Hobie Outback model changes

I am in the market to purchase a Hobie Outback and would like to know from the forum if there is any reason to purchase a new model ('11 or '12) or a later model. I have an Adventure Island now and ended up purchasing it brand new b/c of the rudder changes, etc.

Can anyone shed any light on this?

Thank you in advance.

I'm working a little bit off of memory here, so someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know, the Outback has not had any major recent changes. In fact, it's one of the older designs in the kayak fleet.

The Revolution is a bit newer, I believe it was new in 2008. The Oasis was new in 2011, the Revolution 11 was a 2012 boat. The Adventure Island and Tandem Island got the rudder redesign over the past couple of years.

Boats like the Outback, Sport, and Outfitter are all slightly older designs with no major upgrades recently.

So the catch becomes... if you buy one now, how soon will your model be the previous generation model?

But seriously, a lot of people are very happy with those boats, so if you like it, there's no need to wait for a new model that may or may not be coming out in the next few years.

The Outback has traditionally been the "fishing boat" of the kayak line but it seems that Hobie has put their fishing expertise into developing the two Pro Angler models, and haven't done too much to the Outback in that time. Why change what works?

_________________

I think all the hulls now have the slot in the Mirage drive well for easier alignment that all 2012+ drives now have. I'm not sure of any other changes.

_________________

Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

You want a 09 or newer Outback because the Clic and Go and some other upgrades. A rectangular hatch kit will now be available to install on Outbacks models. I believe it's the same hatch setup as the Pro Angler 12.

Here's the link

http://www.stripersonline.com/t/872108/ ... in-outback