2019 Hobie Outback In Depth Review after 1 Year of Use

Well it has been over a year, time for my In Depth Review of the 2019 Hobie Outback after 1 year of use. This kayak has done me well over the past year and I love so many things about the 2019 Hobie Outback. The cockpit area is awesome, the seat is comfortable, and the drive itself is great. There are a few things that I'm not a fan of including the water intrusion into the hull.
Let me know what you think!
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[@georgemarchesi8506]

Great video and very helpful info. Getting mine this week very much looking forward to getting out there. This is a huge step up from my $200 cheapie Thank for sharing

[@singltrakr9055]

Thanks Chris, well done! I just bought one of these for 2600, used once, in pristine condition and with a few nice extras thrown in. Will definitely pay attention to the rudder adjustment over time and stay on top of it. Plus, a little RTV around the two bungee cords tensioning the front hatch.

[@ronniecockrell440]

Chris, best review of this kayak yet!!! I'v been in the market for a while now and I think you have just helped me make up my mind. Can't wait to try one out. Great job, keep up the footage.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

They are a great kayak, try one out if you can. Thanks for watching!

[@weenerdoggs]

Great review! You really did a fantastic hob and were a huge help for me as I am about to put the trigger on one of these!

[@suhwateezea.214]

It's cool how you mentioned how the Outback performs when Paddling old school. I was worried that it would be unresponsive and heavy to paddle. I am trying to upgrade from a field and stream 12' eagle

[@Outwestwithchris1]

It paddles really well, it was something that I was surprised and pleased with coming from several years of fishing out of paddle kayaks.

[@gazellefreestyle3711]

Double gaskets don't matter, just bought mine a month ago. Told some boaters to rip it after they slowed down because I wanted to test in with some waves. Stability is unreal but it did exactly what you said. Still had water in the hull, not a lot by any means but still

[@aaroncummins4109]

Just bought a 2021 outback. Can't wait to start fishing

[@izzyssaltlife]

great info.. thanks, i just bought the 2020 outback and am so glad i did, i have 2 ocean kayaks and a pelican the catch HD2.. but there is just no comparison, i've gone out on this 3 times already and im going tomorrow again and i just bought it 7 days ago.when i go out on it , 1 of the first things i noticed is that i was not all wet like i would get in the other yaks, except of course when i get it into the water. the front hatch does have the double seal and i have seen how the water sometimes splashing in from the front and i see the water come around the hatch and right into the pedal drive hole, none of it has reached back to my feet.. and have not seen any water inside the hull. it is a pretty fast yak compared to the pelican drive and turns on a dime. i live about 25 min. away from the gulf of mexico and do all my fishing inshore. i just retired this year so i have loads of time to get out there . thanks again for all your info.

[@msgetaways164]

Very good review. Agree with your 3, 6 months. Too many reviewers too excited with new purchase to be objective. Just bought a 2020 so hope they've fixed some issues.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks, hope the 2020 is as awesome as it looks.

[@db9818]

I bought the Compass because it is a bit lighter and fit my needs. After 6 months of 1-2 times a week fishing I still love it. I too have rudder issues, cold mornings really loose after it heats up it's fine. Now in winter always loose and adjusting the lines did not help. One thing I miss on the Compass is the Guardian for my side scan.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Yeah the Guardian is a great feature but that compass is nice with how mobile it is. Thanks for watching.

[@lvbuckeye]

I'm pretty sure you can adjust the rudder lines.

[@chriscaluori3102]

Hey Chris , loved the year after review. I have my 2020 Outback sitting in storage awaiting open water . I too am a stout fella at 6’0” 350 is pounds it’s still a comfy ride for me. Not as comfortable as my PA14 but non the less I can fish all day in it with zero issues

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Awesome man, yeah they are good kayaks for sure! Hope you get open water sooner rather than later!

[@chriscaluori3102]

Thanks man .... just have to wait for the ice to thaw lol

[@Outwestwithchris1]

@@chriscaluori3102 I feel for you guys that have to wait it out for a few months every year.

[@horacioleon8894]

Thanks for the review because I am looking into getting into a new kayak around summer time and this one of the options

[@Outwestwithchris1]

These are great kayaks man, if it's in the budget I highly recommend it.

[@ikashibimauler]

Gotta tighten those steering lines. That's the reason they put the lines and the screws facing topside.

[@Sanctified_Leather]

Awsome Video Chris !!! And Thank you for the Info on the Rudder Controls and the issues your having with them . Your whole video was great and Very informative 😎👍👍

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks, glad you appreciated it!

[@giovannim5101]

Chris thank you for the review i look at the Hobie and the Native Titan 12 i really like mine Titan for the stability it does not have the speed of the Hobie but i like mine instant reverse. Thank you again and keep up the good work.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks man, both are great products and each has their pros and cons!

[@timothyperiard7048]

Great review. I am looking to get a Hobie Outback and I am also a big guy and wanted to hear how it handled.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Glad it helped, still love it!

[@thesmith1017]

Great review and I have to agree with a lot of it, since I have had mine just a little longer than you. I kind of solved the hull water issue on accident. I change my hatch bungee system from two bungees to one and resealed the top screw holes. That seamed to have reduce my water intake to almost nothing. The only other thing I don't like about the new Outback is the guardian is only made for Lowrance or similar, that makes having a Humminbird a pain some times.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

That sounds like an interesting fix on the hull. Yeah I have had Hummingbirds before and would have went with one on this yak if it weren't for the ease of compatibility with the Lowrance transducers.

[@stuchumney]

Great review! Just what I needed as I am considering an Outback. What kind of stands are those that your Outback is sitting on?

[@jerrymcdonough8061]

Just bought 2019 carryover outback have a 2018 outback and compass thanks for the real review also if you call Hobie they will send lid gasket to you

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Sweet, thanks for heads up on the gasket

[@vidglotzen]

Get the 2nd seal for the front hatch. Its much better. Tight the lines of the the rudder control. I found when it comes dry it is very tight ans wenn its get wet its stretch a little bit

[@Outwestwithchris1]

10-4, thanks for watching!

[@vidglotzen]

And take a look at the screw holes of the rod holder cover. The water of the rod holder runs though this screw holes in the kajay. At me on the ocean at big waves there run a lot of water through this holes. When you remove the cover, put the screw back in. And y r save 😉

[@timmoore6055]

I suspect there is no perfect kayak out there, but for the $$, for fishing, it holds well with the competition. I have a Pro Angler 14. If I were to do it over, I would go for the 12 footer as I am not sure I use the extra length. But at this point in life, I am not interested in selling and buying; just in learning more about trolling. Just a thought, but you might write a letter or send a copy of your video to Hobie HQ. Good video.

[@catcheatrelease209]

Only had mine for 5 month but have taken it out so many times for atleast 6-10 hours every trip. The the extra gasket on the front hatch does help tremendously. I've taken it it into some extra choppy waters, into the wind and rain with minimal water intrusion. I have noticed that with the cooling weather the kayak rudder cords loosened. It does appear the kayak expands and contracts depending on the temperature. The rudder cords can be tightened in 5 minutes. 😂

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Yeah I think I've got the rudder cord taken care of, just need to get it out and test it to be sure. I love this Kayak too, such a joy to fish out of.

[@dereksmith7965]

Great review everybody like you stated before uses it three times and post a review everybody wants to hear the bad as well everything has bad in it thank you very much

[@myadventureoutdoors]

Good review Westy. I don't think this Outback is the flagship for Hobie. However, when they come out with the Outback 360, I think that will be the perfect kayak.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Yeah I'm thinking the 2021 Outbacks will get the 360. Thanks for watching sir!

[@myadventureoutdoors]

@@Outwestwithchris1 I think my first comment almost sounded like I didn't like the boat. I'm a long known Hobie fanboy. I really do like the boat and tried forever to get you to buy one, LOL.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

@@myadventureoutdoors you are the biggest Hobie groupie there is, I could only resist for so long, had to give in when I saw that boat. Lol.

[@helexable]

They wont make the outback 360 its to narrow of a boat it cant handle the crazy stuff you can do with the 360 without flipping.

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

yours is the second review i saw on this boat and the 2 biggest complaints is the front hatch leeks and the rudder seems to go out of adjustment. thanhs for video!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks for watching! Despite those two issues it's still a good boat.

[@danielgarcia7447]

nice vid... I also hv an 2019 outback and the only issue I've seen so far is the rudder...it would be VERY helpful if you could do a vid on how to adjust it...

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I broke a part so the video is coming a little slow.

[@glxbe]

Did you ever end up finding a solution to the rudder issue? Any thoughts on if one of the aluminum rudder upgrades would help or is it more the control line?

[@GCBassin]

Nice review Chris 👍. Any idea how much it is to fix the loose steering?

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Should be free, I just have to get it out on the water and make sure I did it correctly. Took about 5 mins (if I did it correctly).

[@daviddelgado323]

Nice review, my only observation is you need to get a good scrubbing and cleaning on that bad boy.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Yeah that scum line is pretty visible.

[@garrettareiss]

Did you adjust the rudder and did it work? I am looking into getting one of these so thanks for the honest review.

[@IronicHipsterBeard]

Great level-headed review, gets past the hype with plenty of food for thought!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback!

[@P17F0]

my 2019 came with a top hatch gasket installed.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Dang, lucky! Lol.

[@TheFishingMommy]

Mine did too!

[@tonysimms1062]

Hello Chris, how do you compare it to your old Feelfree 13.5. I asked because I just purchased my second Feelfree and this one is a the Lure 13.5 v and I thinks it's the best Kayak on the market. Good video.

[@tonysfishingadventures6725]

Hey Chris great video as always. I’m 5.10 & 200lb dude. Have been debating between outback and Revo 13. Can’t decide which one is better for me. I’m planning to take my kayak to saltwater and deal with big swells and waves but I’m also going to fish rivers and lakes. Any suggestions or recommendations will be greatly appreciated

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I haven't tried out a Revo before but know they are way faster than the Outbacks. I can say the Outback is a great way platform. Pedals well (paddles well too by the way), great cockpit design, comfortable seat, etc. Hope that helps!

[@gregfl2001]

@bluefin I'm 6' & 200lb and have a Revo 13 . I find it too tippy for my taste. I'm picking up an Outback next as they are more stable, but heavier and not as quick. The Revo is great, and super fast, but I want to feel more comfortable on the water and the narrower Revo almost dumped me a few times.

[@tonysfishingadventures6725]

gregfl2001 thank you very much for your feedback. Do you mind me asking how long have you owned the Revo 13? Also, could you also tell me were you taking it on fresh water or saltwater?

[@gregfl2001]

Bluefin My Revo was a 2015. I’ve used it both in saltwater and freshwater. Funny enough, all the times I’ve had it in saltwater happened to be on gnarly small craft advisory days and it did great. The hull really cuts through the water nicely.

[@tonysfishingadventures6725]

gregfl2001 I’m torn between getting Rev 13 or Outback. I know that the OB is a fishing machine, peddle well and you also can paddle it if you need to. Only problem with me is the weight. It’s like 15 lb heavier than the Revo 13 on the bone. And I’m planning to car top it as I don’t have a truck. Also I’m thinking to hang it on suspended rack on my garage. Not sure if I can do all that with the Outback. What do you think?

[@betavinasmokewolf9890]

Awesome review man!!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks brother!

[@billknepp1965]

3000... N tighten your rudder lines.. Had an outback n sold it.. Now I can't afford one.. N wish to god I could.. Soooo many great improvements.... Damn especially in the drive.... The instant I can afford one I'm on it....lol

[@mr.verducci1971]

New to your channel. Pretty much on spot with your review. I notice the same thing with my 19 Outback with the rudder. Let us know if you tighten it.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks! Welcome to the channel. I'm hoping to get the kayak wet and test out the fix on the water this weekend, I'll keep ya posted.

[@pernamore1978]

Is the "dump" video out yet?

[@jamesgbriley4471]

I had a native Titan! My biggest gripe was just like yours! that damn sloppy Rutter! It got loose I'd tighten it, and it would happen again and again! It would have been so nice to go strait whit out having to hold the Rutter all the time, when you're trolling or crossing the lake! When someone figures out how to get rid of that problem I'm back in a kayak no doubt! It's really a deal breaker for me!!!!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Yeah I thought I had it fixed but nope, still a bit of an issue when I was out yesterday.

[@liamgarvey33]

IMHO, I think Hobie have got the bow all wrong on the Outback. Far too much water comes in, in the slightest chop. A lot of folks use these Kayaks in lakes, so kinda get away with it, but I want to use my Kayak on inshore waters and I need a kayak that keeps me mostly dry when the wave action unexpectedly kicks up. I love the design of the rest of the boat, and I love the Mirage drive. However, I am stalling on getting the Outback because of the Bow issue, and starting to look closely at the Lurefish 13.5 V2. I would rather the Mirage drive over a Pedal drive, but I still get a hands free experience in the LF and its cheaper and its got a much better Bow design. I haven't made the final decision yet, I guess am looking for something to push me over the line for either Kayak. Hobie are doing well so I reckon they wont alter the hull design anytime soon because they will piss off everybody who got the leaky Bow design. They will wait for a few years to make that much needed improvement. Hobie charge a premium price for the unique drive technology, fair enough, but if only they had got the Bow right, it would make a big difference to their product. I want everything about the Hobie except the Bow design. I want better hatch lids/gaskets too. Gonna sit in a Feelfree Lurefish 13.5 soon and make my final decision. Hmmm what 2 do......

[@johntaylor2396]

I have 2019 I spent some in it on Gulf an Lakes around here this an awesome kayak no doubt, I have more accessories that I’ve added to this kayak because of the fishability. I would recommend it to anyone

[@Outwestwithchris1]

They are great kayaks. Thanks for watching!

[@stevengonzales9362]

Nice review!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Thanks for watching!

[@gs17youtube]

How do you like the suspenz stands? I’m looking for a good option to store it outside right side up.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

They are solid. I use them for all sorts of stuff around my garage. Great for working on or under the kayak.

[@slayerforprezy4664]

Could I store an Outback upright on these stands in the garage? I live in Texas and it’s hot as hell. The ceiling is 8’. If so what model do you have? Thanks.

[@ThermalDynamicSevices]

What made you switch from the lure?

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I still have the Lure, it's my go to kayak for swift current/Rocky rivers. I picked up the Hobie to extend my range and make windy days a little easier.

[@killintimeoutdoors]

My rudder has the same issue. Did you film how to fix it?

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I did but I'm not positive it worked. Gotta test it and then I'll make post a video. Give me 2-3 weeks.

[@killintimeoutdoors]

Thanks man! Love your videos! Hopefully what you did works.

[@gordon8971]

Dude really enjoyed your video, with your rod holders perhaps they could be extended with a bit of PVC pipe , keep the good work up

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Yeah that probably would work. Thanks!

[@bucstart]

Outstanding video Chris! I just picked up one of the babies a couple of weeks ago and really appreciate the "long-term" honest review you put together. Have you looked at any aftermarket rudder cabling to replace what Hobie delivers? Is there anything out there? Thanks Man --- Keep 'em coming!!!!

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I haven't looked into anything, I know a few other kayak brands have aftermarket cabling that people have come up with. I thought I had this fixed but I stripped a screw or something so now I might need to get several more parts. Ehhh...

[@zachduncan2829]

Hobie Outback or FeelFree 13.5...?

[@fuenstock]

I was sent a gasket for free. I did have to order it thru my dealer, but it was sent to me free.

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Nice, I'll have to give my dealer another call and see if I can get it.

[@muddyh2o2init44]

Sounded fair.

[@JFlo_Roll]

I don’t know whether to get an Outback or the titan 12. My biggest issue is I car-top it on an Explorer

[@Outwestwithchris1]

I haven't car topped either one so I'm not gonna be a ton of help. Ive seen quite a few videos of people car topping their Outbacks though, looks fairly easy.

[@tomterrific2018]

How tall are you ? I’m 6-3

[@YankeeTankerOutdoors]

it's a good review.. I do not like the fact that it is faster than my kayak lol

[@Outwestwithchris1]

And its all around just a better Kayak, lol.

[@LucasSnider86]

🤣

[@ronhendrick55]

Chris, I purchased my Hobie outback 2019 camo in the Spring of 2019. I would be interested in how you correct your rudder/steering problems. My steering line has loosened a bit but still good. Would one of those PVC rocket launcher rod-holders behind the seat solve your rod holder depth problem or even the Hobie rod holder extensions?

[@Outwestwithchris1]

Once I get the rudder thing sorted out I will definitely do a video! The rocket launcher rod holders thing would fix that but then they would also be sticking up quite a bit in an area that might bug me. It is a fix but my gripe about the depth of the molded rod holders is minor and something I am not too worried about. Thanks!!!

[@GreenMeanie101]

Personally I think they are over priced at $2999.00 worth taking a look at the RIOT MAKO 12.

[@bluedawg27cp61]

although I heard the new vibe shearwater 125 that is being released will also be good vibe builds some pretty solid kayaks with good stability I think the kayak itself is $1300 but you can put any brand of pedal drive in it even hobie mirage drives

[@billknepp1965]

No.. No they aren't... Especially now with all the upgrades... Most others at or over the 2 grand mark are way out of the outbacks league.....

[@ronstermonster1547]

GOOD JOB BRAH -----SOLD -------RONSTER

[@lilclm64]

Bro i just bought the 2020 and im so pissed off, the design of the rudder is stupid on my first outing my rudder is all scraped up from loading and unloading from the concrete launch spot. the block you use on the back falls off so easy its almost usless. Everything else i love but man that rudder design makes me angry i spend 3k on it.

[@kennyfnpowers707]

That’s not a design flaw, it is user error. I’ve had my 2020 for a month now and not a single scratch on my rudder. Try lifting or dragging your kayak from the back. You gotta be smarter than the kayak lol