Friday
07-08-2009, 09:50 AM
I finally had time to test Hobie Adventurer on the last Saturday.
I made three sections on this document. The first section describes the kayak I tested, The testing environment, and about the reviewer (me). The second section is the review on Hobie Adventurer without the sail. The third section is review on Hobie Adventurer with the sail.
Section 1 - Testing Kayak, Environment and Reviewer
The kayak
2008 Standard Hobie Adventurer. Standard fins and Turbo fins were used. The standard Hobie Adventurer comes with Rudder. No extra equipments such as fishing rods, milk crate, and cooler were on board.
The Environment:
Air Temp: 78F
Water temp: 79F
Wind: Inconsistent 0 – 12 MPH, mostly 8 – 10 MPH
Wave: less than 6 inches
Place: Smith Creek in MD. Long but Narrow Creek (a half mile across)
The Reviewer
Sex: male
Age: 55
Weight 145lb
Height (5’ 7”)
Fitness level: Above average. Jogs 3 miles and lifts weights every day.
Previous experience:
No previous Hobie Kayak experience.
More than 150 trips on various SOT kayaks:
Llakes and creeks (5 %)
Chesapeake Bay (65 %) – waves up to 2.5
Ocean (30%) – waves up to 3’
Limited Experience on sailing on Hobie Cat, windsurfing and small sail boats
Section 2 - Review on Hobie_Adventurer without sail
1. Degree of difficulty on Overturning a capsized Hobie Adventurer
I usually turn over a capsized SOT kayak by pushing the center handle and pulling a scupper hole (sticking my finger(s) into the scupper hole). But I did not pre-locate the scupper holes before the test. I was planning to use the mirage drive instead of a scupper hole.
When I tried the first time to turn over the kayak, immediately I recognized that the kayak was one of the difficult ones to turn over. It took me about 5-6 seconds. I could turn over the most of kayaks in 0.5 – 3 seconds. There is a big difference between two kayaks, one can be turned over in 3 seconds and the other requires more than 5 seconds to be turned over. The degree of difficulties of turning over a kayak is not proportional to the height of wave when the wave is high. It is more likely exponential to the height of wave. The most of SOT kayaks can be turned over before the next high wave hits the kayaks and the kayakers. But 5-6 seconds are too long. The next high wave can hit a Hobie Adventurer and the kayaker before the Hobie Adventurer is turned over. It may take several tries to turn over a Hobie Adventurer. I don’t think women and young kids can turn over a Hobie Adventurer. This kayak may be very hard to turn over for even a regular man when the kayak is used for fishing. Because I think the typical fishing kayak equipped with a lot of stuff (tethered fishing rods, tackle bag and cooler). If tackle bag and cooler (or milk crate) are bungeed on this kayak, it will be very difficult to turn over this kayak for a fisherman who is not adequately trained for self-rescue.
I also think that it will be difficult to turn over this kayak if wave is over 1.5 feet if a kayaker has not trained for the 1.5 foot wave. I think I will have hard time to turn over this kayak in 2-2.5 foot wave. I will definitely invest a good amount of time for the self-rescue training on this kayak.
2. Stability of Hobie Adventurer
The kayak was stable. But I don’t think it was super stable like other wide kayaks. I think I will be fine in 2 foot wave. But I am not sure I will be comfortable in 2.5 foot wave (averaged/mean) because there are a lot of 3-3.5 foot waves. I will probably not venture out when more than 2 foot wave is expected until I learn more about Hobie Adventurer
3. Degree of difficulty on Re-entering Hobie Adventurer
Re-entering Hobie Adventurer was easy. This kayak is one of the easiest ones to re-enter. When I re-entered from the side (center) and stern, I felt the kayak was stable. It took me less than two seconds to put my belly on the center of the kayak when I did side-center reentry. Even with my short arm, I could reach the molded carrying handle on the other side of gunwale and pull myself up on the kayak at once. It took me another 5 seconds to turn my self and sit. During the maneuver, I bear-hugged kayak as if I was in rough water. Remember that there was nothing (No fish-finder, rod holders, milk crate, cooler and tackle bags) on board or installed on this testing kayak. There was nothing on the kayak that could interfere with my re-entry. Though re-securing the loose seat (put two prongs underneath the seat to the two holes on the kayak sitting area) took me some time.
When I did stern reentry, it took me 1 second to put my belly on the kayak. It took me 2 seconds to put my body behind the seat before I tried to secure the loose seat (putting two prongs underneath the seat into two holes on the kayak). Again I acted as if I was in 3 foot wave. I bear-hugged the kayak during the maneuver.
I did not like that I had to secure the loose seat after capsized. But I think I can get used to this.
4. Weight of Hobie Adventurer
Yes, it is a heavy kayak. Even though it was supposed to be less than 70 lb, I felt it weighs over 70lb (without mirage drive fins). I could lift the kayak above my head. But I won’t be comfortable if I have to put this kayak on the roof rack of an SUV. I am too light for this kayak. I don’t have enough body weight to counter the weight of the kayak. I may not be able to lift this kayak above my head in a few years as I become older. I recommend a pick-up truck to haul this kayak unless a person is big and strong.
5. Speed of Hobie Adventurer
My old GPS unit never located satellites during the test. Therefore I could not measure the speed accurately. I used my gut-feeling to estimate the speeds, and it can be very off.
I pedaled for 15 minutes at 4.5-5 MPH. I was using the standard fins. I think I can maintain 4 MPH for 2-3 hours. I assumed that my top speed can be 5.5 MPH for 15 minutes by just pedaling. I came back to the dock to test the turbo fins.
For the next 5 minutes, I pedaled with the turbo fins. Somehow I could not tell the significant increase of speed. Perhaps I was little tired or the environment (wind and current) changed.
I pedaled and paddled together for the next 30 minutes. I did not have any trouble with pedaling while paddling. I was well-coordinated. The top speed could reached 6.5-7 MPH. I started breathing a little faster after 15 minutes. I think I maintained 6-6.5 MPH for 30 minutes without breathing hard or muscle burning at all.
Safely speaking, I think Hobie Adventurer is faster than a regular SOT kayak by 0.8 -1 MPH. Personally I think my speed on Hobie Adventure can be faster than a typical SOT by 2 MPH for up to 2 hours if I pedal and paddle at the same time on Hobie Adventurer.
Now I recognized that a kayaker can troll for Spanish Mackerel. The adequate trolling speed for Spanish Mackerel is 5.5 – 6.5 MPH. Until now, I did not understand a kayaker who mentioned that one of the methods to catch Spanish Mackerel was Trolling. He had a Hobie Adventurer I believe.
I want to know how Hobie Adventure performs against 1.5'-2.5' wave. Next time I will take Hobie Adventurer when the wave is expected 2' plus.
6. Who can use this kayak
The Hobie adventurer is not for a typical women or young teenage boy under15. I don’t think a typical woman and young teenage boy have enough strength to carry Hobie Adventurer. More importantly, I don't think they have adequate strength to turn over the capsized Hobie Adventurer. Even for some grown man, turning over the kayak can be a problem, especially in 1.5 feet plus wave.
I think this kayak is good for a healthy male weighs between 180 – 230lb with good open water experience only because of its weight and the degree of difficulties on turning over the kayak.
7. Fishing friendliness
It will be hard to install a fish-finder, rod holders in front of the kayaker. But there will be good creative ways to install these depending on the physique of a kayaker and fishing methods\needs of a kayaker.
If the sail will be carried, no equipment may be installed on gunwales, Especially during self-rescue. The sail will be secured on gunwales during the self-rescue.
Section 3 - Review as a kayak fisherman on Hobie_Adventurer with the Sail
I thought that Hobie Adventurer with sail could be very good idea for me. I thought I might be able to cover more water, troll heavier lures, and troll faster for Spanish Mackerel. So I had to try out to see if there are advantages and disadvantages, and also to see if advantages outweigh disadvantages.
1. Stability of Hobie Adventurer with Sail
First, as I expected, I noticed that Hobie Adventure was a kayak not a full pledged sail boat. But it performs as the manufacturer said. As recommended, it is good for wind under 10 MPH. Otherwise it will not be stable unless you get very used to sailing on this kayak. Also I thought that the sail would be almost useless when the wind blows under 6 MPH.
The wind was blowing at 8-10 MPH most of time during the test. But since I was in a small area, the directions and intensities of the winds changes rapidly (were not consistent). I did not have hard time sailing at all. But because of the inconsistent wind, I had to constantly adjust the angle of sail by letting out or pulling the rope (outhaul) that was attached to the clew (the trailing corner of a sail). I adjust the angle of rudder with left hand. So my two hands were not free most of time.
The kayak picked up good speed with downwind and crosswind as expected. And the kayak was stable with downwind. The main question I had was how well this kayak would tack upwind. I found that tacking was doable with this kayak. But it was slow (1 MPH) with wind at 10 MPH. I didn’t think I can troll for Striped Bass at this slow speed. As a kayak-fisherman, I would give up tacking. I thought I should just pedal and paddle toward the destination.
2. Degree of difficulty on Turning Over a Capsized Hobie Adventurer with Sail
With the sail mounted, it will be impossible to turnover the capsized Hobie kayak. The kayak will be floating upside down if the water is deep enough. If the bottom is soft (mud) and the depth of water is less than 10 ft, the mast will be stuck on the bottom. Here are the self-rescue steps I followed for Hobie Adventure with the sail:
1) Attach the rope (outhaul) to the kayak. You may attach the rope to stern or in front of you. Use a bowline knot of snap hook for easy removal if necessary. The rope (outhaul) is also a tether line to the sail.
2) Wear a PFD. Don’t just carry it on the kayak. You need additional buoyancy to work with the mast and sail when capsized.
3) The kayak will be floating upside down if the water is deep enough.
4) Feel and find the bungee cord that secures the mast. Remove the bungee cord.
5) Pull out the mast from the mast hole on the kayak. If the mast is stuck on the bottom, you need to lift the kayak to pull the mast out of the mast hole on the kayak. This will be too hard for a woman and young teenage boy.
6) Roll the sail around the mast very tightly. If the sail sheet is not rolled or the sail sheet is loosely rolled around the mast, it will be very hard to move the mast and the sail under the water.
7) Attach the rolled sail to the kayak by using the bungee cord for the paddle. The kayak is still upside down at this point.
8) Secure the kayak paddle to the kayak by using the bungee.
9) Turn over the capsized kayak
10) Check all tether lines. Untangle tether lines if necessary, especially the rope (outhaul) to the kayak. You may have to detach and re-attach the rope (outhaul) to untangle.
11) Perform re-entry.
12) Put the mast back into the mast hole. Bungee the mast to secure
13) Pull the rope (outhaul) to open the sail sheet.
This whole maneuver will take 5-10 minutes depending on the skill level and environments.
Depending on the situation, you may change the sequence of steps 4- 8. But have enough self rescue drills so that you can follow your sequence without thinking.
3. Speed with cross wind and down wind
The speed was good and kayak is stable.
4. Sailing with upwind
Doable but Slow. Not for trolling
5. Conclusions
Hobie kayak with sail may not be OK to typical woman or young teenage boy if the person is alone without help. I don’t think they have enough strength for self-rescue.
The trolling area is determined by the locations of fish usually. But when trolling while sailing, I think the speed and direction of wind determine the trolling area. Though with aids of pedaling and paddling, and with more experience on sailing on this kayak, Hobie Adventure with sail can open up a new world of kayak fishing. I am an optimist and a dreamer according to my wife.
Hobie with sail is Not OK to the following kayak-fisherman:
Who is not fit. It can take very long time for self-rescue on a kayak with sail.
Who does not like getting wet. Capsizing will be a part of fishing
Who can not make re-entry to Hobie Adventurer without the sail within 30 seconds
Who carries too many stuff.
Who fishes in a small area.
Who fishes only in calm water wind less than 8 MPH
Who fishes in the cold water. Cold water below 60F must be avoided even with the full dry-suit on.
Hobie with sail is OK to the following kayak-fisherman:
Who is fit.
Who carries one rod and few lures
Who has sufficient self-rescue skill
Who wants to troll
Who travels long distance.
Who is patient and calm
Feel free to make comments, especially those who own Mirage Hobie.
Thanks,
Joe
I made three sections on this document. The first section describes the kayak I tested, The testing environment, and about the reviewer (me). The second section is the review on Hobie Adventurer without the sail. The third section is review on Hobie Adventurer with the sail.
Section 1 - Testing Kayak, Environment and Reviewer
The kayak
2008 Standard Hobie Adventurer. Standard fins and Turbo fins were used. The standard Hobie Adventurer comes with Rudder. No extra equipments such as fishing rods, milk crate, and cooler were on board.
The Environment:
Air Temp: 78F
Water temp: 79F
Wind: Inconsistent 0 – 12 MPH, mostly 8 – 10 MPH
Wave: less than 6 inches
Place: Smith Creek in MD. Long but Narrow Creek (a half mile across)
The Reviewer
Sex: male
Age: 55
Weight 145lb
Height (5’ 7”)
Fitness level: Above average. Jogs 3 miles and lifts weights every day.
Previous experience:
No previous Hobie Kayak experience.
More than 150 trips on various SOT kayaks:
Llakes and creeks (5 %)
Chesapeake Bay (65 %) – waves up to 2.5
Ocean (30%) – waves up to 3’
Limited Experience on sailing on Hobie Cat, windsurfing and small sail boats
Section 2 - Review on Hobie_Adventurer without sail
1. Degree of difficulty on Overturning a capsized Hobie Adventurer
I usually turn over a capsized SOT kayak by pushing the center handle and pulling a scupper hole (sticking my finger(s) into the scupper hole). But I did not pre-locate the scupper holes before the test. I was planning to use the mirage drive instead of a scupper hole.
When I tried the first time to turn over the kayak, immediately I recognized that the kayak was one of the difficult ones to turn over. It took me about 5-6 seconds. I could turn over the most of kayaks in 0.5 – 3 seconds. There is a big difference between two kayaks, one can be turned over in 3 seconds and the other requires more than 5 seconds to be turned over. The degree of difficulties of turning over a kayak is not proportional to the height of wave when the wave is high. It is more likely exponential to the height of wave. The most of SOT kayaks can be turned over before the next high wave hits the kayaks and the kayakers. But 5-6 seconds are too long. The next high wave can hit a Hobie Adventurer and the kayaker before the Hobie Adventurer is turned over. It may take several tries to turn over a Hobie Adventurer. I don’t think women and young kids can turn over a Hobie Adventurer. This kayak may be very hard to turn over for even a regular man when the kayak is used for fishing. Because I think the typical fishing kayak equipped with a lot of stuff (tethered fishing rods, tackle bag and cooler). If tackle bag and cooler (or milk crate) are bungeed on this kayak, it will be very difficult to turn over this kayak for a fisherman who is not adequately trained for self-rescue.
I also think that it will be difficult to turn over this kayak if wave is over 1.5 feet if a kayaker has not trained for the 1.5 foot wave. I think I will have hard time to turn over this kayak in 2-2.5 foot wave. I will definitely invest a good amount of time for the self-rescue training on this kayak.
2. Stability of Hobie Adventurer
The kayak was stable. But I don’t think it was super stable like other wide kayaks. I think I will be fine in 2 foot wave. But I am not sure I will be comfortable in 2.5 foot wave (averaged/mean) because there are a lot of 3-3.5 foot waves. I will probably not venture out when more than 2 foot wave is expected until I learn more about Hobie Adventurer
3. Degree of difficulty on Re-entering Hobie Adventurer
Re-entering Hobie Adventurer was easy. This kayak is one of the easiest ones to re-enter. When I re-entered from the side (center) and stern, I felt the kayak was stable. It took me less than two seconds to put my belly on the center of the kayak when I did side-center reentry. Even with my short arm, I could reach the molded carrying handle on the other side of gunwale and pull myself up on the kayak at once. It took me another 5 seconds to turn my self and sit. During the maneuver, I bear-hugged kayak as if I was in rough water. Remember that there was nothing (No fish-finder, rod holders, milk crate, cooler and tackle bags) on board or installed on this testing kayak. There was nothing on the kayak that could interfere with my re-entry. Though re-securing the loose seat (put two prongs underneath the seat to the two holes on the kayak sitting area) took me some time.
When I did stern reentry, it took me 1 second to put my belly on the kayak. It took me 2 seconds to put my body behind the seat before I tried to secure the loose seat (putting two prongs underneath the seat into two holes on the kayak). Again I acted as if I was in 3 foot wave. I bear-hugged the kayak during the maneuver.
I did not like that I had to secure the loose seat after capsized. But I think I can get used to this.
4. Weight of Hobie Adventurer
Yes, it is a heavy kayak. Even though it was supposed to be less than 70 lb, I felt it weighs over 70lb (without mirage drive fins). I could lift the kayak above my head. But I won’t be comfortable if I have to put this kayak on the roof rack of an SUV. I am too light for this kayak. I don’t have enough body weight to counter the weight of the kayak. I may not be able to lift this kayak above my head in a few years as I become older. I recommend a pick-up truck to haul this kayak unless a person is big and strong.
5. Speed of Hobie Adventurer
My old GPS unit never located satellites during the test. Therefore I could not measure the speed accurately. I used my gut-feeling to estimate the speeds, and it can be very off.
I pedaled for 15 minutes at 4.5-5 MPH. I was using the standard fins. I think I can maintain 4 MPH for 2-3 hours. I assumed that my top speed can be 5.5 MPH for 15 minutes by just pedaling. I came back to the dock to test the turbo fins.
For the next 5 minutes, I pedaled with the turbo fins. Somehow I could not tell the significant increase of speed. Perhaps I was little tired or the environment (wind and current) changed.
I pedaled and paddled together for the next 30 minutes. I did not have any trouble with pedaling while paddling. I was well-coordinated. The top speed could reached 6.5-7 MPH. I started breathing a little faster after 15 minutes. I think I maintained 6-6.5 MPH for 30 minutes without breathing hard or muscle burning at all.
Safely speaking, I think Hobie Adventurer is faster than a regular SOT kayak by 0.8 -1 MPH. Personally I think my speed on Hobie Adventure can be faster than a typical SOT by 2 MPH for up to 2 hours if I pedal and paddle at the same time on Hobie Adventurer.
Now I recognized that a kayaker can troll for Spanish Mackerel. The adequate trolling speed for Spanish Mackerel is 5.5 – 6.5 MPH. Until now, I did not understand a kayaker who mentioned that one of the methods to catch Spanish Mackerel was Trolling. He had a Hobie Adventurer I believe.
I want to know how Hobie Adventure performs against 1.5'-2.5' wave. Next time I will take Hobie Adventurer when the wave is expected 2' plus.
6. Who can use this kayak
The Hobie adventurer is not for a typical women or young teenage boy under15. I don’t think a typical woman and young teenage boy have enough strength to carry Hobie Adventurer. More importantly, I don't think they have adequate strength to turn over the capsized Hobie Adventurer. Even for some grown man, turning over the kayak can be a problem, especially in 1.5 feet plus wave.
I think this kayak is good for a healthy male weighs between 180 – 230lb with good open water experience only because of its weight and the degree of difficulties on turning over the kayak.
7. Fishing friendliness
It will be hard to install a fish-finder, rod holders in front of the kayaker. But there will be good creative ways to install these depending on the physique of a kayaker and fishing methods\needs of a kayaker.
If the sail will be carried, no equipment may be installed on gunwales, Especially during self-rescue. The sail will be secured on gunwales during the self-rescue.
Section 3 - Review as a kayak fisherman on Hobie_Adventurer with the Sail
I thought that Hobie Adventurer with sail could be very good idea for me. I thought I might be able to cover more water, troll heavier lures, and troll faster for Spanish Mackerel. So I had to try out to see if there are advantages and disadvantages, and also to see if advantages outweigh disadvantages.
1. Stability of Hobie Adventurer with Sail
First, as I expected, I noticed that Hobie Adventure was a kayak not a full pledged sail boat. But it performs as the manufacturer said. As recommended, it is good for wind under 10 MPH. Otherwise it will not be stable unless you get very used to sailing on this kayak. Also I thought that the sail would be almost useless when the wind blows under 6 MPH.
The wind was blowing at 8-10 MPH most of time during the test. But since I was in a small area, the directions and intensities of the winds changes rapidly (were not consistent). I did not have hard time sailing at all. But because of the inconsistent wind, I had to constantly adjust the angle of sail by letting out or pulling the rope (outhaul) that was attached to the clew (the trailing corner of a sail). I adjust the angle of rudder with left hand. So my two hands were not free most of time.
The kayak picked up good speed with downwind and crosswind as expected. And the kayak was stable with downwind. The main question I had was how well this kayak would tack upwind. I found that tacking was doable with this kayak. But it was slow (1 MPH) with wind at 10 MPH. I didn’t think I can troll for Striped Bass at this slow speed. As a kayak-fisherman, I would give up tacking. I thought I should just pedal and paddle toward the destination.
2. Degree of difficulty on Turning Over a Capsized Hobie Adventurer with Sail
With the sail mounted, it will be impossible to turnover the capsized Hobie kayak. The kayak will be floating upside down if the water is deep enough. If the bottom is soft (mud) and the depth of water is less than 10 ft, the mast will be stuck on the bottom. Here are the self-rescue steps I followed for Hobie Adventure with the sail:
1) Attach the rope (outhaul) to the kayak. You may attach the rope to stern or in front of you. Use a bowline knot of snap hook for easy removal if necessary. The rope (outhaul) is also a tether line to the sail.
2) Wear a PFD. Don’t just carry it on the kayak. You need additional buoyancy to work with the mast and sail when capsized.
3) The kayak will be floating upside down if the water is deep enough.
4) Feel and find the bungee cord that secures the mast. Remove the bungee cord.
5) Pull out the mast from the mast hole on the kayak. If the mast is stuck on the bottom, you need to lift the kayak to pull the mast out of the mast hole on the kayak. This will be too hard for a woman and young teenage boy.
6) Roll the sail around the mast very tightly. If the sail sheet is not rolled or the sail sheet is loosely rolled around the mast, it will be very hard to move the mast and the sail under the water.
7) Attach the rolled sail to the kayak by using the bungee cord for the paddle. The kayak is still upside down at this point.
8) Secure the kayak paddle to the kayak by using the bungee.
9) Turn over the capsized kayak
10) Check all tether lines. Untangle tether lines if necessary, especially the rope (outhaul) to the kayak. You may have to detach and re-attach the rope (outhaul) to untangle.
11) Perform re-entry.
12) Put the mast back into the mast hole. Bungee the mast to secure
13) Pull the rope (outhaul) to open the sail sheet.
This whole maneuver will take 5-10 minutes depending on the skill level and environments.
Depending on the situation, you may change the sequence of steps 4- 8. But have enough self rescue drills so that you can follow your sequence without thinking.
3. Speed with cross wind and down wind
The speed was good and kayak is stable.
4. Sailing with upwind
Doable but Slow. Not for trolling
5. Conclusions
Hobie kayak with sail may not be OK to typical woman or young teenage boy if the person is alone without help. I don’t think they have enough strength for self-rescue.
The trolling area is determined by the locations of fish usually. But when trolling while sailing, I think the speed and direction of wind determine the trolling area. Though with aids of pedaling and paddling, and with more experience on sailing on this kayak, Hobie Adventure with sail can open up a new world of kayak fishing. I am an optimist and a dreamer according to my wife.
Hobie with sail is Not OK to the following kayak-fisherman:
Who is not fit. It can take very long time for self-rescue on a kayak with sail.
Who does not like getting wet. Capsizing will be a part of fishing
Who can not make re-entry to Hobie Adventurer without the sail within 30 seconds
Who carries too many stuff.
Who fishes in a small area.
Who fishes only in calm water wind less than 8 MPH
Who fishes in the cold water. Cold water below 60F must be avoided even with the full dry-suit on.
Hobie with sail is OK to the following kayak-fisherman:
Who is fit.
Who carries one rod and few lures
Who has sufficient self-rescue skill
Who wants to troll
Who travels long distance.
Who is patient and calm
Feel free to make comments, especially those who own Mirage Hobie.
Thanks,
Joe