Hobie kayak

The Hobie revoloution

first thing I noticed was how good the build quality was for a kayak that only weighed 58lb for just the hull.

All the seams looked flat and the seams in the scupper holes look very good with hardly any lip inside of them.
Then it was on to all the hatchers and storage areas. So lets start at the back of the kayak

rudder system on this kayak is very neatly engineered, the rudder itself is rubber which allows it too bend if you catch it on the sand or rocks, the rudder itself is operated by a handle on the left hand side of the kayak.

The other good thing about this rudder is when you lift the rudder out of the water it twists and lies flat on the back of the kayak so if you did turn over in surf there would be less chance of ripping it off or damaging it.

The rear storage well is quite large for the size of boat, in the storage well is two scupper holes with drainage veins running down to them also in the storage well is an 8 inch hatch, the hatch itself I have found that it was very easy to use with just a single twist handle that pulls the seal tight. The hatch itself is fitted with marine grade stainless steel screws. Also has bungee rope that is user friendly

I found that the rear rod holders were very easy to reach even when facing forward in the seat, these rod holders are molded into the kayak this limits any risk of leakage from fixings both rod holders on the rear have a rubber cap for when there is no rods being used

The high back paddle seat comes as standard with the hobie, I found the seat to be very comfortable, the seat itself can be adjusted by just pulling the seat off and relocating it in the forward or rear adjustment holes, and the nice thing about this seat is that it has a fanny pack as standard ideal for carrying small bits and bobs

Middle hatch
This is situated in the middle of your legs it is identical to the rear hatch I found that I can get a seven foot rod through the hatch into the hull even when sat in my seat, hobie also give a round tackle box that fits neatly in either of the round hatches

The revolution has two storage pockets molded into the gunnels of the kayak these pockets have a cargo net over them which would keep all you’re tackle or baiting in there even if you turned over I thought this was a clever idea by hobie

Again hobie have thought this one out very nicely they have molded two lugs on each side of the kayak that the paddle sits on then you just keep the paddle in place with a bungee and again hobie thought of everything they have sewn a nylon loop on the bungee this allows you to use the bungee with ease even when you’re hands are cold

The front hatch allows access to the hull, the hatch itself opens forward and is held too the kayak with two nylon strips and held down in place via two bungee you may think these will not be adequate but when you see the depth of the lip on the hatch and how good it fits all these bungee are there for is too hold it in place

This is a very unconventional way of propelling a kayak but having peddled it I am a convert too this system it gives far more speed for less effort for what it would be if you were paddling and this is also good as it leaves you’re hands free so you can still fish or even have a drink while you are on the move. The mirage drive can be taken off within seconds if you desired it also has adjustment on the pedals for the different length of legs that may peddle it

This hobie renovation has two side handles that are molded into the kayak and are situated in the centre of the weight distribution which makes it easier for lifting on and off cars , it also has two carry handles on the front and back of the kayak again the quality shows as the eyelets are stainless steel and not plastic.

So too sum up so far you may have guessed that I realy like this kayak, although the price of this kayak is rrp is £1320 you are getting a lot of kayak for you’re money.
I was also impressed with the welcome package that comes with each new kayak this contains a comprehensive DVD showing how to use your new kayak as well as a safety section as far as I’m aware this is the first kayak manufacturer to take safety seriously enough to point out that there is a very important issue which must be considered before you get any kayak on the water.

When considering the Hobie revolution it should be noted you get a complete package which includes trolley, dry bag, and paddle as well as the fittings which come as standard with the kayaks hatches / seat and drive unit all this comes with a owner’s package

review by hatter3

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