PRO vs OUTBACK - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

FISH11 · 05-18-2014, 10:53 AM

If the PA feels unstable if moving around the deck the Outback is going to be worse. There is a lot less deck area to need to access, so you shouldn't need to move around as much. The Outback is a lot lighter but all Hobies weigh a lot more than other brands in the same size catagory. You just have to decide if peddaling is better for you then Paddling. If you want to have an easier time with the hauling around weight than get an Outback or other brand (wide 31" to 33") for stability and simply add the outriggers that can be added to them to make them supper stable. There are aftermarket outrigger (small side pontoons) like Scotty and Hobie even has them. They are detachable, some use Scotty mounts, so when you don't want then on there isn't a thing to get in the way. The add ons sound more like what you need and hardly weigh anything and you could even add them to your PA. Hobie sells the add on as a Sidekick AMA kit.

tsugg · 05-18-2014, 03:36 PM

muchos grasseass!

CKallday71 · 05-18-2014, 03:52 PM

I love my Outback. Takes a licking and keeps on hauling my fat arse out! I've found it to be VERY stable although for some reason I feel like it lists to the right some times. Could be my ear problem though.

tsugg · 05-18-2014, 05:27 PM

I love it (PA)on the water, it's the haulin that can be a little difficult at times

inbx3 · 05-18-2014, 06:49 PM

I've had both and there are differences. OB sits lower and, if you have inflexible hips like me, after a while they can bug you. Monkey butt is another thing to think about. And storage/deck space is less. It is lighter and easier to tote around though, used to put it on top of my truck by myself. PA sits higher and in a more comfortable position and I think is easier on the knees. Side saddle is harder to do. No cup holder ($3000 kayak and nowhere to put your drink?) It is a heavier kayak but have yet to really move it. It's on a trailer so I don't load or unload it, just wash it and put it away. They are both very stable but with the higher seat position the PA feels less stable but I can still stand no problem. Overall I like both. Had the OB 1st and if I never had another 'yak I would've been cool with it. Have a PA 12 now and don't see ever getting another. Hope this helps. Can't go wrong with either one.
Side note; never tipped either of them so I don't know about getting back in on the water but after reading the earlier posts I need to do this one day. That may be something you want to think about.

StinkyMatt · 05-18-2014, 07:08 PM

You are not putting the outback on your back and hauling it to the launch...ever!

If you felt unstable on pa...don't go to on.

The seat on the PA is worth a million bucks.

Test an outback at a shop so you know for sure.

Rambo · 05-18-2014, 11:57 PM

If your looking to put an extra person on the kayak to fish with you, go with the PA14, with that 600 lbs capacity, you and your wife on the kayak wont feel like its weighing down the kayak when its on water the kayak still moves pretty fast. But yes its a tank to hull around if you planning to put it on your roof rack.

So at 61, I'd rather sit on a nice chair rather then having backache with restricted to movement and less ability to stand up and stretch. The PA gives you a piece of mind for stability, spending longer hours fishing on the water, and the room to carry your heart desired with fishing tackle.

Now for the Outback, A few of my buddies each have one and it's real easy to hull that thing around. Enough room for a few tackle with 4 rod holder already molded in. Your butt gets wet all the time, so never a dry ride. Each one of my buddies complain about back ache, and they range in age from 24 to 40yrs old. They all talk about upgrading to a PA.

Any hobie is a great investment, the price dont really depreciate too much so if your strap for cash, they sell quite quick.

05-18-2014, 10:53 AM	#1
FISH11 Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Pine Valley when not fishing La Jolla Posts: 2,643	If the PA feels unstable if moving around the deck the Outback is going to be worse. There is a lot less deck area to need to access, so you shouldn't need to move around as much. The Outback is a lot lighter but all Hobies weigh a lot more than other brands in the same size catagory. You just have to decide if peddaling is better for you then Paddling. If you want to have an easier time with the hauling around weight than get an Outback or other brand (wide 31" to 33") for stability and simply add the outriggers that can be added to them to make them supper stable. There are aftermarket outrigger (small side pontoons) like Scotty and Hobie even has them. They are detachable, some use Scotty mounts, so when you don't want then on there isn't a thing to get in the way. The add ons sound more like what you need and hardly weigh anything and you could even add them to your PA. Hobie sells the add on as a Sidekick AMA kit. __________________ MARK ......... 2016 MALIBU X FACTOR, 2020 SOLO SKIFF (Fishing Kayak on Steroids ) Last edited by FISH11; 05-18-2014 at 11:02 AM. Reason: added more info

05-18-2014, 03:52 PM	#3
CKallday71 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: The 951 Posts: 430	I love my Outback. Takes a licking and keeps on hauling my fat arse out! I've found it to be VERY stable although for some reason I feel like it lists to the right some times. Could be my ear problem though. __________________ I fish therefore I am. Selling cars since 2006. If you love what you do you never WORK a day in your life.

05-18-2014, 03:36 PM	#2
tsugg LOWSPARK Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: CARLSBAD Posts: 251	muchos grasseass!

05-18-2014, 05:27 PM	#4
tsugg LOWSPARK Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: CARLSBAD Posts: 251	I love it (PA)on the water, it's the haulin that can be a little difficult at times

05-18-2014, 06:49 PM	#5
inbx3 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: san diego Posts: 144	I've had both and there are differences. OB sits lower and, if you have inflexible hips like me, after a while they can bug you. Monkey butt is another thing to think about. And storage/deck space is less. It is lighter and easier to tote around though, used to put it on top of my truck by myself. PA sits higher and in a more comfortable position and I think is easier on the knees. Side saddle is harder to do. No cup holder ($3000 kayak and nowhere to put your drink?) It is a heavier kayak but have yet to really move it. It's on a trailer so I don't load or unload it, just wash it and put it away. They are both very stable but with the higher seat position the PA feels less stable but I can still stand no problem. Overall I like both. Had the OB 1st and if I never had another 'yak I would've been cool with it. Have a PA 12 now and don't see ever getting another. Hope this helps. Can't go wrong with either one. Side note; never tipped either of them so I don't know about getting back in on the water but after reading the earlier posts I need to do this one day. That may be something you want to think about.

05-18-2014, 07:08 PM	#6
StinkyMatt Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Under a bridge Posts: 2,169	You are not putting the outback on your back and hauling it to the launch...ever! If you felt unstable on pa...don't go to on. The seat on the PA is worth a million bucks. Test an outback at a shop so you know for sure.

05-18-2014, 11:57 PM	#7
Rambo Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: West Covina, CA Posts: 434	If your looking to put an extra person on the kayak to fish with you, go with the PA14, with that 600 lbs capacity, you and your wife on the kayak wont feel like its weighing down the kayak when its on water the kayak still moves pretty fast. But yes its a tank to hull around if you planning to put it on your roof rack. So at 61, I'd rather sit on a nice chair rather then having backache with restricted to movement and less ability to stand up and stretch. The PA gives you a piece of mind for stability, spending longer hours fishing on the water, and the room to carry your heart desired with fishing tackle. Now for the Outback, A few of my buddies each have one and it's real easy to hull that thing around. Enough room for a few tackle with 4 rod holder already molded in. Your butt gets wet all the time, so never a dry ride. Each one of my buddies complain about back ache, and they range in age from 24 to 40yrs old. They all talk about upgrading to a PA. Any hobie is a great investment, the price dont really depreciate too much so if your strap for cash, they sell quite quick.