Hobie Mirage Outback Kayak Review

Let's take a closer look at the Hobie Mirage Outback kayak in this boat review. Overview: The Swiss Army knife of kayaks, the Outback is masterfully equipped. If you want a rig that can handle it all and is ready to go right off the showroom floor – this is your kayak. An extremely well thought out interior provides a place for everything – and organizes everything in its place. The cockpit offers comprehensive, built-in storage with H-Track Deluxe organizers with integrated RAM Hand Tracks, complete with hookless map pockets and multiple slots for knife, grippers and hook outs, and even retractable bungees to secure 3600-sized boxes horizontally. Each side also has dedicated retractable bungee cords to secure your most used items like pliers or snippers. Molded in utility trays beside the seat catch any other stray items.

A decently sized bow hatch up front can take dry bags, battery holders and spare clothes. A water-tight, rectangular hatch in front of the seat is ideal for terminal tackle, leader material, and storage of soft plastics and other lures, and the twist-and-seal lid has an internal bottle opener and rubber mesh packet for smaller items. The rear tank well has H-Track Deluxe organizers with elastic retainers and storage slots galore, plus retractable bungees to capture additional 3600-sized tackle boxes. An adjustable primary rear bungee can secure a storage cart and tackle crate. Dual cup holders and four molded-in rod holders, two each in front of and behind the seat, round out the abundant storage appointments.

Featuring the Kick-Up Rudder system with dual steering capabilities, combating drift and navigating tight water has never been easier.
Notable: Powered by the super-smooth and length-adjustable Mirage Drive 180, a pull of a lever allows quick switching between forward and reverse. Copious speed and current-fighting power is generated by the drives Turbo Kick-Up Fins, which not only fold flat to the hull for navigating skinny water without need to remove the drive, but also swing back when impacted by obstructions, instantly re-engaging as pedaling is resumed. The famous Vantage CTW seat is now 1 1/2-inches wider and features easy, four-way adjustment for superior comfort. EVA floor pads allow for sure footing in a kayak that's easy to stand and sight fish in. While pricey at $3,150 – it has every interior storage and mounting feature you could think of or need, along with the proven Mirage Drive.


Hobie Outback with 180 Mirage Drive Specs
Length: 12' 9”
Width: 34”
Weight: 103 lbs. fully rigged, 85 lbs. fitted hull weight
Overall Capacity: 425 lbs.
Seat Capacity: 275 lbs.
Propulsion: Pedal or Paddle
https://www.hobie.com/

For additional photos and information, see our full review here: https://www.floridasportsman.com/edit...