fusioneng wrote:
Some of this has to do with body shape, top heavy overweight older folks, (like me) might find it challenging to stay upright in a revo 13, I do, but our son would standup in the thing all the time. That’s not Hobies fault.
I’m now handicapped with a bad back so it’s impossible for me to paddle anymore, so I don’t even look at any other brands at all, it’s only Hobie mirage for me, nothing else out there for me so why look.
However with any paddle yak 50% of your stability comes from your double ended paddle, ( that’s why surfski’s are only like 15” to 18” wide). Since you don’t need a paddle with Hobies, ( most don’t use them at all), Hobies must be more stable, ( ie.. wider), and require a lower CG than most other SOT kayaks in my opinion. The convience of the Mirage drive more than makes up for that. Just make sure you select the right Hobie to suit you body type and weight.
In other words if your 6’5” and a topheavy 270’ plus a revo 11 may not be the best selection, ( outback might be a better choice). It’s definately not one size fits all, and experience also plays a big factor. That’s why I love Hobies demo day event’s, you get to try everything out, and experts guide yo to the correct solution for you and your lifestyle, pickin stuff online from pictures usually doesn’t work out so well in my experience. Also watching extreme fishing videos of experts that have been doin that kind of stuff most of their lives, lol most of those guys are so fit and expert they could fish from a log and do well, ( definately not me by any stretch of imagination), walk before you run. If your the guy above, a $7000 dollar 25lb CF 21 ft d 15” wide surfski or OC1 might not be a good first boat, ( just sayin). I’m 5’6” 240lb, one of those boats is not in my cards.
Just my opinions that’s all
FE
Not sure what your point is. I am 5'8" and 155 pounds. I have been paddling kayaks for years and most of my fishing SOTs are less than 26" wide. The Hobie I am using is appropriate, and I know how to paddle. The fact is, a kayak doesn't need to be wide to be stable. I don't need the paddle for stability IF the kayak is properly made. Hobies are not that stable to begin with. Add a higher seat and they are unstable, at least IMO.