The purchase of any new gear is always an exciting time and gets the fishing juices well and truly flowing. In this case, it was on a grand scale, with the purchase of the new 2015 Hobie Mirage Outback. All of a sudden my mind spiralled into overdrive with all the modifications and retrofittings that I can make to my new toy.
Upgrading from the 2010 Outback, Hobie have continued to improve this vessel with great attention to detail – something we have come to expect from Hobie’s innovation team over the years.
A few impressive features of the outback 15 that got me the most excited included:
VANTAGE CT SEAT
Easily the most angler-pleasing new feature in the Hobie Range is the new VANTAGE CT seat. A modified version of the revolutionary seats found in the Pro Angler range, these seats offer incomparable comfort including seven different seat positions, lumbar support and comfortable 3D mesh to keep you off the hull and dry for as long as possible.
Add to this the fact it has retractable legs so it can be used as a regular chair on land and this ‘super seat’ ticks all the boxes.
MESH STORAGE COMPARTENTS
In the previous models of the Outback the mesh storage pockets were situated in the middle of the hull directly behind the Mirage Drive. Although this was convenient for the angler, whatever gear was stored in there would spend 90% of the time soaked in water, testing the meshes water tolerance.
The Outback now features compartments either side of the angler similar to that found in the Oasis and Outfitter. This means double the space for cameras, scissors, fish grips and any other bits and pieces ensuring they won’t bounce overboard.
Hobie has also released a rubber style mesh similar to that found in the EGO nets to replace the standard mesh, which had a propensity to grab stray hooks and not want to let go.
LARGER, FLATTER STANDING AREA
Hobie have opted for a complete overhaul of the area between the seat and the Mirage Drive, enlarging and flattening the ‘yaks cockpit, making it easier and more stable to stand and deliver.
This has also meant that the 8” Twist and Seal Hatch can be replaced with the larger Rectangle Twist and Seal Hatch, traditionally found in the Pro Angler. This was a no brainer for us, as we made the upgrade before the new craft had even hit the drink.
LOWRANCE READY
No more drilling holes and gooping the transducer inside the hull, as was traditionally done for the last few years.
The Lowrance ready system has made installing a sounder into the Hobie quicker, easier and more effective. The new Lowrance ready system offers a more accurate signal when searching for fish and underwater structure from the Hobie.
PEDAL POWER
Not only have they made the new models a little more colourful, but the new drives now feature Glide Technology.
This new market-leading technology now includes roller bearings to provide a smoother and 10% more efficient ride. This was music to our ears, as we routinely spend over 12 hours at a time plying our trade in these floating bathtubs.
