New 2019 Hobie Outback

[J Francho]

Hobie redesigned the Outback.  Personally, I'm digging the new Guardian Transducer Shield.  This has been a pain for anyone wanting to use side imaging in a kayak.  I currently have to use a deployment arm, which works well, but can get in the way, and it creates some drag on one side.  This system solves all those problems.  Check out the videos here: https://www.hobie.com/kayaks/mirage-outback/#fishing

 

Otherwise, the boat is loaded with features, yet still  remain car rack-able at 85 lbs.  I may need to upgrade....

 

What do you all think of it?

 

[IgotWood]

I’m ready to upgrade! I have a 2017. No problems with it, I just want a new one lol. That transducer cover is pretty neat. Pretty soon we’ll he fighting to get a transducer mount for these total scan/panoptix sonars. 

[SWVABass]

I looked at one in person. Super nice rig. I’m still holding out for a PA. But I’ll hopefully fish a kayak tourney in May where they give an outback away for first.

[Harold Scoggins]

I like the camo!

[Brad Reid]

J Francho, for its weight class among longer kayaks, this is a great choice! The only negatives I have heard relate to it having a fairly low seat compared to some others, that and I think the seat is wider than a PA but not as long. That is, the under side doesn't extend as far toward your knees.

 

The other is Hobie had to do sort of a last-minute engineering adjustment, build a little plastic guard that snaps on the stern handle to keep the rudder from scraping along the ground loading or dragging, I guess. Not a big deal there, but many suggest this will be corrected in the near future.

 

It seems to me that this 2019 Hobie has leap-frogged the competition and holds the lead now.

 

*To help you and others decide on whether or not to get a "boat," I offer this. Can't recall where I saw it, but, cute.  Brad

 

 

[Allen Der]

Weren't the Outbacks under $2k a few years ago?  Looks like this new model is almost $3k.  

[J Francho]

I think the old models were $2500ish.  They go for $1500-$2k used.  The outback slots in between the Compass ($2000) and the Pro Angler ($3500).  It is competitive with other peddle boats, like the Predator, Dorado, Titan, etc.