Hobie Outback

Superb, Stable & Feature Packed Mirage Drive Kayak

This is a completely re-designed version of the Hobie Outback that is going to have a great many kayak fishermen questioning their current choice of fishing sit on top. Gone are the qualities that made the old Hobie Outback feel so large, cumbersome and slow on the water, and in comes a sleek, stable and fast hull shape with so many features on the top deck, it's difficult to know where to start.

For starters, the new Hobie Outback features the brilliant Mirage V2 180 drive. This revolutionary pedal drive system makes manoeuvring your kayak so easy it's ridiculous. In forward mode, the V2 180 drive quickly gets you going and maintaining a steady brisk walking pace is easy thanks to the glide technology and roller bearings that deliver a really smooth ride. At the pull of a toggle the blades under the boat flip V2 180 degrees and suddenly you're in reverse mode. So no more getting stuck in the reeds as you fight a big fish or have embarrassing problems getting into or away from the side of the river as you try to launch or land. The V2 180 drive also makes holding station in a flow much easier and helps to minimise the effects of strong winds on your kayak. All this controlled with the simple rudder handles that are fitted to either side to the seating areas so it doesn't even matter whether you are left or right handed. The new kick-up rudder system under the Outback means there is less risk of damaging your rudder blade and makes the boat easier to transport.

The seating on the new Hobie Outback has also had an upgrade as well. It still has all the backrest and lumbar support adjustments as the old Vantage seat, but the new Vantage CTW is also a little wider. This means that larger paddlers can now enjoy the benefits of this brilliant kayak in comfort as well, without compromising comfort.

Storage space on a Hobie has never been an issue and the new Outback holds true to that tradition. On deck there's bags of space in the rear tank well and up front there's a large hatch that leads directly into the bow of the kayak. Even with its' new sleeker design, there's still plenty of internal space for kit. Around the seating area, Hobie have gone to great lengths to make sure that everything you could need when on the water can be accessed quickly and easily. The new outback comes with the popular H-rail Deluxe already installed either side of the seat area; an ideal place for mounting accessories within easy reach. In between the inner and outer rails is a great space to store little items like scissors or forceps and you can even attach them using a handy leash or shove a small tackle box ready for a quick change of lure. There are more H-Rails mounted to either side of the rear tank well for mounting additional extras such a camera pole, visibility kit etc. If you are mounting a fish finder onto the Outback, there is now the new Guardian transducer Shield underneath that retract into the hull of the kayak should you go over a rock or obstruction. This reduces the risk of damage to your transducer. The Guardian Shield can also be manually retracted and locked in the up position using toggles close to the drive area on the top of the kayak for when transporting to and from the water.

Overall, this is going to be one of the most popular fishing kayaks on the market today. Whether you are paddling on lakes, rivers or coastal waters, the Hobie Outback has got to be a serious contender for your next fishing kayak.