I tried a Hobie Outback and Wow! - Don't tell my NOVA, she'll be devastated!

Today I had the privilege of being invited by The Watershed to demo some Hobie kayaks. Dan was super cool and took me through the awesome features of the Outback and Compass models.
If you looking to purchase a kayak you definitely need to check out the Hobie kayak range. Get in touch with Dan at www.hobie.com/dealers/AU39/.
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/ madsaffer
/ madsaffernz
Thanks for watching!

[@joanburbank3667]

I just bought a compass in December. I love it. My dealer really didn’t explain anything so these videos are invaluable. It’s a joy to be wandering about on the water , it’s such fun!

[@MadSaffer]

Hi Joan, glad you found the video helpful :-)

[@gazellefreestyle3711]

Didn't even test one just went and bought one last Saturday, it is amazing!

[@deancampbell1414]

Hey mate. I have a 2021 outback. Got it in December. I cannot get enough of the yak. It is absolutely brilliant. Highly recommend for fishing rivers and offshore. Do yourself a favour go get one. You won't regret it. Happy yaking

[@MadSaffer]

Hey Dean, that's awesome mate...I'm a lil jealous. It's on my wish list for 2022....let's see how things work out ;-)

[@peterhavord5984]

In mid 2003, when I was living in Brisbane, I bought the first model Outback a few months after it came onto the market in Australia. It had a gel seat and basic Mirage drive and was pretty much like the Compass is today. About 90% of the fishing I did was trolling small lures in sheltered waters including estuaries, lakes, dams, rivers and the extensive network of man made Gold Coast canals south of Brisbane. I caught lots of fish. My fishing trips usually lasted 7 or 8 hours with 2 or 3 breaks to eat, drink and relax. I usually took a newspaper or a fishing magazine with me because it's easy to troll and read at the same time. What really surprised me at the end of each day was I had no leg muscle soreness nor a numb bum. At the end of 2005 I got an offer to work in London so I gave my Outback to some friends. I'm now back in Australia and retired and plan to buy a new Outback to get back to the joys of a kayak fishing lifestyle.

[@MadSaffer]

Hi Peter. Very much the same with me, I usually always spend around 6 to 8 hours out on the water and never suffered from a numb ass or dead legs. The stadium seats are pretty comfy and it helps to sit higher unlike other kayak brands. Also, not sitting in water for hours is a huge plus.

[@EthanLau]

I’ve had a NOVA for 3 years now and used it for deep sea open ocean fishing here in Hawai’i. Not gonna like it held up decently but the peddles always failed with current and waves, they even broke on me in the open ocean so I had to paddle 2 miles back to shore. This kayak is great for lake fishing but not for deep sea. I found a manufacturer that makes an upgraded wire for the drive so it worked well deep sea ever since. Going to miss this kayak since I’ve bought a Hobie revo this week. I agree the there’s nothing wrong with the NOVA, you can’t beat what u get for the price. But, I’m at the stage in my fishing where I need a hobie.

[@michealfriedman7084]

Thanks for the review. I plan on buying one for a trip to the inner passage of Southeast Alaska.

[@MadSaffer]

Hey Mike, glad you enjoyed it. Sounds like an epic trip!

[@youngmasterchief8731]

Awesome bro I have always wanted it to try kayak fishing awesome review love it

[@OH-Dave-62]

Well done. Thanks

[@dougbeale4847]

Nice review!

[@MadSaffer]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@rainbosprinkles6548]

The compass is a wonderful shallow water fishing platform. The 12.0 passport is a great fishing platform too. Both need to have the rectangular hatch and either map pockets or burley pro side bros, then they are fantastic and light weight. I ended up going with the passport 12.0 and added a rectangular hatch (same as the outback), round hatch up front, the new large rudder with deployment, fish finder, map pockets, marine mat, and an h-crate. Its a great platform.

[@MadSaffer]

Hey Rainbo, that sounds amazing! I'd love to see some pics or a video of your kayak.

[@chuckmatses6803]

Never mind this one. Wait until you try the Passport 10.5, the Hobie sleeper.

[@armansoriano980]

Mad saffer It’s beautiful there in NEW ZEALAND 😊 Well I think hobie kayaks are the No.1 thru the record . I viewed those 2 kayaks few months ago in a shop here in England and they’re solid beautiful , but it cost a lot of money . And Bad guys might steal it when you have them lol 😂 I will wait for my Nova first to be deliver 2nd week December .

[@MadSaffer]

Lol! Good point. I do agree, Hobie kayaks are awesome but don't under estimate the Nova just yet....she'll surprise you :-)

[@the_forgotten_angler]

Nice review, so many out there to choose from, if I can find one, I'm in. The price has gone through the roof!

[@MadSaffer]

Price is high but worth it, it's a great kayak. So many options these days depending on what you after. I see a lot of guys mounting small outboard motors to their kayaks as well allowing them to fish out further without the hassle of paddling back for hours.

[@the_forgotten_angler]

@@MadSaffer I'll be predominantly inshore fishing the Panhandle of Florida....maybe some offshore on proper days.

[@MadSaffer]

I reckon the outback will handle both inshore and offshore just fine. I've been in some dodgy conditions with my NOVA and she's been pretty stable.

[@anthonyvespia6662]

I do love the Hobie PA-12 or 14. But best boat out there, that oldtown is 120 Autopilot with Minnkota spot lock. All pre wired plug and play. Hobie Has alot of competitive kayaks against them now. I have a Hoodoo impulse 120, fin drive, hand rudder, with all my add-ons. And the best add--on my NK-180 Electric motor. Limetruse yellow with black and sea-deck padding. And I can walk all over her, while out on the water. Good luck 🙏 😎 🎣

[@MadSaffer]

The Hoodoo impulse 120 is a mint kayak, must be a blast with the motor.

[@anthonyvespia6662]

@@MadSaffer It's awsome. Just a light NK-180, Torqueedo, or Bixby, moves it atleast, 4 mph. Plenty of speed on tge kayaks designed today. For cruising to your spots, and then having a fin drive, or pdl drive, perfect hands free. 🙏 🎣 😎

[@Robonza]

I bought the Compass after I watched your video. I got the Compass because it is a lot lighter for lifting etc. I added rod holders and a hatch storage container, transducer bolts easily underneath. I love it. Upgraded to turbo fins so I have everything an Outback has but a lot less weight.

[@MadSaffer]

Awesome bud, it's a great kayak. Getting the turbo fins was a great idea, they make a huge difference.

[@alixfaleme6888]

Hello @Robonza, do you have a picture of your upgrade plz ? Best regards

[@Robonza]

@@alixfaleme6888 If you check out "flying fish tv rocket launcher" on YT. Mine is similar. I may do a video one day

[@Blazer-un6xh]

I have the Nova (here in Australia it's the Bay Sports 3.4m) but it has a new Hobie Mirage pedal with turbo fins installed when I bought it second hand. Goes like a rocket. Especially for $900 aud for the whole thing

[@MadSaffer]

Cheers mate, I'll check it out.

[@tonyg3091]

Yep. Not too shabby this yak :):)

[@MadSaffer]

Not too shabby at all ;-)

[@jamesjannell8706]

Great review guys. What are thoughts on the 22 ,colors. In particular the ivory dune ??

[@MadSaffer]

Hi James. I reckon it's good to have options Me personally, I'd go fit for purpose. If I'm using mainly for ocean fishing then definitely a bright color easily visible when out far.

[@jamesjannell8706]

@@MadSaffer that makes perfectly good sense. As always thanks so much for all you do and advice. Cheers

[@simo11355]

Am I the only one who went backwards lol? Bought an outback in late 2000, sold it, got a nova and have been happy with it ever since. It has been trouble free since now (1.5 year).

[@MadSaffer]

Awesome Simo! For the price the NOVA is a beaut. The pedals can be a little dodgy if not maintained. Checkout my video on tips to make them last longer.

[@simo11355]

@@MadSaffer Always flushed with fresh water after saltwater fishing and a spray of Wd40 does wonders lol. And btw, I can confirm, the 180 does fit, don't tell anyone 😁 Cheers mate

[@6foot8jesuspilledpureblood82]

They look great but I think I'll go with a Chinese rig with an outboard added if that's even possible in NZ. Not sure of any of the chinese ones can take a motor

[@MadSaffer]

Hey Dean. Rigging an outboard is on my list of to-do's as soon as we recover from the COVID lockdowns. I reckon my NOVA will handle a little 1.5HP 4 stroke well. Will make a trip out to Motuora way more feasible :-)

[@aboveaveragebayleaf9216]

Man, these look nice, but yeah that is a steep price. I don't think it's in my budget.

[@MadSaffer]

Feel you brother!

[@pernamore4224]

Did you ever get one sir?

[@MadSaffer]

Hey Pern. Nope, still smashing it with my NOVA. I'd love to own a Hobie but the price tag is a little high for me at this stage.

[@pernamore4224]

@@MadSafferit's okay brother, you'll get yours when the time comes. Tight lines!

[@michaelknapp3702]

Hobie appears strong on comfort and design, but woefully inadequate on drive workmanship, durability, and reliability. WAKE UP HOBIE!

[@Demop_VW_garage]

polish finish isn't as good as matt on the hull surface, surfboard tech has proven this ;)

[@MadSaffer]

Hi Demop, good note although, I don't reckon I'd be dropping in on any set faces with the Outback ;-)