09-08-2013, 03:41 PM
At 5'9 and 155 I would consider the Revolution 11.
Hobie brought that out last year, a mini version of the Revolution 13.
The Outback is super, super, stable and is probably the easiest boat to rig after the Pro but it is slow, even with turbo fins. You can still peddle along no problem but lots of drag. Lots of hull slap in the chop and it will blow around more, The bows on the Revos will cut through the chop rather than slap over it. They are way faster and are more than stable for someone your height and weight. I am 6'4" and 215 and the Revo is not quite as handy for the forward mount rod holder or fish finder as the Outback but the Outback is still the one I got rid of. They have redesigned the Revolutions, Quest, and Sports for 2014 to make mounting things easier. Those should be out in the next few weeks. Perhaps there has been some redesign on the Outback also. There are a couple short videos out there from the OR show last month.
The Revolution is also more fun to sail but I did tip it sailing where I never did the Outback. Sailing rudder, sail or not, is pretty slick as are the turbo fins.
There is a dealer in Burley Idaho that will let you take one down to the river to demo if that is anywhere close to you. They also sell "demo" boats. Perhaps you could score a deal there. There are also demos to be found at ACK and Ebay.
I also like to paddle, (put the mirage drive away, flip up the rudder and paddle) at times. The Outback is worthless for that. Well, not worthless but really not to great for that.
As far as the inflatable and fish hooks I see what you are saying but it is bomber construction. Although not a separate bladder like a pontoon boat I would compare it more to that than something else in regards to durability. Wouldn't give it a thought and just check after getting out didn't drop a lure in somewhere.
For most of the fishing I do the hooks would really have to be a major screw up on my part to pierce it, even my big Krocodiles, Rapallas, or Kamloopers.
I wouldn't recommend the inflatable as your first or main fishing rig unless you have storage or transportation issues but it is a good boat. We haul so many kayaks and paddleboards we needed an inflatable to be able to haul enough in one rig.
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Hobie brought that out last year, a mini version of the Revolution 13.
The Outback is super, super, stable and is probably the easiest boat to rig after the Pro but it is slow, even with turbo fins. You can still peddle along no problem but lots of drag. Lots of hull slap in the chop and it will blow around more, The bows on the Revos will cut through the chop rather than slap over it. They are way faster and are more than stable for someone your height and weight. I am 6'4" and 215 and the Revo is not quite as handy for the forward mount rod holder or fish finder as the Outback but the Outback is still the one I got rid of. They have redesigned the Revolutions, Quest, and Sports for 2014 to make mounting things easier. Those should be out in the next few weeks. Perhaps there has been some redesign on the Outback also. There are a couple short videos out there from the OR show last month.
The Revolution is also more fun to sail but I did tip it sailing where I never did the Outback. Sailing rudder, sail or not, is pretty slick as are the turbo fins.
There is a dealer in Burley Idaho that will let you take one down to the river to demo if that is anywhere close to you. They also sell "demo" boats. Perhaps you could score a deal there. There are also demos to be found at ACK and Ebay.
I also like to paddle, (put the mirage drive away, flip up the rudder and paddle) at times. The Outback is worthless for that. Well, not worthless but really not to great for that.
As far as the inflatable and fish hooks I see what you are saying but it is bomber construction. Although not a separate bladder like a pontoon boat I would compare it more to that than something else in regards to durability. Wouldn't give it a thought and just check after getting out didn't drop a lure in somewhere.
For most of the fishing I do the hooks would really have to be a major screw up on my part to pierce it, even my big Krocodiles, Rapallas, or Kamloopers.
I wouldn't recommend the inflatable as your first or main fishing rig unless you have storage or transportation issues but it is a good boat. We haul so many kayaks and paddleboards we needed an inflatable to be able to haul enough in one rig.
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