Pelican “Hobie” kayak for $1499.00

[ronaultmtd]

Pelican just unveiled a brand new sit on top fishing kayak at ICAST 2018 that uses the thermo-formed hull and top glued together for a much lighter kayak that has the flipper drive system that Hobie invented...for $1499.00
Check out the video:
https://youtu.be/PowgK1E4nzo

[NattyBoh74]

Link?

[NattyBoh74]

I have an outback now. Pelican is going to kill it with these...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nbEBPOgJR2A

[Yak67]

Is the Hobie Mirage Drive" Off Patent" now????

Yak67
2017 Hobie PA-12 Camo
2016 Hobie Outback LE#217

[NattyBoh74]

That's what the video said that I linked to

[ronaultmtd]

20 years...And I believe the version used by Pelican is the original

[Yak67]

That's actually good. It will drive Hobie to innovate and not just rely on some new item every 5 years or so.

Hull Protection (Keel and rear sections) for ramp rash protection. That can be replaced like other Yaks have had for years. Lighter Yaks for an aging Bay Boom Population that is still very active. ETC...……..

Just my two cents

Yak67
2017 Hobie PA-12 Camo
2016 Hobie Outback LE#217

[ronaultmtd]

At that price point, unless this is a huge turkey POS, which I seriously doubt, you would be crazy to plunk down an additional thousand dollars for a Hobie...like the compass does now, it will drain sales from the Outback and Pro Angler series...and the open Tank wells fore and aft with bungees give you options outside the sealed hull to carry things....four flush mounted rod holders and gear tracks standard...the seat is adjustable and the steering looks like the standard Hobie setup in the same location, handle, etc.

[yakscientist]

I like the price, and I look forward to comprehensive tests on this. I for one don't like the lack of covered storage areas, but I know many minimalist anglers would prefer this open setup. I think the compass may be worth the extra money for the seat (probably a step up from the pelican), and the more refined drive, and a bit more covered storage. Now the outback, I do think they should drop the price to about 2200 or less, because I agree that $1000 for reverse, a couple hatches, sail mount, and a few other bells and whistles, might not be worth it.

[silasvirus82]

This boat is going to put a hurting on the market. I'm sure it will have some disadvantages over Hobie and the rest, but from what I can see it's the best boat for the money right now. My Hobie doesn't have reverse, but I manage just fine. The weight on this boat is really going to appeal to car toppers as well. How they managed to avoid Hobie's patent I do not know, but I'm glad it's out there. When my kids get old enough for a kayak this is exactly what I'll be looking for.

[yakscientist]

Also I think the boat weighs 85 pounds still, I would've thought that with the 2 piece thermoformed hull, it'd be a lot lighter. I mean the slayer LT is thermoformed with a 2 piece hull and weighs like 65 pounds. Maybe the 85 pounds includes the seat and drive, still seems a bit heavy considering there aren't any hatches and it's just the hull, seat, and flippers.

[ronaultmtd]

It does include the drive, rudder, etc. at 85 pounds, compared at the Outback’s 98 pounds without the drive and it is almost a foot longer than the Outback and an inch wider...

[croaker d]

Got my attention for sure! At 1499.00 Im flying to pick one up sorry hobie. I just couldn't spend the money hobie wanted for the outback and came close to pulling the trigger on the compass glad I didn't! I never liked the bicycle type drives from native,old towne, perception etc. This should fit the bil.

[M_Duong60]

If I ever end up deciding to buy a new kayak this will be at the top of my list for sure. I don't see myself getting a hobie at all now, I have heard of leakage problems a lot with them and this seems a lot better.

The lack of inhull storage kind of sucks and just realized that mounting a fishfinder would be awkward. Otherwise even though I think having storage in hull is a good feature I typically dont end up storing much in there anyway. I can see this being very popular with divers and spearfishermen with this kind of open style.

[Mark]

Of course, I'm biased but the present Hobie Revo 13 is a foot longer, 15 pounds lighter and undoubtedly a faster boat than the Pelican given its extra length and slimmer beam. I'm actually surprised at the Pelican's weight. I thought it would be lighter given its construction.

The Revo's deck space cannot compare with either the Pelican or the Outback. However, I'm never at a want for more gear on my outings. In fact, over the years I've substantially pared back what I carry. I don't stand, so that's not an issue for me. I do like the ease of pedaling the narrow Revo. Honestly, I never feel tippy in my Revo. Its secondary stability is excellent. I enjoy leaning into turns and how its sharp bow slices through waves. Also, Hobie's 180 drive has been more useful to me than I thought it would. I was originally going to forego the 180 (DPS would allow me to do so) but I'm really glad I didn't. What a nice feature the reverse is.

However, the Pelican price variance with Hobies is eye-catching. Time will tell if Pelican's quality equals Hobies'. If it does, then Hobie indeed will have a new and serious competitor in the field.