Just passing this along to those who have not seen it......
Hobie came out with some big news this morning. I have not seen the boat other than what you see on the website, but I'll provide a few thoughts.
After years of upgrading things like the seat and mirage drive, Hobie upgraded the hull of the Outback. At 12' 9", it is 8 inches longer, with a slightly increased weight capacity of 425lbs. (previously 400 lbs.). Its looks to be a touch wider as well. The hull appears more streamlined; like a combination of the old Outback and Compass. Hopefully this reduces the hull slap associated with previous model year Outbacks.
The inclusion of a square hatch will be welcomed, also. In addition, the rudder is drastically changed and is now housed under the kayak, like the Compass and PA series kayaks. As a result, the new OB now has a solid carrying handle in the rear.
On the gunnels, Hobie has included flush H-Rails (just forward of the seat), as well as in-laid gear tracks to hold accessories both in front of and behind the seat. The rear tank well also looks larger with an additional modification to accommodate Plano boxes. The standard 180 drive, mesh pockets, and the Vantage CT seat are included. No word on the price yet.
Moving away from the Outback, Hobie also introduced the Compass Duo, a tandem Compass.
Outback_studio_dune_3quarter_2019_png_1200x9999__generated.jpg
Capture.jpg
CompassDuo_studio_slate_3quarter_2019_png_1200x9999__generated.jpg
Here is a link to their website so you can see for yourself.
Hobie came out with some big news this morning. I have not seen the boat other than what you see on the website, but I'll provide a few thoughts.
After years of upgrading things like the seat and mirage drive, Hobie upgraded the hull of the Outback. At 12' 9", it is 8 inches longer, with a slightly increased weight capacity of 425lbs. (previously 400 lbs.). Its looks to be a touch wider as well. The hull appears more streamlined; like a combination of the old Outback and Compass. Hopefully this reduces the hull slap associated with previous model year Outbacks.
The inclusion of a square hatch will be welcomed, also. In addition, the rudder is drastically changed and is now housed under the kayak, like the Compass and PA series kayaks. As a result, the new OB now has a solid carrying handle in the rear.
On the gunnels, Hobie has included flush H-Rails (just forward of the seat), as well as in-laid gear tracks to hold accessories both in front of and behind the seat. The rear tank well also looks larger with an additional modification to accommodate Plano boxes. The standard 180 drive, mesh pockets, and the Vantage CT seat are included. No word on the price yet.
Moving away from the Outback, Hobie also introduced the Compass Duo, a tandem Compass.
Outback_studio_dune_3quarter_2019_png_1200x9999__generated.jpg
Capture.jpg
CompassDuo_studio_slate_3quarter_2019_png_1200x9999__generated.jpg
Here is a link to their website so you can see for yourself.
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