Love your boat?

[ronaultmtd]

There is a condition called “buyer’s remorse” after the object of your affection is purchased and the bank account is balanced...for the “premium Kayaks” you are plunking down better than $2000...and another $750-1000 in accessories to outfit your new “pride and joy”....I remember my first “new boat” I bought and outfitted (still own it, rarely use it)...Ocean Prowler 13...a nice versatile, sit on top, paddle kayak...after a couple of “meet and greet” events with Snaggedline members who had Hobie kayaks and seeing first hand the differences...I bought my first “dark side” Hobie Outback...in my opinion, the measuring stick all other “fishing” Kayaks are measured against...disclaimer-I have no relationship whatsoever with Hobie...not a sponsored “fishing team” nor “pro staff” or any other relationship...just a regular old fart who fishes once in a while out of a kayak...some of the reasons I love my Mirage drive boats..number one reason-hands free fishing...speed/distance I can travel...seaworthiness...tested and proven in the real world..carrying capacity...ease of trolling...reliability/durability...pretty much bullet-proof (I do not own the newer 180 drives)...and rigging options...I have the 7 inch Hook 2 total scan chartplotter/fishfinder electronics setup on my 2016 Outback...totally happy with everything about my boat..nothing bad to say about anything about it...rigged exactly the way I fish, gives me every opportunity to be successful on the water...it is a well-equipped tool...but all that said about the boat...the decisions that actually catch fish come from the captain...location selection, lures, tackle, techniques used, tides, etc. experience is everything...time on the water counts...so after using fishing kayaks for a decade, I say mine is the ultimate fishing kayak for me- would not trade it for any other...how about you? How satisfied are you with your favorite model? Or have you settled for “love the one you are with”...

[Big Boom Bassin]

I got into this aspect of fishing just about 3-4 years ago when I got tired of beating through brush on the banks of ponds and lakes and decided that I needed a boat. I needed to ensure that I could get out on the water and fish those areas just out of my casting reach....so I got a kayak and spend most of my time now casting back at the bank I worked so hard to get away from. Haha! With that said, I have moved up quite a bit from that 8' Sit-In Pelican. I worked that boat for almost ayear before purchasing my Ocean kayak Big Game II. I worked her for about a year and realized that I had the desire for something with a peddle drive and an open deck. I now own the 2019 Pro Angler 12. That boat is an incredible platform but there are certain moments where I wish I still had the slightly more narrow and smooth hull that my Ocean Kayak afforded me. I sold the OK to offset my PA costs and I really cant complain. I love the Mirage Drive and how it increases my reach. It is incredibly stable and versatile. Allows me to work different applications. But I am also a believer in the idea that I was just as much in love with those old yaks as I am with this one. I just didnt know any better yet. haha.

[DanMarino]

I've bought all of my kayaks used. Average about $300 per kayak. Either off of craigslist or from a fishing forum classified ad. One day I'll get a used pedal powered kayak. I can't justify the expense of a new one just yet, although the new/affordable Hobie model has gotten my attention.

[Mark]

I own three fishing kayaks. Each has its purpose. Each is comfortable. I enjoy them all. However, I've often said to my fishing friends that the last boat I'll own in my fishing fleet is my simplest and least expensive. That would be my Ultimate 12. I'll sell the others before parting with my Ultimate 12. I use it far more than my other boats. It's easy to transport at 49 pounds. It has lots of deck space. It tracks well. It's stable enough to stand it in, however I never do. I can sit in it for hours with no discomfort.

My Hobie Revo 13 is great in big water. It allows me to travel far and fast. It's also very seaworthy cutting through waves and shedding water while staying upright. The Mirage Drive is proven and reliable. The reverse is a nice feature. It's good for trolling, but frankly I don't like to troll. I use the drive more often to hold position in wind and current while I cast or to follow the ins and outs of a shoreline like a MinnKota. Yet, the Mirage Drive is actually an impediment in locations like the Eastern Shore pond I fished yesterday. Thick vegetation will stop it in its tracks. My Ultimate glides through it. Also, even though my Revo is among the lightest of Hobie's pedal kayaks, at 70 pounds it weighs 21 pounds more than my Ultimate 12.

My Ultimate 145 is an extravagance. I don't need it but it's nice to have. I use it as a backup paddle kayak for my family. It gets wet the least use of my three fishing kayaks. It has the same attributes as my Ultimate 12. It's just larger and therefore more seaworthy. I've paddled an Ultimate 145 in FL in high seas. I would have no problem taking it where I take my Revo in the Chesapeake.

Of course, a kayak's utility is dependent on your fishing style. I often think of myself as a wade fisherman who now floats into position to cast. I didn't need electronics to find fish when I routinely waded the Potomac and Susquehanna for smallmouth. I don't need them now in the shallow waters where I kayak fish. Further I just don't want to be bothered with them while I'm fishing. So my rigging needs are minimal -- a couple of rodholders. I can be content in a simple kayak like the Ultimate where others may feel limited. But that's another great attribute of kayak fishing -- its flexibility to meet the needs of different angling techniques.

[rob-kayak]

I loved my first kayak the Perception Pescador 10foot... and those that have been around know of my adventures on it.

With all my modifications it was like an extension of my body.
Paddling the same kayak for 9 years.

Now with the Vibe Sea Ghost 130 since last summer... it is getting that way.
Love... is earned with time and respect... we are getting there with the Vibe.

[lovett88]

I will say that after thinking about this I feel like I am in the minority here.....But here is my history. In seven years kayak fishing I have owned 20 diffrent kayaks. With me currently having three. Have I loved my kayaks? Your damn right. With all the diffrent waters and styles of fishing we have here in Maryland I have had yaks for every style of fishing I was into at that time. Now I will say that out of the 20 yaks few were new and I've never used a pedal drive kayak. Storage was ALWAYS a issue untell we got our first house and now I currently own a tarpon 160i (dream yak) a carolina 160 and a rambler 13.5 tandem. Ive had short 10' sit in style to decaded river yaks, ocean going kayaks....and now to more touring style. Over the years Ive found what works for me, and have gained a ton of knowledge as to how each type of kayak will perform. Im have switched from a fisherman first to more of a paddler. And i havent been happier...well thats what I tell myself when I cant seem to shake the skunk off the yak. Who can beat my number? Just wonder if anyone has had more then 20 diffrent kayaks.

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[baynovice]

I've been reading and learning from SnaggedLine for a few years. Have wanted to post but never felt that I had anything worth contributing but I did read the recent threads encouraging active participation from more folks, so here I go. I purchased my Hobie Oasis Tandem a few years ago from the first owner who only used it for 1 year. The Oasis is 14.5 feet long, weighs over 90lbs unrigged and comes with Mirage drives for both passengers. It is more overhead transporting, storing, lifting, etc. and I've been tempted to sell and switch to a single seat kayak many times, but the tandem does allow me to bring along a family member or friend which is a feature that comes in very handy. It's not perfect, but I do like my Oasis.

If I were to buy a kayak today, the Native Slayer with the bicycle style pedal motion looks very tempting. Its ability to switch, hands free, from forward to reverse looks like a great feature for holding a location. I saw the 180 Mirage reverse feature but having to pull the cable to switch directions doesn't look appealing to me.

I haven't been able to get on the water yet this season but will try to post more regularly as I do. Thanks again for the expertise shared on this site.

[Cowpokey]

I got my first kayak in 2002 (IIRC), it was a cheap $300 SinK from BPS. I rigged it with a cheap fish finder, and a couple rod holders. It worked, but I always had buyer remorse. SOT kayaks are much better for fishing; they have more deck room, and are "safer".

After I got my first Outback I swore I'd never get another "paddle" kayak. I was wrong. I have two Outbacks now, and a Quest 13. The Quest is a joy to paddle in skinny water, especially in the rocks with low flows on the Susky. The Outbacks are the only way to go, as far as I'm concerned, when it comes to trolling, or just water deep enough that the fins will be the primary propulsion.

[silasvirus82]

I've only owned two kayaks in the 14+ years I've been kayak fishing. The first one I bought used around 2005 was a 2001 Dagger Cayman, one of the first SOT paddle yaks that was well suited for fishing. I did my homework and looked at what the guys in Australia were using offshore and settled on that specific model. Over the years I added a better rudder, fish finder, rod holders, upgraded the seat, anchor trolley, the whole deal. That boat served me well for 10 years and has some serious mojo. I still have this yak and plan to pass it down to my first kid when they are ready. The plastic on that boat is very thick and rigid and still holding strong. I don't think anybody makes one that well built to this day. The only downside to that boat (not for me) is that the cockpit is cramped for anyone over about 6' and 200 lbs. I'm short and under 170, so it was the ideal boat for me for a very long time.

Then I came to MD and found Snaggedline and starting fishing with other kayak anglers. First trip out was with a member that had a blue Outback. I immediately recognized it was time for an upgrade and in 2015 I bought my Outback, once again after extensive research and careful thought. I pondered over getting the PA 12, but in the end I wanted the lighter more versatile boat that handled less than ideal conditions the best. Once again I believe I have bought a boat that is perfectly suited to my styles of fishing and if the parts on this boat continue to perform, I plan to run this one for a very long time to come.

[Kubishark]

I've had the same kayak for about 13 years, a Heritage Fisherman Pro 14. I would love to upgrade to a Hobie but can't drop that much money just yet. My Heritage is pretty fast but lacks in pretty much every other category. Not much space, not very stable, very wet in rough conditions, hatches let in water in rough conditions (kinda scary actually), and of course no peddle system. But with all that being said, I've made some great memories on that kayak and I know when I do eventually upgrade I might shed a tear saying goodbye.

[buzz]

Love your boat?

I have decided to sell my OK Torque and cross over to the dark side. After all these years I’m finally sold on the Mirage drive.


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[jbowers679]

I love my new kayak and I don't have any buyers remorse. I started kayaking about 6 years ago with $200 Pelican from Dicks sporting goods. It wasn't a bad starting kayak at all but wasn't really good for fishing. It was hard to pack rods and tackle on and it was a pain to get into position to fish. After a few years I started to look at Hobie kayaks but the price was so high it was hard to know if they are worth that kind of $. But after seeing a bunch of People on them I started asking if they liked their Hobie and everyone said they loved them. So after some research of the Hobie lineup I decided to get a Revolution 11 last spring. So this is my second season with it and I am very happy with my Revo. I have dumped several thousand for it and all of the accessories I have on it. Although it my seem like a lot of money for a kayak I feel it was worth it. I can move around fast and with ease which is great for fishing, no more tired arms when I get to my fishing spots ether. It can carry all of gear I want to take with no problems and still feels very stable loaded down. I really love fishing on it and would recommend a Hobie to anyone thinking of buying one. I was glad that when I started out with my cheap kayak to make sure that I really enjoyed it though. I use my Revo all the time and it seems well wroth the $ I have into it. I like being able to get out on the water without the expense of a boat. I have owned 2 jet skis and 2 boats over the years and I have to say I enjoy my kayak more than all of them. Even though it was pretty expensive, after you buy it and set it up it doesn't cost anything to use. I love my Kayak and couldn't be happier with it.

[Mark]

I love my new kayak and I don't have any buyers remorse. I started kayaking about 6 years ago with $200 Pelican from Dicks sporting goods. It wasn't a bad starting kayak at all but wasn't really good for fishing. It was hard to pack rods and tackle on and it was a pain to get into position to fish. After a few years I started to look at Hobie kayaks but the price was so high it was hard to know if they are worth that kind of $. But after seeing a bunch of People on them I started asking if they liked their Hobie and everyone said they loved them. So after some research of the Hobie lineup I decided to get a Revolution 11 last spring. So this is my second season with it and I am very happy with my Revo. I have dumped several thousand for it and all of the accessories I have on it. Although it my seem like a lot of money for a kayak I feel it was worth it. I can move around fast and with ease which is great for fishing, no more tired arms when I get to my fishing spots ether. It can carry all of gear I want to take with no problems and still feels very stable loaded down. I really love fishing on it and would recommend a Hobie to anyone thinking of buying one. I was glad that when I started out with my cheap kayak to make sure that I really enjoyed it though. I use my Revo all the time and it seems well wroth the $ I have into it. I like being able to get out on the water without the expense of a boat. I have owned 2 jet skis and 2 boats over the years and I have to say I enjoy my kayak more than all of them. Even though it was pretty expensive, after you buy it and set it up it doesn't cost anything to use. I love my Kayak and couldn't be happier with it.

Nice to read the words of another pleased Revo owner. I believe the Revo is often overlooked among kayak anglers. I've owned two Revos and frankly it's the only pedal boat on the market today that I would consider. I've been spoiled by its speed and how it cuts through waves. I think the Revo's narrow beam dissuades some from considering it for reasons of limited storage and concern about its stability. The former has indeed required me to be more efficient in the gear I carry. I think that's actually a good thing. I'd likely carry unnecessary tackle if space was not limited. The latter issue, stability, is not a concern at all. The Revo is surprisingly seaworthy, especially in choppy water. About the only negative I can attribute to the boat is that it is not for larger anglers. But if you're of average height and weight, it's a comfortable and effective fishing kayak.

[belairfishing]

My first kayak purchase was a Wilderness Systems Ride 115, perfect for ponds, lakes and rivers, sightseeing and light fishing with my wife on the weekends. After I did the meetup at Lowe's Wharf last July and paddled 2 1/2 miles across the Bay (one way) to Poplar Island, I called my wife before l ate lunch and used the famous line from Jaws - "I'm gonna need a bigger boat." I started looking on Craigs List and eBay. I was diligent and extensive in my research, and after consulting some of the fine gentlemen here on Snaggedline (Mark in particular) I pulled the trigger on a 2015 Revolution 13. I was fortunate to deal with a very nice, honest seller who took great care of his kayak.

I have no regrets and love it. I have caught countless white perch in it, and plenty of stripers too. Like Mark, I cartop my kayak, so weight was definitely an issue, which really ruled out an Outback or ProAngler. I don't really feel the desire to ever put a motor on any kayak, so that was another reason the Revo was a good fit for me. I don't bring too much gear with me, just two flat Plano boxes, so the deck space is plenty big enough. I put in a homemade crate with two rod holders, and added a small gear track on each side to accommodate a Yak Attack AR Tube rod holder for better trolling. I just didn't like the molded rod holders behind me as the only rod holders. This way I can spread out a little if I want to troll two lines, and hold a third rod in my hand if I want to jig troll.

The other benefit with the Revo is when I go on one of the combined sightseeing/fishing trips with my wife and some friends. I can stop and fish for a few minutes, they can paddle ahead, then I can catch up to them very quickly by pedaling. It's really the best of both worlds. I will keep my WS Ride 115 for paddling on the Susquehanna and other smaller/rocky locations, and use my Revo on the bay and and tidal rivers.

[thedutchtouch]

bought my outback used (SL classifieds), spent more than i planned and about twice what i told my wife... but i love it and would do it over again.