available last year I'd have likely opted for it. Either way you go, I'm betting you'll love your Hobie. We do!