Outback in Surf & Chop

[eddiemac]

Hey folks, I'm deciding on purchasing a new yak. Currently own a Necky Looksha IV(SIK). I'm considering the Outback, Prowler and Tarpon 160 for fishing in LI Sound, Montauk and Hudson River. Currently using my Necky in LI Sound for fishing(pretty tough yesterday in 3-4ft wave chop) btw no fish caught.

On the Outback, I'm wondering how the Outback performs in choppy conditions and surf launches. Any experiences and input is greatly appreciated.

[eddiemac]

Hey folks, I'm deciding on purchasing a new yak. Currently own a Necky Looksha IV(SIK). I'm considering the Outback, Prowler and Tarpon 160 for fishing in LI Sound, Montauk and Hudson River. Currently using my Necky in LI Sound for fishing(pretty tough yesterday in 3-4ft wave chop) btw no fish caught.

On the Outback, I'm wondering how the Outback performs in choppy conditions and surf launches. Any experiences and input is greatly appreciated.

[familyman]

Eddiemac, I think it does pretty good. It is only 12' it is noisy in the chop and you will get wet. Especially when bracing from the side. The magic is in it's maneuverability, using the pedal drive and rudder to position the boat. It has helped me out of some tricky spots. You just gotta demo one.

.02

[eddiemac]

Thanks familyman, I will go to KFS shop to demo, however its on a lake. So I need the opinons and experience of the Outback populous.
Thanks again, for your feedback, it helps in decision process...
emac

[G-Man]

Wassup guys!?

Yo Eddie.
3-4ft chop is pretty nasty, eh?

Opinion here only...
Safe to say both the Prowler and Tarpon perform much better during surf launch and chop. They have the length and lines that provide a much better glide than the Hobie. The Prowler is a real beauty.

My Hobie is clumsy during a surf launch compare to my scupper pro for example. Paddles like a tub. It's a heavy clumsy boat until your past any surf zone. Then it's wonderful. Fortunately, surf launches into real waves happens less than one would think.

Having said that...the Hobie is still my fav.
As for fighting the chop.. My arms tire way faster than my legs. In the hobie I can eat and drink while traveling which makes for a much more enjoyable experience without fatigue.

I used to be spent crossing a choppy stretch of water. In the Hobie, I'm not as fast in the short run, but I do better time in the long run and feel much better. Which means ready to fish again. It's no touring kayak, but it sure is nice for fishing and puttering around.

Most launches are calm and I have fins down and never use the paddles. We have whole trips with no use of the paddle and it's great. No, it's priceless.

I never heard of anyone trading their outback for a normal paddle yak. http://kfs.infopop.cc/groupee_common/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

You narrowed it down to 3 good choices anyway.
Good luck
-G

[eddiemac]

Hey G-Man, thanks for the response. Very helpful. I think you are right about the surf launches. I don't foresee launching in 5ft. waves anyway.
I got to demo the Hobie and Prowler on Tues. w/JonS. I can tell you it did not make the decision process any easier. I was very surprised how smooth the Prowler paddled coming for a 17ft. Necky Looksha IV.
I will probably purchase Hobie and look to get an aftermarket Prowler.....

Thanks again G-man