Killer Kayaks! - In-Depth Kayak Reviews + Destination Spots You'll Love to Kayak!

Hobie Pro Angler 17 T – Hit Fishing Kayak With An Edge?

The Hobie Pro Angler 17 T is a superb-looking sit-on-top, angling, solo/tandem kayak. With changeable stance seats and a bi-pedal paddling system, it is your ideal weekend fishing kayak.

This vessel is able to combine comfort, efficiency, space, and multiple functionalities to give the paddler an unforgettable experience. The Hobie Pro Angler 17 T is one of the best angling boats you can use to enrich your family’s fishing experience. Get your child, place them on the extra seat and show them how to fish for the first time.

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[Check out our other Hobie articles: Hobie Pro Angler 12 Kayak, Hobie Pro Angler 14 Kayak, Hobie Adventure Island Sailing Kayak, Hobie Tandem Kayak!]

Frame of the Hobie Pro Angler 17 T

The hull of the Hobie Pro Angler 17 is made of rotomolded polyethylene, which gives it a lightweight, but sturdy frame. The material prevents the kayak from cracks if it hits rocks and pebbles, and it is also UV-resistant.

Measuring 17′, the kayak’s length creates enough space for an expansive cockpit, as well as sufficient storage spaces. The Hobie Pro Angler 17 T has a width of 43.5” provides it with enough buoyancy to withstand the windy conditions you are likely to encounter during a fishing expedition.

Furthermore, with such stability, you are safe while in a standing position to reel in that struggling catch, without unnecessarily rocking the vessel.

A standard, fully fitted hull will have the Hobie Pro Angler 17 weighing 206.5 lbs. Adding a few features, such as the seats, will increase its weight to 244 lbs. The boat is able to comfortably accommodate a maximum weight of 900 lbs. This weight capacity makes it easy to carry two above-average weight adults, as well as whatever gear you will be taking.

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Moving the Hobie Pro Angler 17T on and off water is not expected to be a problem. Welded on the farthest end of the bow and the stern are two handles, both grasp-enhanced to reduce injury and strain as you carry the kayak.

Any Special Features That Come With the Hobie Pro Angler 17T?

The Hobie Pro Angler 17 T comes equipped with Hobie’s signature MirageDrive 180 pedals, that are not only easy to use, but also efficient in providing speed control. The fact that there are two pedals means that in tandem mode, you can enjoy a fast kayaking experience.

The pedal also allows the kayakers to engage their hands on rudder control and fishing, instead of actively trying to paddle. Should you get tired of pedaling, you can choose the traditional method of paddling to get around. The Hobie Pro Angler 17 is equipped with two vertical paddles and a T-handle that can be affixed to the paddle for easy handling.

The Hobie Pro Angler 17T has a commendable three-way seating formula. In tandem position, both kayakers can seat facing forward (in-line) or facing each other (social position). Solo position entails the seat being placed at the hull’s center.

To make the various seating arrangements possible, the kayak is equipped with three pedal slots; one in front, one in the middle and one at the stern cockpit area. For the Hobie Pro Angler 17 T solo arrangement, the kayaker uses the middle slot. While in-line, the front kayaker’s seat covers the middle slot with the paddler using the front and back pedal slots. As for the social seating arrangement, the kayakers utilize the middle and stern slots.

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The Vantage XT seats are standardized for both positions on the Hobie Pro Angler 17T. Made of meshed fabric, reinforced on an aluminum frame, the seat has a 4-way adjustability feature. This allows for crouching, full seating and full standing positions. This is especially important for the provision of anchorage for anglers during fishing. The detachable seats are also suitable for use on the beach or camping sites.

The Hobie Pro Angler 17T comes equipped with a rudder to assist in maneuver control. Both kayakers have rudder controllers on their left-hand side (in-line seating arrangement). The rudder control levers are easy to use and have a rubber grip to enhance grasp. This model of kayaks introduces the H-rails, which are meant to be used for various purposes, including attaching your rod holders. You can also hold on to the rails for extra anchorage while fishing. These are easily removable, for transportation purposes.

The hull of the Hobie Pro Angler 17 T comes ready with a set of H-Rail mounting plates, allowing the rails to be installed without drilling more holes in the hull. For anchorage when standing, the floor of the kayak has grip pads, both at the front and back.

The boat is also trolling-motor ready, with a battery storage area, located at the stern. To avoid water logging and listing, the Hobie Pro Angler 17 T is fitted with air draining grommets.

Check out the Hobie Pro Angler 17 T on Amazon!

Storage

As an angling vessel, the Hobie Pro Angler 17T has lots of storage space, maybe even more than enough for your fishing expeditions. As a precursor, this vessel is fitted with 10 horizontal rod holders and 2 molded-in vertical holders. The H Rails also have 2 racks meant for rod storage.

The cockpit floor is fitted with three large rectangular twist hatches. These hatches allow for the quick retrieval of certain items you may need. The upper bow area is fitted with a large front hatch fitted with a liner, which makes it ideal for the storage of ice and fish. The liner can also be removed if you should need to clean the hatch.

With an additional two under seat tackle storage areas, you are assured of more storage than you can ask for. For your personal, small item needs such as cell phones, you get two meshed stowage pockets next to each seat. Additionally, the Hobie Pro Angler 17 T comes retrofitted with two molded-in cup holders.

With so much information discussed regarding the Hobie Pro Angler 17 kayak, we went ahead and made a succinct list of its pros & cons:

Pros

The Hobie Pro Angler 17 contains comfortable three mode seating capability
Good pairing vessel for teaching new kayakers and anglers
Efficient control system, in the form of pedaling/paddling capability and rudder control
Very light, which allows for respectable speed levels
Able to add a small trolling motor, ideal for tracking
Already mentioned in this Hobie Pro Angler 17 review, there is lots of storage space

Check out the Hobie Pro Angler 17 T on Amazon!

Cons

Pricing for the Hobie Pro Angler 17 is a little bit on the higher end
Open cockpit may be prone to cockpit splashes in unsettled waters
Controlling the Hobie Pro Angler 17 can be a challenge, especially in solo mode, due to the multiple controls
Vantage XT seat can get quite stiff when one sits down for long period of time

Hobie Pro Angler 17T Review Conclusion

Serious angling is never an easy task. However, with the Hobie Pro Angler 17 T, that load is reduced considerably. The boat is suitable for all skill levels of anglers. Nevertheless, the controls can be tricky for kayaking beginners. Despite this, the Hobie Pro Angler 17 kayak is great to practice with, once you start getting acquainted with the controls.

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If you are looking for a fun way to go angling, without reducing the effectiveness required for an abundant catch, the Hobie Pro Angler 17 is the kayak to choose.

Outcast OSG Striker Raft – Two Person Quality Raft With Room?

If you have come across the Outcast OSG Striker Raft, then you have most likely fallen for its aesthetic looks. It’s as small and as sharp as you would expect a striker vessel (militarily-speaking) to look. Then again, it is not just the looks that speak for this raft, but also its efficiency as a vessel meant for angling.

Even with its handsome look, this raft packs a punch by being able to accommodate up to two people without reducing its ability to deliver on performance. Its capability to withstand the rugged nature of rapids also makes it an excellent choice for adventurous anglers, as we will find out in this Outcast OSG Striker review.

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In this Outcast OSG Striker review, we will be going into details about not just the frame, but storage points, seating comfort, the angling aspect, accessories, and much more. Dive in!

The Outcast OSG Striker Raft Frame

The Outcast OSG Striker Raft’s main frame, the inflatable hull, is made of urethane. At full inflation, the hull measures a diameter of 16”. The fact that the craft is very light and easy to maneuver will make you feel like you are rafting on air.

Urethane is a tough synthetic material that is able to withstand damage from rock and gravel grazing, as would be expected of shallow waters. Additionally, the seams of the AIRcell (the hull) are welded together, which provides a more tensile hold of the whole frame.

At a length of 9’6″ and a width of 5′, the Outcast OSG Striker Raft has plenty enough space for a comfy cockpit. Not the full body stretching type of cockpit, but enough comfortable leg room for the backseat angler. The size of the boat also offers enough buoyancy support, which is crucial in unsettled weather conditions and waters.

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Fully inflated, Outcast OSG Striker only weighs 102 lbs, but that does not stop it from performing with a huge weight capacity of up to 800 lbs. Quite impressive! What’s more, when it’s deflated, this raft can fit in your backpack if well folded. Fully inflated and rigged, it needs only two people to carry it.

To create rigidity, it is fitted with two pairs of aluminum frame sets, which provide extra support for the seats. They do not add any extra weight to the boat or cause any inconvenience.

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Features of the Outcast OSG Striker

There are many people who are always wary of inflatable watercrafts. However, the Outcast OSG Striker Raft’s material speaks to its durability. With a fabric density of 1100 PVC, the craft is undoubtedly one of the toughest inflatable rafts on the market. Moreover, at a material weight of 24/27 ounces, the raft remains just about the right size/weight ratio for your maneuverability needs.

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The Summit 2 valve is an air intake valve made with long-lasting benefits in mind. It will allow an intake of air with every pump session, without it being a tiresome chore. This makes it ideal to use either a hand pump or an electric pump on the Outcast OSG Striker Raft.

Should you, your child or your pet break the valve, an inexpensive replacement is readily available from Outcast. What’s more, you do not need a technician to repair the valve of the Outcast OSG Striker. All it takes is reading the Outcast OSG Striker Raft’s instruction manual and you are good to go.

As an angler, you would know that you are never assured of the water situation, especially if you are doing rapid streams, rivers, and open lakes. That is why the Outcast OSG Striker Raft’s self-bailing floor is a welcome feature.

The craft is curved a bit higher on the bow area, which will allow water on the floor of the cockpit to drift toward the stern area, where it will drain out of the boat. In a two man position, the inflatable lean bar on the Outcast OSG Striker allows for a more comfortable standing position for the front angler. This is essential when going for the big ones that are ready to put up a good fight.

The Outcast OSG Striker’s seating arrangement is also something to ogle upon. Even though the Outcast OSG Striker is largely marketed as a two-seater, it can also be converted into a single by detaching the frames which hold the front seats. The seats themselves are comfortable while retaining the minimalistic feature of the rest of the craft.

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Should you need to add a few mores accessories to the Outcast OSG Striker Raft, you won’t have to worry about extra space. The vessel has a brilliant integrated gear system (IGS), consisting of slots that allow for the addition of accessories such as rod holders, deck mounts, paddle holders, and cargo pockets.

All aspects of movement on the vessel, from maneuverability to speed, should not be a problem. Through the IGS, an extra pair of rowers can be added to make the Outcast OSG Striker Raft a tandem. Not a popular thing for such a craft, but if you are adventurous, you can try just for the fun of it. For speed freaks, the raft comes ready for a motor to be installed.

We are about halfway through our Outcast OSG Striker review. Next up is storage space.

Outcast OSG Striker Raft Storage

At first sight, you might write off the Outcast OSG Striker Raft as incapable of giving you a good angling experience due to storage space. After all, what is angling, if you cannot carry home a catch?

For your storage needs, the Outcast OSG Striker has an attachable cargo pocket bag, which does not look like much from afar, until you start opening up those pockets.

The cargo of the Outcast OSG Striker Raft has two zipped pockets which, though not very large, are enough to hold quite a nice amount of medium sized items such as a pump, your angling knife, bags and other stuff. If you’re out all day fishing, it’s a certainty that you will get thirsty, so the two cup holders that are included will come in handy.

The Outcast OSG Striker Raft also comes with a seat side saddle bag which accounts for more storage than the cargo pocket bag.

To begin with, the bag has two more cup holders, and with two heavy straps attached to it, it is able to withstand as much load torture as you can give it. The Outcast OSG Striker Raft has a large dry pocket, ideal for storage of items such as your Garmin, cell phone, maps etc.

Additionally, you also get a medium wet/dry pouch where you can store your fishing jacket after use. With a fishing net pocket that allows for the draining of water from the pocket, you are in safe hands.

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Since we have covered a lot of ground in this Outcast OSG Striker review, so we have succinctly listed all the pros and cons of the Outcast OSG Striker raft:

Pros

The Outcast OSG Striker Raft is very light, inflatable and detachable, hence easy to transport
Easy to repair, making it cost efficient, as mentioned earlier in this Outcast OSG Striker review
Comes with an easy to understand assembly manual
2 sets of oars included
The IGS makes it easy to add and remove items
Self bailing floor
The Outcast OSG Striker Raft can be used for both solo and dual angling

Cons

The Outcast OSG Striker Raft requires careful storage in order to last longer
Material may be susceptible to UV, so it is advised that you use UV-resistant boat cleaner

Outcast OSG Striker Review Conclusion

There are quite a number of better rafts out there. However, that does not undercut the Outcast OSG Striker Raft’s ability to live up to its ‘striker’ tag. For an inflatable raft, the Outcast OSG Striker raft is able to hold its weight well. Light, durable and easy to assemble are some factors that you just can’t overlook.

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As for the fact that it requires lots of care, it is neither the first nor the last inflatable to require lots of care. So, if you can overlook that little drawback, the Outcast OSG Striker Raft is a fishing vessel that’s ready to take on almost any conditions and keep you safe at the same time.

We have been over all the features and benefits in this Outcast OSG Striker review, so if you need to scroll up for a quick summary, glance over the pros and cons list.

Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe – Beautiful Hand Crafted Wooden Gem?

The Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe (also known as Old Modern Handicrafts Real Canoe) offers a fun, memorable and exciting way of experiencing the outdoors. Completely crafted by hand, this canoe surpasses all of its predecessors, sitting at the top of the charts because of its sleek and stylish appearance. Designed by a company that embraces the use of traditional methods of constructions, while integrating the highest quality materials available, you can be certain that this canoe is worth its weight in gold.

The Old Modern Handicrafts Real Canoe’s hefty price tag speaks to its years of refinement. It evokes memories of the functional boats used by early wilderness explorers. Beautiful to see and paddle, this boat is meant for enthusiasts who want a flat water or moderate canoe that has been made from natural materials.

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It does not matter whether you want to spend a substantial amount of the time in deep waters or go for short, shallow paddling expeditions, this canoe is up to the task. Continue reading this Handicrafts Real Canoe review to see just why and how it is.

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The Hand-Crafted Frame of the Old Modern Handicrafts Real Canoe

Made out of strips of cedar that are joined together by hand, the Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe represents hundreds of hours of construction and finesse. The strips of cedar are encapsulated in fiberglass, bonded in place with epoxy resin.

The narrow and flexible strips are typically secured to each other with glue or nails. The covered hull is then smoothed and reinforced with fiberglass. The Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe also has a coat of marine ranch finish that makes it stand out from its competitors.

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Old Modern Handicrafts Real Canoe — Real Canoe With Extra Seats

The cedar hull is clear graded and gives the boat the sturdiness and durability that it needs. There is a 16′ and an 18′ version, and the canoe is 31.5″ wide.

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The canoe’s frame makes it lightweight in nature, and although it comes without ribs, its overall construction makes it a great choice for paddlers of all kinds. The craftsmanship of the Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe is absolutely phenomenal.

Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe Features

What would this HandiCrafts Real Canoe review be without going into detail about its features: The boat’s sturdy construction makes it durable and highly reliable. Even with consistent use, the Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe will still remain dependable. The fiberglass adds important tensile strength and abrasion resistance to the wood. The canoe’s diverse range of features makes it the ideal paddling partner. Despite the fact that it is lightweight in nature, it is not swayed easily by the wind. It remains steady in the water at all times.

The Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe has a V-bottom hull construction that gives it a more pronounced center-line or keel. As such, the canoe provides a good mix of initial and secondary stability, which in turn promotes better tracking and maneuverability.

The Old Modern Handicrafts Real Canoe also has an incredible entry line that cuts through the water efficiently. As such, the boat can also handle rough water paddling, promoting easier paddling and enables the canoe to ride up slightly on incoming waves. The fiberglass also promotes the canoe’s efficiency in waters.

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With a single seat, the Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe can only accommodate a single paddler at a time. The seat is well-padded, comfortable and ensures that the paddler does not get tired, even after hours of being in the water.

handmade Canoe made of wood — Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe With Spare Seating

The wooden paddles also feel comfortable in the hands, and even after being handled for a long time, they do not cause any friction. They allow the paddler to maintain a firm grip the whole time the boat is in the water.

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Although the Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe is a fantastic, functional work of art, it still comes with a few concerns in the ‘con’ section below). However, these concerns do not affect the overall functioning of the canoe. It is relatively expensive, but the combination of its amazing features and hand-made design is definitely worth it.

The Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe is not only easy on the eyes, but it also lives up to its promise of efficiency and functionality. Its general design gives it nice control, a high level of sea worthiness and displacement. The canoe does not come with ribs, so this gives them a lower edge in comparison to canoes that do have ribs. However, the canoe still functions well on its own.

Storage

With a carrying capacity of 650 pounds, the Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe allows you to carry a sufficient amount of goods for both long and short paddling trips. You do not have to worry about moving your equipment from one point to another because this canoe will get the job done.

The sufficient storage space ensures that there is no limitation to what you can carry. There are no storage hatches like a kayak has, so one must make sure not to let the water splash in and get your equipment wet.

Weighing the Pros & Cons of this Beautiful Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe:

In this HandiCrafts Real Canoe review, we have covered a lot of details. Below is a short list of pros and cons to see whether the Old Modern Handicrafts Real Canoe is the one for you.

Pros

Quality craftsmanship that makes the Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe extremely durable
Hand-made construction which gives the canoe good aesthetic value and makes it sturdy
Good canoe for beginner and intermediate paddlers
Marine vanish finish that protects the wood from damage
Fiberglass for tensile strength and abrasion resistance
Entry line that promotes efficient paddling through the water
Quiet paddling that will ensure paddlers make the most of their adventures
Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe is a lightweight canoe that can be easily carried from one place to another
Reliable hull shape which gives the canoe its much needed stability
General construction allows the canoe to be paddled through rough waters
The Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe requires little maintenance

Check out the Old Modern HandiCrafts Canoe on Amazon!

Cons

The Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe is a semi-expensive canoe to purchase
Limited seating capacity, only for solo use

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Handicrafts Real Canoe Review Conclusion

Old Modern Handicrafts Canoe is a company that is known for the best hand-crafted canoes on the market. Beautifully constructed and lightweight in nature, the canoe is perfect for all water expeditions. The decent storage capacity, top-notch features and over 500 hours of construction makes it one of a kind.

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This is the best choice for those who have the money and desire to attain a high quality, hand-constructed watercraft. All you have to do is leave your worries on the shore and paddle away!

Hobie Tandem Island Sail – Well Performing Sailing Kayak Or Failure?

The Hobie Tandem Island Sail is a unique kayak designed and manufactured by Hobie, a renowned kayak brand that offers you exemplary kayaks. The Tandem incorporates an exceptional design, new technology, and premium features that make it perfect for kayakers, sailing enthusiasts, and fishing fanatics.

The new design transforms this sailing kayak into a high performance, unique sailing machine that does not disappoint, regardless of any situation. You can exercise by pedaling or paddling, go fishing, or raise the sail and let the wind do all the work while you sit back and enjoy nature. Let’s have a look in this Hobie Tandem Island review at the features and performance of this incredible piece of work.

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[Check out our other Hobie articles: Hobie Adventure Island Sailing Kayak, Hobie Pro Angler 12 Kayak, Hobie Pro Angler 14 Kayak!]

How Does the Build of the Hobie Tandem Island Sail Hold?

As a part of the redesign, this kayak features a sturdy frame made with rotomolded polyethylene, which ensures a strong, fully adjustable, and customizable frame. It has a length of 18’6″ and a width of 30″, while the hull weighs 130 pounds with basics and 240 pounds when fully loaded with accessories. This kayak not exactly lightweight, so you might need a hand carrying it to the water and bringing it ashore.

Thanks to its quality constructed frame, the Hobie Tandem Island Sail will not only accommodate up to 600 pounds, but it will also ensure great stability while sailing in tough conditions, such as strong water currents or winds. The amas are large enough to offer great stability and can tuck in against the hull for easy and hassle-free docking, or they can be removed completely. The sails can be detached and stored in a carrying bag.

The cockpit can be easily transformed into a peddling platform when the weather conditions are not favorable for sailing.

This kayak features 2-piece carbon-composite masts, whose main function is to reduce weight while maximizing performance. The sail’s larger masts and sail area help provide smoother and faster rides, making your trip more fun and hassle-free. The kayak also boasts of a Lowrance Ready system that features a built-in Transducer Mount that will also greatly enhance your fishing experience.

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It comes with Vantage CT seats that feature a 3-level height adjustment and can be reclined to a preferred angle for all day comfort. The kayak seating features lumbar support that provides superior comfort and support regardless of your sailing angle. That means you can stay out all day and remain comfortable all throughout. These seats are also quick-drying and can be substituted as beach chairs.

Features of the Hobie Tandem Island

This so-called kayak comes with a ton of premium features that offer great convenience and versatility. You will absolutely have a whole lot of fun on your water adventure because of this sailing kayak. It features two MirageDrives, one in the front and one in the back, which allows for increased speed and ease of use.

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The Mirage Drive technology gives you the option of pedaling the Hobie Tandem Island Sail kayak when the sail is up and furled, once again enhancing your kayaking experience.

That’s not the complete package; it also comes with two sets of paddles for quick steering situations, which can be stored on the akas when they’re not being used. You also have the option of using the rudder steering controls in the front and rear cockpits.

The Hobie Tandem Island Sail is an incredibly designed kayak that allows you to paddle, sail, fish, and pedal with great ease and with maximum speed. Its pedal power makes it much faster when compared to most tandem kayaks on the market. With its 3 superior forms of propulsion, you don’t have to panic when the wind stops blowing.

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Also offering exceptional performance are the roller-furling systems and vertical battens, which provide a boomless surface sail and better lift. The retractable centerboards are expertly designed to reduce lateral slip, also ensuring a smooth ride. These centerboards basically fold up against the side of the Hobie Tandem Island Sail to ensure easy docking and transport, as well as maneuverability.

Storage

The Hobie Tandem Island comes with sufficient storage hatches, including four mesh-covered storage pockets, two molded-in rod holders, and 4 cup holders. There are bungee cords in the rear for extra storage that needs to be secured in place. One of the seats can also be removed, thus creating more room if you are going solo.

There are three twist and seal hatches, all three measuring 8″, as well as a very roomy bow hatch. You can purchase trampolines for the Hobie Tandem Island Sail for extra storage, and they can also be used to lay on, prevent water from spraying into the cockpits, or to invite kids or dogs along! They are made of a strong vinyl mesh that can be firmly tied to the kayak for reliable security.

Truly, this sailing kayak lives up to its name: a kayak that you can sail in & even use a trampoline!

Pros

Two MirageDrives and rudder controls in the front and rear for dual steering
Multiple storage options with the option to add more
It is sturdy, durable frame construction for long lasting use
Excellent performance, versatility, and stability, which is made apparent in this Hobie Tandem Island review
Hobie Tandem Island kayak is faster than most kayaks, easily maneuverable
Vantage CT seats with lumbar support that are easily adjustable
Optional 8-gallon live-bait tank for fishing and trampolines for extra storage space
Available in 3 different colors

Check out the Hobie Tandem Island Sail on Amazon!

Cons

It will be too expensive for many people
Too heavy for people to use if they are heading out alone

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Hobie Tandem Island Review Conclusion

The Hobie Tandem Island Sail is, without a doubt, a great sailing machine that will transform the way you paddle, fish, or cruise on the water in luxury. It is sturdy, durable, comfortable, easy to use, and very versatile. Its premium features, whether they are already included or added later, can make this the greatest kayak you will ever buy.

You can fish with a live-bait tank, pedal and paddle when you want exercise, or sail when you want to just relax out on the water.

If you are a beginner, there is nothing to worry about, as the Hobie Tandem Island Sail is perfectly designed for beginners as well as professionals. If you have never sailed before, this is the perfect way to practice the techniques that make sailing much easier and more enjoyable.

So if you are a fishing or water sports fanatic, you will certainly want to try this state-of-the art piece of work, expertly designed just for you.

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PS. Again, tons of information in this Hobie Tandem Island review. For that reason, we have included a video down below so you can see it in motion! Here is a neat video showing it off:

Hobie Adventure Island Sail – Yes! A Kayak That Maneuvers & Sails Well?!

The Hobie Adventure Island Sail is a neat, light multi-hull kayak with a gentle maneuvering capability. This sit-on-top vessel is made with efficiency in mind. The optional addition of a sail makes it is not only capable of sailing, but also fishing and tracking. The kayak introduces personalized handling factors that make it very easy it to operate.

The sailing system of the Hobie Adventure Island Kayak is something that most kayakers would enjoy using. To its credit, the kayak also comes equipped with a transducer for fishing. You can forget about buying transducer lines and going through the hassle of manual fixes. Truly, you will find the Hobie Adventure Island Kayak to be one of a kind “kayak”!

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Let’s further explore these features in this Hobie Adventure Island review:

The Hobie Adventure Island Sail’s Frame

The Hobie Adventure Island kayak has a build that is is quite different, both in form and size. The kayak’s main hull measures 16’7” in length. The outrigger hulls (the Amas), are of relatively the same length as the main hull.

One good thing about the Hobie Adventure Island Kayak is the ease with which you can detach the amas, in case you don’t want the additional support, and for transporting the kayak.

The Hobie Adventure Island Sailing Kayak’s body is made of remolded polyethylene, which gives it a rigid build. The upper bow hull area has a strong pocket to hold the sail’s mast.

On the floor of the Hobie Adventure Island kayak, just below the mast hole, there is a brace that holds the base of the mast in place. This ensures that you can control the sails without the fear of the mast slanting out of place.

[Check out our other Hobie articles: Hobie Pro Angler 12, Hobie Pro Angler 14].

The Hobie Adventure Island is only meant for one person. It provides an elevated seating position that helps to create a good opportunity to paddle. The paddles, based on Hobie’s patented MirageDrive 180 technology, allows for efficient movement in the water. At the same time, it is much easier to paddle than most bicycles, due to its power gearing system.

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Should you need to port the kayak while on shore or generally out of the water, the Hobie Adventure Island kayak has comfy handles for that purpose. There are two handles, one in the front and another at the furthest end of the of the upper stern area.

Features Of The Hobie Adventure Island Kayak

A good kayak has to offer comfort in addition to performance. The Mirage Hobie Adventure Island Sail designers seem to have this in mind all throughout.

To begin with, the Hobie Adventure Island is retrofitted with a comfortable Vantage C seat, which is easily adjustable. It is easy to disengage from the kayak to use somewhere else. Just below the seat, the kayak is built with a Venturi self-draining system that allows excess water in the cockpit to run off into the sea or the lake. Apart from providing you with comfort, this helps to keep the cockpit manageably clean.

The Hobie Adventure Island Sailing kayak also comes fixed with an easy-to-control rudder system. The rudder steering control is close to the kayaker’s seat, and located on the other side is a toggle used for lifting and lowering the rudder into the water.

With two rod holders just behind the kayaker’s seat, the Hobie Adventure Island Sail just became more fun to use. These molded-in holders can be used to hold your fishing rods and nets in place. You can also attach your fishing gaffs (a pole with a hook to help pull in big fish) here and continue with your sail as you await a catch.

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With a retractable mast, you can be sure that transportation and storage of the kayak will not be a problem. Additionally, the furling–mast main sail system allows for maximum control of the Hobie Adventure Island Sail. All you need to know is when to fold and open the sail and you are good to go, as far as speed is concerned. Meanwhile, knowing how to turn the sail with and then against the wind will help you in navigation.

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Is There Sufficient Storage in the Hobie Adventure Island Kayak?

The Hobie Adventure Island Sail has a nice amount of storage areas. First of all, it has the main 8” screw top hatches, one of them being conveniently situated close to the seat. Its position makes it ideal for items that need to be accessed quickly, like raincoats, angler knives, first aid kits, snacks, etc.

The Hobie Adventure Island Sail’s stern hatch is a little bit further from the seat, which might make it hard to access, especially during windy conditions or in unsettled waters. Nevertheless, if you feel safe enough, you can still get to it, even under such conditions.

This particular hatch contains a gear drum which is suitable for stuff that you don’t want to get wet, like items with batteries, cell phones, clothes, shoes, etc. Plastic bag them before you drop them in there, just to be sure.

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Just before you get to the stern hatch, there is an open molded-in cargo area. This area can be used to stores things like bags and hold unused nets in place. To ensure that your items are intact, the cargo of the Hobie Adventure Island Sail is fitted with elastic nylon and fabric straps that are attached to either side of the kayak. On the front side of the kayaker’s seat are two cup holders, one on both sides.

In the cockpit area, there are two meshed stowage pockets on either side of the seat. These are used to hold items that a kayaker might need to use a lot during the sails. These pockets are spacious enough to hold your sunscreen, some binoculars, your cell phone, and other items.

An extra large tank hatch is situated at the extreme end of the Hobie Adventure Island Sail’s bow. This hatch is the best place to store those huge items that are not widely in use, like camping gear. This section’s lid is tightly held in place using the same straps as those used in the cargo area.

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Should you need more space in this beastly boat, you can add an Aka trampoline on either side of the hull to hold your extra items. This is also a good way to increase the Hobie Adventure Island Sail’s buoyancy, if the trampolines are balanced in weight on either side of the vessel.

Pros

Able to achieve high levels of speed due to its sail
The Hobie Adventure Island Kayak Ama, with elongated Akas, give it extra buoyancy
The Hobie Adventure Island kayak MirageDrive 180 system grants easy paddling, unlike the traditional paddling system
A relatively efficient rudder system which is easy to use
The Hobie Adventure Island Sail has multiple storage points, making the Hobie Adventure Island Sail suitable for long trips
The addition of the transducing lines
Comes in 3 colors

Cons

As compared to a number of other kayaks, the Vantage CT seat might be rigid for some
The Hobie Adventure Island Kayak price tag is a little bit on the higher end
Not suited for normal paddling, even when your legs get tired of pedaling, while the sail and hulls are attached
The Hobie Adventure Island Sail has a cockpit that might present quite a challenge to certain users

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Hobie Adventure Island Review Conclusion

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The Hobie Adventure Island Kayak is a serious and fun loving kayaker’s must-get item. It’s comfortable, spacious and has the speed to top other kayaks. However, it does not seem appropriate for just any kayaker, depending on what you want to use a kayak for.

Additionally, the lack of a second space to accommodate a child or pet makes it more of a ‘loner’s choice’. The price tag of the kayak is high, as already mentioned in this Hobie Adventure Island review, but it’s still not the most expensive kayak. And besides, it’s well worth the price, as you can use it for any purpose, whether it’s for fishing, exercise (both pedaling AND paddling), or to just sail along on a lazy peaceful day!

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