Revolution 13

After a year and a half that I have owned my Outback I have found it to an excellent fishing kayak in all respects except one. Whenever I am paddling into wind and chop/swell - we get quite a bit of that on the coast and lakes in NZ - I get drenched by the water coming off the nose. Slowing down makes it a little better, but that makes a journey into the wind even longer.

I am seriously looking at changing to a Revo, which I considered in the first place but chose the OB for its superior, IMHO, fishing lay out. For those who have peddled both is the Revo drier into the wind than the OB and do you sacrifice much in the options for setting up gear? I know I could demo the Revo but the nearest dealer tests on a beach that generally has fairly benign conditions, also I don't think a half hour tests measures up to the collective wisdom of this forum.

I fish in lakes, bays and off the coast, weigh in at around 210 and am 5'11", oh yeah I'm 59 years old and reasonably fit.

Cheers
Charlie

I don't see much difference and if anything, I'd almost consider the Revo the wetter of the two. Yes, you will notice a lot of difference in laying out your rod holders, fish finders, etc., as it's a much narrower boat.

Now having said that, the Revo is also a much faster and more agile boat. And if you did have to paddle it, it's a lot easier than an Outback in that department.

I've owned both. The Revo is far superior. I had the same complaints with my OB.

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2011 Olive Hobie Revo

Absolutely. The Revo has a longer, finer bow entry and behaves much better against wind and chop then the OB, running faster, quieter with less pounding, less spray in your face and is therefore drier. Except for the lack of side trays, the Revo 13 can be rigged similarly to the OB for fishing IMO. Though not important to some, the front hatch access on the water is slightly better on the Revo.

Would the Hobie Dodger help with the problem? (I realise it won't keep spray off your face.) Or would it get in the way too much if you want to fish?

Mary

Hmmm, I have been obsessively trawling Google and Utube on the subject as you do The obvious answer is there is no such thing as the perfect yak. When I was surfing I had a quiver of boards that covered a wide range of waves - however I think I'll stick to one kayak. I do really like the Outback except for its habit of giving you a shower in certain conditions. I dont think the dodger would help and yes it would be a hindrance for fishing.

Having discussed the problem with the associate financial controller , who is more than happy with her Sport, I will hold off making a decision until next summer. I probably will get a Revo at some stage just because it's a Hobie and it will be fun to fit out and play with a new yak.

I have fished the Revo 13 off the coast of California for a year now...absolutely love it...one great design..plenty of room, fast, stable...well engineered, great layout...

Just got back from a fishing trip in the Outback. Had a great day - not much wind and very little chop I was fishing around some mussel farms with two guys in paddle yaks, there was quite a current running and I could cast up into the current and bounce the lure back along the bottom toward me while peddling to stay in position. You can't do that with a paddle yak - I totally outfished them! I had a great days fishing that would have been a mediocre day if I had been in paddle yak. Still looking forward to trying a Revo at some stage.