I have tried the '15 Revo 11 but not the Sport. Basic boat characteristics have not changed in terms of speed, weight, etc and have been previously reviewed on the forum.
viewtopic.php?f=11&t=49343&hilitviewtopic.php?f=11&t=37621&hilitFor 2015 the new seats have been custom fitted for each boat so there are some obvious individual variations that should be checked out by demos. For example, scupper plugs have been modified on some boats, there are seat height limits on some boats Of course there are universal qualities with the seats.
New for the Revo 11: The seat is fully adjustable in all respects except rear height is limited to low and mid height due to stability limitations on that particular boat. Port paddle rest is gone because the rudder control has been redesigned to accommodate the new seat front adjustment feature, so the starboard rest must be used.
The 2015 Revo 11 does have the new new scupper drain. It works great, can be locked open or opened briefly for clearing the seating area. It is easy to operate but the boat must be traveling about 4 MPH to establish enough venturi to suck the seat well. Actually I could get it to work starting at about 3.5 MPH, it worked very well for me at 3.7 MPH, making short work of any cockpit water. As soon as the water is gone, just let the drain close and you can slow down -- mine had no issue with leaks through the ball seal.
I view the new seat as something fishermen and those with allergies to wet butts will especially love. It is more comfortable to sit in than the previous model, has a mesh fabric that breathes -- no more sweaty backs! There are 6 adjustments on the front and 3 on the back (2 on the Revo 11) for a host of height and angle possibilities. If anyone still lacks comfort after that, the i-comfort seat pad can still be employed by placing it on the seat bottom. For me the low back position works just great but I do like to be able to custom tilt the front. Of course there is an independently adjustable back tilt and lumbar support. The mid back can be adjusted as well by carefully easing the Phillips Head barrel nut retainers (Hobie does not advertise this). Caution must be used not to over loosen and use Locktite blue if any adjustments are made so the nuts don't eventually back out.
Secondary boat stability is still excellent in the low back (default) seat position and quite good in the middle. Turns with the seat up must be approached with some caution as slamming the rudder hard over will tilt the boat out. Moderate turns are no problem.
Sailing the Revo 11 with the new seat does limit "hiking out" -- so I would recommend using the Sidekick specifically in this model for most folks.
The seat is easily removed and inserted once the installation technique is mastered. The only trick is getting it to engage the front seat lock. Simply set the seat in position, pivot the back up and then down. Try lifting the front to verify that it is locked in and (very important) snap the rear lanyard onto the eyelet. This prevents the seat from unlatching in case if capsize (hint -- it doesn't float and would be costly to lose!).
The seats have retractable legs and can be set up as a camp chair or shore fishing chair anywhere. This is very cool and comfortable. The legs are strong enough to rock back on.
New Mirage Drive. The new "GT" Drive is very similar to the old Drive except that all three shafts (sprocket, drum and idler) now have Delrin roller bearings. These take a lot of friction out of the Drive under load and greatly reduce fatigue over time. Durability and wear are excellent on these IMO. Serviceability is a little more difficult (must insert the bearings on assembly); on the other hand, less servicing is required. For those who are interested, Delrin is like Nylon, but lower friction. These changes are backward compatible if anyone wants to upgrade an older Drive, but the gray parts (sprockets, drums and idler pulley) must be used (hole sizes enlarged to accommodate the bearings) Otherwise no difference in spine, cables, etc.
New paddle. Although not a big deal for most, Hobie's 2015 paddle has much better blades then the former (since 2007) and is a welcome improvement for anyone who actually has or wants to use it! With less blade dihedral the paddle no longer has a tendency to stick on exit, and (IMO) is a little quieter entering the water. I like it a lot more! As far as I know, its fiberglass handle is unchanged and weight is about the same (my postal scale shows 1 oz less).
Back to the boats for a moment, The Revo 11 and Sport both have a specific advantage with their compact size. they are significantly lighter than all but the inflatables and are both no-brainers for truck bed or van transport. I'm in Phoenix at the moment and brought my Revo 11 out in the trunk of my Ford Fusion with no problems. Although it did stick out a bit, I just flagged it. I can post pics when I get back to CA.
Basic differences in boats recap -- The Sport is height (specifically leg length) limited. I don't recommend it for anyone over 5' 10" height
Note the Revo 11 gains about one usable inch with the new seat and the Sport may also have this as well, but one would have to check this out. It has better primary stability and is more pleasant to sail. Some really like the trays on the gunwales and the higher freeboard for a drier ride. Recommended weight capacity ifisted at 225# but IMO the current model can carry every bit as much as the Revo 11 (significantly larger capacity than the older version)
The Revo 11 is only 4 # heavier but almost 2' longer, faster (will get you there sooner), more sea worthy and handles headwind and chop much better. It should accommodate anyone up to at least 6' 1" (one inch longer than the 2014 model). Its cockpit is at least 2" longer than the Sport. It is a much better performer IMO except in sailing where it feels more tender.
They are both very maneuverable, relatively easy to handle and fun to use. They are both really great in tight spots. Each has clear and distinct advantage. Depending one's priorities and intended use, the choice between them should be pretty easy.
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