Advice on which kayak to buy...

[SteveHman]

Originally Posted by SteveHman

The Hobie Adventure has a 350# rated capacity, it may not be my first choice for a dive platform. I plan on using my Outback for diving this spring and summer and have no doubt that it can hold all of my gear and and fish that end up on the pointy end of my spear .

What ever platform you choose, make sure you have no problem getting yourself back into the boat after your dive. Outback is very wide and stable but it can still be tricky getting back in (inflate your bc and take it off first).

Jim,
I agree (as posted above). I love fishing in the Outback but it would not be my 1st choice for diving. The back is not laid out to hold dive gear very well. There is a recessed area for tank stowage, but it is little more than a slight dip on the back deck. And you're absolutely right about self rescue (or dive recovery), the Hobie can be a pain to get back into--it's all about upper body strength and balance with that yak. If you're tired after a dive (or battling a fish) and your arms--and technique--are a bit weak, good luck.

Since I plan on fishing from a yak more than diving, I was willing to make the trade-off. If I was more SCUBA-centric I would have chosen a different platform. I prefer to do my diving from the back of a bigger boat that holds multiple tanks and equipment. I may use the Hobie for freediving/spearfishing around the kelp.

Check out all of the boats at Fred Hall next week and get up with Jim for a class if you are inexperienced.