Hobie Revolution versus the Outback impressions

[pchen911]

Hey Josh,

Excellent point on the subjective nature of taking a measure of relative speed and especially effort output. I thought about that when I was trying to get an impression of the speeds on the two boats, but you are right. There is definitely too many variables in play to get a really scientific measurement going. Especially when taking two different boats with different setups out on different days.

So instead of using my own speed measurements, I tried looking up Hobies site to see if I can find some sort of a statement regarding what speeds each of their boat averages at.

The closest I found was this: http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewtopic.php?t=7704

(quoted with reference to the original post)

With access to the local dealer's fleet, here are some 1 hour cruise distances for different models (using Turbofins):

Adventure -- 5.3 to 5.4 miles

Revolution -- 5.0 to 5.1 miles

Outback ('07 hull) -- 4.8 miles +/-

(Note: these differences would grow with heavier wind and chop).

From what I can gather, the person that took these measurement is somewhat of an authority on the Hobie boards. Of course, like you said, this is not taking ocean conditions into consideration. In conditions with winds/chop/current, the relative difference can grow as the post mentioned.

Not exactly hard science, but the best data available so far.

I am limited by the amount of time I have when I go out at La Jolla, so I typically go between 7 to 8 miles on an average day out whether I am paddling or peddling. And I go slooowwww once I get past the reserve and start trolling, so I rarely push the envelope of distance or stamina on either the paddle or pedal boats.

In this type of fishing, I completely agree with you. The Outback is way more than sufficient for the typical fishing done at La Jolla and then some.

Perhaps this is why I got alittle disappointed with the switch from Outback to the Revolution. I switched for the reason of wanting an improved paddling, tracking, and glide for sake of paddle launching and landings. When in reality, the Revo excels at long distance / long range (time) treks.

I'll admit.. I never thought of doing the inshore/offshore treks myself .... not why I went to the Revo... For those that do, I look upon them with awe and respect. But not something I ever though of doing myself.... Like seeing someone run a marathon... "Wow, I am impressed but no thanks!!" I am one of those "plain lazy" types. (I'll do my long distance trips on my Cal 25 instead!).

By the way, since you are somewhat of the expert on the Revolution here. What launching and landing methods do you use yourself for surf? If not for the awkward launching and landings of the Hobies, I would certainly enjoy them alot more.