Hobie Itrek9 Four Month Review -- Inflatable, SUP, Itrek 9

[@OranJuno]

Solid video. I liked the subtle humor of releasing fish as a backdrop to your observations about the boat

[@johnrugani2382]

This is probably the most in-depth, informative and entertaining video you can find on KZbin.

[@fishhunter1566]

This is probably the most over-stated comment you can find on KZbin ;p But, thank you!

[@franckb1044]

Congratulations from France.

[@giomartinez2454]

Holy hell!! That ned rig fisherman line was freaking gold!!! Cheer from San Antonio, Texas!!! 🍻

[@fishhunter1566]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHmmaouPq6uJY8U

[@scubajeeper1]

I really enjoyed watching this video, I own a Hobie Outback and while I am intrigued by the inflatables for their portability and weight, I can’t give up the storage and other features that the molded kayaks have.

[@fishhunter1566]

yes. one thing i notice is it's very prone to have stuff simply fall off the side as well. Having said that, i prefer to have as little stuff on my boat as i can get away with, so this is a good fit for me

[@NealArmstrong-t1t]

Great video, thank you! Would you buy it again if you had to? or would you get something else?

[@fishhunter1566]

I'd totally buy this again. Absolutely.

[@brandonhewitt8875]

I loved the review and your comments about ned rig fisherman, haha. New subscriber here!

[@siobanny]

Super helpful! Really enjoyed the low-key humor as well!

[@raymondscott906]

the hook snagging on the rudder line cover can be overcome by uncoupling the rudder. slipping some heat shrink tube or similar and refastening the rudder. easy fix. nice to see you giving an honest view about the faults. im hoping to buy one soon I already have a i14t and a sevylor Hudson that ive replaces the floor on with a advanced elements drop stitch one

[@fishhunter1566]

oh it can totally be fixed. i'd like to not have to...

[@raymondscott906]

The transport bag. Is there room to put it on the kayak when afloat as I travel by public transport when I go. I start at one place and I could finish 10 or more miles away so everything needs to be taken. The i14t one rolls up and fits on the bow. I need something like this so I can go myself. The 14 needs two people to transport it although on the water a child could handle it. Thanks

[@fishhunter1566]

@@raymondscott906 i believe the transport bag could fit on the back of the boat. It would be bulky and probably a little cumbersome for my liking, but i think it is possible/doable. This is definitely a boat that can be handled by one person.

[@juansalinas5714]

Best kayak review ever.

[@fishhunter1566]

ha.

[@averageeverydayfishermansh4501]

Best review I have seen yet. I do get the feeling you don't like to fish a ned rig though. LOL!!!! Thanks for the review. Nice fish too.

[@fishhunter1566]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHmmaouPq6uJY8U

[@blusteve813]

Great review. Thanks very much. On the hunt for an inflatable kayak for fly fishing and this was very helpful.

[@fishhunter1566]

i would think this platform would work well for that purpose

[@garrettwalker3285]

Hilarious and informative, thanks. Just bought an iTrek 11, hoping it holds up well.

[@fishhunter1566]

should be sweet!

[@DanielMuvdi]

I wen eith the Hobie Lynx and I have no complaints is awesome!

[@fishhunter1566]

i might prefer the hard shell, but its ~ 50% heavier and ~ 20% longer. Also, i wasn't planning on this, but it is sort of handy being able to deflate and fly with it. Taken it on a plane twice this winter.

[@georgekvaas7253]

Hobie has a plastic hook and bungee. The hook fits the vertical square post of the peddle. When attached ir post it will keep peddles fully extended and the fins flush to the bottom of the boat. The bungee end attached to a D-ring.

[@fishhunter1566]

yes. I fashioned something like this myself. Having said that, it is now (compared to when I made this video) possible to buy a 180 kickup spine...I bought one and retrofitted y old fins and now i got the bungee and the kickup + 180!

[@ADKMuskyFoolonFly63]

Nice video, thanks for taking the time to make it. Why did you change out the seat to the AG seat? Is AG seat higher? Is it more comfortable than the hobie seat? Look forward to hearing from you

[@damnjustassignmeone]

Great review. Appreciate it. Thinking of this or the iTrek 11. This was helpful.

[@fishhunter1566]

No problem!

[@ledraps22]

i will fish ned rigs, only when they are eating it off the bottom as soon as it lands, can confirm I just piss in the boat i dont bother standing. Really cool seeing more SUP in the fishing scene. I heard of someone fishing the upper/west branch Delaware river with one. Really useful for the fly anglers I think. I wait to see the day someone mounts a trolling motor on one of these lol.

[@expomm]

This is the most complete review I found on YT, thank you! I plan to get the Vibe Inflatable 100 pedal kayak with impulse drive with reverse. Hobie is nice but the fins system is a deal breaker for me

[@TheGotmilktogo]

Steering while not moving in relationship with water is not possible with rudder. (But you know that.) Not having a skag or keel without a rudder and moving in relation to water that surfboard will want to turn sideways to line of travel. I would suggest making a replacement rudder out of thin plywood the same size paint it and cut 1” off depth till it give you enough rudder control and can be left down as skag. As far as keeping boat deck clean good quality floor wax or car wax should make it easier to clean but slipperyer when wet your choice. Thanks for video review very well done.👍🏻👍🏻

[@SteegeFish]

I’m not sure if anyone said this yet but you don’t need those zip ties. It’s designed to do that. If they completely break that’s a warranty issue

[@fishhunter1566]

mine came off and were hanging by the posterior pin. This seems to be working. Pretty sure, with the way i drag this around, another pair would do the same thing...

[@SteegeFish]

@@fishhunter1566 what ever works! I’ve seen crazier things. Lol I had a guy bring his into the shop and he had the entire fin wrapped in gorilla tape. Pretty solid 😂

[@kevinlawrence8588]

The comment about the rudder not turning the boat as well at low speeds cracked me up - as an ex merchant mariner lemm just say you have to have pressure on the rudder for it to work - the faster you are going the more rudder pressure , the better you will steer - and the inverse is true , slower speed , less rudder pressure , sloppier handling . Maybe have a pole of use the paddle to stay off the branches ect ? A collapsible gaff might be a good gear addition for you

[@fishhunter1566]

no. sure. that the nature of the beast. I know that. it's just frustrating. I can totally deal with it with a paddle. I am a minimalist though...id really prefer to have just one means of propelling myself.

[@ArbyCreations]

Mate I had never heard of a Ned rig before, I fish saltwater estuaries I think Im going to give that a go, I recon it could would quite well :)

[@pdoggmd9747]

Great video and great review! If you had to do it again… now, what would you get? (For instance is there a 180 pedal drive for a different version inflatable? Like i11 inflatable? Or can you get this one with a 180 drive now… 2022?). Also,in the comments someone mentioned adding or using a Bixby - and while you were confident the Hobie 9 had the sturdiness to do that, it seems that would only be practical in deep water. Or maybe at the rudder with a kick-up when runs into rocks? And require paddle for shallow stuff? … (Places I’d use it has a lot of shallow areas-watching your video and the “flutter kick” bit, perhaps nothing could replace a pedal drive in those areas?

[@fishhunter1566]

RE: boat, after 16 mo of steady hard use, I'd def get this boat again. RE: drive, id buy a new180 kickup fin spine. When i originally converted, neither kick up fin booms nor the kickup fin spine were available after market. Now you can get either. I recently installed the kickup booms on my 180 spine and ive been pretty happy with em.

[@fishhunter1566]

Yes, i do believe the bixpy might hang too low. I have also looked at the texas power paddle rudder system (or making something like it) and this may be a good choice for shallow water. I do not think standard prop style pedal drive would not be able to get as shallow as mirage drive. ive been toying with the the idea of making a jet drive... i may get/make a housing and impeller (to place in mirage drive slot) and test the concept with a drill as the motor as a lower cost attempt to evaluate the concept. A big concern though, is battery duration and weight...i really don't really like the idea of the extra stuff/complexity and am afraid i wouldnt be able to get sufficient power for trips of the duration i generally take

[@pinoykayaker]

Why don't you build a pvc cage around the sides of the sup for added protection? Not permanent and lightweight too.

[@manfredstrappen7491]

Nice review. As for the “need to be moving to turn” complaint? Welcome to boats. That’s just physics. Until they install bow thrusters on small watercraft your only fix is small motor/autopilot system.

[@fishhunter1566]

Thanks. i understand this about boats ;p it is mainly a comment relevant for those coming from a paddle kayak to a drive kayak with rudder.

[@ChrisBrown-sj2cp]

Have you tried a Magic Eraser for cleaning?

[@fishhunter1566]

ill try that random internet person

[@joeparker8478]

Do you know the seat width and heights (both positions) for the Aquaglide seat? Their website shows it out of stock and has no spec sheet available> Thanks!

[@ronin550]

Getting Mine Monday!

[@fishhunter1566]

enjoy!

[@theoutdoordad7395]

great video, wish it came with the 180 drive!

[@fishhunter1566]

agreed. i was able to make one from the one it came with, but it was costly

[@ChrisMiller-bk5ro]

How much taller is aquaglide chair and the Hobie it came with? Noticeably different is what I’m asking?

[@fishhunter1566]

3-4 inches. Yes. I quit using it however -- i try to stand whenever possible, so it doesn't really make a big difference how tall the chair is.

[@myadventureoutdoors]

I’m really interested in the Hobie’s. I currently own an Outback. I live on an island and my one hesitations is oyster beds. As a river fisherman, you also have challenges of puncture. Obviously your yak survived a crash by a vegan ned fisherman. Nothing could be much worse. Just how careful would a non ned, meat eating fisherman need to be to guard against holes in the bottom?

[@fishhunter1566]

ive used this hard for > year. Its pretty durable. It gets tiny pin hole punctures periodically. It has never has caused me to have to get out of the water. They patch easily. Its been dependable enough that I don't really ever worry about it being inflatable and it hasn't kept me form doing anything i want with it.

[@myadventureoutdoors]

@@fishhunter1566 Thanks man. As much as I like them from watching vids like yours I might need to take a hard look at the Lynx. The oyster beds are like a pile of razors around here. Just looking to drop weight. I'm not hardcore as I once was.

[@WyomingUpland]

great clip! I swear you mentioned that you altered the 180 drive to add "reverse". how did you do that?

[@fishhunter1566]

it came with a standard drive. I bought a 180 spine and replaced the stock spine.

[@gervincutler3965]

Great review. I’ve had my iTrek 9 for almost two years now and love it. Especially since I converted my drive to the 180 drive WITH kick up fins. You just need two more parts to make that happen. You need the kick up booms that allow the fins to kick up. Do you have the version 1 (older) or version two spine?

[@fishhunter1566]

hmm. i got the first one in my area and had got my name on the list very early, still only got it in first week of august of 2021? i couldn't find a 180 spine with kick up fins when i was looking. i could have bought a new drive, then but too expensive and i would have had to wait awhile...

[@fishhunter1566]

you inspired me to look into this again. it does look like i just need the kickup booms. Im not sure why this was an obstacle when i was first working on this. Anyway, Ordered. Thanks for the info!

[@TC-yx1qt]

What two parts do you need and what's the cost?

[@CRAPPIE168]

I still have a i11s hobie inflatable with 3 chambers and seems your hobie has only one chamber that I am worry to get this model. 3 chambers if one or two leaks you still have a chance to get back to shore but one chamber make me worry. How do you feel?

[@fishhunter1566]

ive had a few punctures -- i use it in a way it was never intended. always pin holes. never any issues making it back to shore. usually just keep fishing and feeling the deck pressure regularly

[@franckb1044]

Congratulations for this review. How did you attach the stering handle to the new seat.

[@fishhunter1566]

i pretty much just bolted the handle mount on to the new seat...

[@franckb1044]

@@fishhunter1566 Thank you

[@franckb1044]

I bought the itrek, this kayak is awesome.

[@gregoryrappaport9180]

Great review! What made you get the new seat?

[@fishhunter1566]

taller

[@chuckmeyer9723]

You mentioned a different seat? Your opinion on the factory seat versus the upgrade. Plug and play? Sit lower? Or higher? Lighter?

[@fishhunter1566]

The aftermarket seat fits right in place of the other more or less. It (aftermarket seat) is several inches taller. It's aluminum, like the original, but possibly slightly heavier. I like it for sitting higher up/better perspective -- the platform is plenty stable for it. The original seat is designed to be light and fold up to fit in the bag for transport. It is very good at filling that role, but compromises had to be made elsewhere to achieve that goal.

[@pintofmiller]

Is that new chair a big improvement ?

[@fishhunter1566]

no...not really. I am always trying to stand up whenever i can/do sit down very much

[@scottmcfaden9266]

Thanks for the video! Question, is the seat adjustable forward or backwards? Been looking at this for one of my kids, but he’s only 10 and not sure if he’d be able to reach the pedals.

[@fishhunter1566]

i suspect you could fashion something to move it forward, but it is not set up for that. Having said that, the pedals adjust and can be positioned closer to the seat.

[@OranJuno]

You said you had two punctures since you owned it. Have you thought of any kind of material you could spray on or otherwise apply to the surface of the hull to better protect it? Maybe help against UV damage and reduce dirt absorbing into the decking too?

[@fishhunter1566]

i believe there to be PVC inflatable cleaner/protectant. It may help with cleaning the dimples from the drop stitching? Not sure it would help much with the foam. Could help with UV protection if it actually does what it reportedly does. Not sure how much it would help with punctures.

[@OranJuno]

@@fishhunter1566 Sounds crazy, but what about truck bed spray-on liner? If you're okay with not deflating and also messing up the color, that stuff is supposed to protect from UV and physical damage. Would that work?

[@fishhunter1566]

@@OranJuno I believe there are several paints/coats that are available for inflatable boats. I have always viewed them as means to restore an old(er) inflatable. Perhaps they would work well as a means to prevent future damage as well? RE: spay-on bedliner, its sounds intriguing, but I think that's something I would want to see someone else do first.

[@1221Ralph]

@@OranJuno don't overthink it. Patch as you go. I've had my i11s for about 2 years now. Only punctures I've gotten have been from bass smacking the side bladder. I've brushed up against trees and so far so good.

[@Riley880]

Do you think it could handle the torque of a bixpy in the peddle drive spot?

[@fishhunter1566]

i totally do. ive thought about doing this (bixpy) with a long shaft to allow for control while standing... would increase draft though i believe...

[@perryjohnson1701]

What do you prefer to fish over Ned rigs?

[@fishhunter1566]

if there is any chance the fish will take a bait where both the fish and I are more actively involved in the process i take it...

[@gervincutler3965]

Thanks for this! Ive had mine for about 2 months. I'd love to adapt it to a 360 drive. I have problems with the rudder kick-up pull. no matter how fast or hard I pull up on the rope the rudder doesn't kick up. It seems to be affected by the "H" crate that causes the rope to bend at the corner of the crate when you pull it up. Do you have that problem with your's. Or do you use the "H" crate from Hobie?

[@fishhunter1566]

i dont have an h-crate. Having said that, while I can generally get my rudder deployed and retracted, i wouldn't say its easy...

[@Nicole-ct4ro]

I have issues getting my rudder to pullup. Doesnt work half the time, and I have a lynx along with itrek- i thinks its just not the best design lol

[@scubajeeper1]

I believe you mean a 180 drive, the 360 can’t be adapted to any kayak because the gear that spins it around is made into the hull.

[@fishsyaffairs3474]

Hi Bro , this the 2 puncture hole you mention , isit cause by the fishing hooks ?

[@fishhunter1566]

Neither were. One, on the top surface, was caused by a reckless path through a hawthorne bush. I'm not sure re: the other, on the bottom back left, but seems unlikely to be related to a hook given location.

[@MultiGunner65]

I have the lynx and absolutely love it. Would be nice if Hobie would offer the inflatable hull only for times when I need the portability of an inflatable. Great review by the way! I fish the same type of waters as you and for the same type of fish.

[@fishhunter1566]

nice. Im envious of the durability of the lynx (compared to inflatable) but it is notably heavier and longer than needed for what i do. I had no intention of traveling with the itrek when i bought it, but i have now flown with it 4 times...i do find that to be quit valuable now that ive had it for awhile.

[@MultiGunner65]

@@fishhunter1566 well the Lynx has its durability issues as well. The skin is very thin and some are experiencing damage that needs repaired. No perfect boat!

[@caroad2008]

Did you check it in it’s own case? Any extra protection necessary? I had mine for 2 months , rudder is still the problem. My foam pad also got nicked very easily. I love it so far.

[@fishhunter1566]

@@caroad2008 i did check it in the case it came in

[@johnrugani2382]

@@MultiGunner65 I agree and have first hand experience, the lynx hull is questionable at best.

[@1221Ralph]

I'm not sure if I missed it but why did you replace the stock seat? Was it due to the stock seat being lower?

[@fishhunter1566]

the new seat is 4-5" higher

[@1221Ralph]

@@fishhunter1566 gotcha. That's what I figured. I have a 2019 i11s. Hate the seat attachment system we have.

[@DDeTo-vd8hl]

When you stand up paddleboard, do you take out the pedals and put the black piece in place?

[@fishhunter1566]

i do not. I have now installed kick up fins and also will push the pedal so the fins are in upright and flat position.

[@raychoi4994]

How did you get the punctures? I placed an order for i trek 9. I may switch to i trek 11 mainly because of additional chambers. Having a leak on a single chamber inflatable worry me a little bit

[@fishhunter1566]

the one on top was from recklessly dragging it through a hawthorne bush underneath a bridge. the one on the bottom - no idea. was a pin hole. took me ~ 1 mo to find it. in both cases i was able to fish a whole day without a problem.

[@raychoi4994]

@@fishhunter1566 Thanks

[@1221Ralph]

@@raychoi4994 I got two pinhole leaks from bass smacking the side of my i11s. Keep in mind, the itrek PVC material is actually weaker than the i11s but holds more pressure.

[@weisswurstfruhstuck8523]

Why you choose another chair ?

[@fishhunter1566]

taller

[@weisswurstfruhstuck8523]

@@fishhunter1566 simple answer which makes a looooot of sense actually 😂👍🏻🙏🏻

[@TomyTekOutdoors]

This was a great review. I'm planning to get one some soon. Those were some nice smallies throughout the video. You must really love ned rig fishing 😜

[@ReelCoast79]

Ned rig is a fish slaying lure. Especially Z Man TRD!!

[@TomyTekOutdoors]

@@ReelCoast79 I agree. He talks about it in his video. I just bought one of these. I just need time to use it.

[@cawfeecatt1553]

How did you get a 360 drive?

[@fishhunter1566]

its a 180. i bought a 180 spine and converted the stock drive.

[@georgetollefsen994]

Great video! I’m sorry to say I’m a Ned Rig fisherman. Lol. Great information though

[@fishhunter1566]

oh you'd love this then -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHmmaouPq6uJY8U

[@luckypaco1148]

Hey! I'm a female, vegan net fisher woman, and I challenge you to arm wreslin match!

[@fishhunter1566]

🤣

[@theoutdoordad7395]

Great video review! Btw haircuts are for women and ned rig fisherman!

[@fishhunter1566]

;p

[@pdoggmd9747]

Funny 😀!

[@anglerron]

Why do you need a reverse 180 mirage drive? Just pull up drive, and insert back in reverse direction. Whola, going in reverse in a few seconds. Seems almost as fast as pulling and tugging on the reverse loops, but much cheaper. Ha ha ha.

[@fishhunter1566]

moving water.

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

5:08 Hope you didn't get stabbed with the scissors! Crazy idea to get a haircut while driving :-O

[@fishhunter1566]

was using clippers ;p

[@ToFightTheGoodFight]

You can pee off the kayak😱I subscribe bro🇦🇺😆🤣🤣🤣

[@MrBassTV]

Very good video even though you are totally wrong about Ned Rig Fishermen as they are the coolest and most interesting of all types of anglers.

[@fishhunter1566]

"interesting" ;p

[@pdoggmd9747]

😏

[@fishhunter1566]

@@pdoggmd9747 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHmmaouPq6uJY8U

[@1221Ralph]

Good review. Oh btw, please stop placing the bass on your jeans. It's not good for their slime coat, which protects against bacteria

[@averageeverydayfishermansh4501]

Found the ned rig fisherman. LOL! Just kidding, don't get upset. I just couldn't resist. 🤣

[@1221Ralph]

@@averageeverydayfishermansh4501 hmm I don't get the joke though?

[@averageeverydayfishermansh4501]

@@1221Ralph He makes a few jokes about Ned rig fishermen in his video amd them getting offended.

[@1221Ralph]

@@averageeverydayfishermansh4501 oh I see. I didn't know. This is the only video I've seen from this channel.

[@necrom21221]

I am a ned rig fisherman.

[@fishhunter1566]

;p

[@Jointroller89]

You’re sad

[@TC-yx1qt]

Where do you keep your extra lures?

[@fishhunter1566]

i keep a small box of lures in the back of the seat and take three rods -- each with lures already on them.