I haven't kayaked for about 10 yrs but am going to get back into it for fishing. I am currently looking at the Malibu Kayaks X-Factor with the X-wing package (console for electronics,rod holders).   I plan on using this for pretty much just fishing. Ease of entry is important since I am 6'2" and 290lbs and have a really bad leg. I plan on having this for a long time so I don't mind spending big money for quality and convenience.  I have also looked at the Hobie Mirage Outback SUV with the pedal drive system, I am going to find a local dealer so I can see it in person.  Any input will be appreciated, thanks.
Lifetime member NAFC

before i bought my canoe i was looking at kayaks and the pedal drive for the hobie seems like it would be invaluable while trying tokeep your hands free to fish......when the kids are old enough and i can get rid of the canoe, i will be getting the hobie

SGT Christopher Johnson US Army Presidential Salute Battery NAFC Life Member

Let us know what you decide and how it works.
Lifemember and Bushwacker SMF http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u194/wellsleyny/NAFC_Life_Member1.jpg

If you haven't taken the plunge just yet, let me try to sway you -- Screw the cost! Get the Hobie!!!

I've had mine for this is year seven now and I still love it!! I saw Hank Parker's show from a kayak and I was on line looking that day.

I am sorry I don't have any photos of me in my baby, but she'll go anywhere. My favorite is fishing on Lake Michigan for salmon. With the Mirage Drive I can troll with virtually no exertion (by the way, I'm 6'4" & ~245#).
Using my hand held GPS, I can mark my spots, circle around and go back over the same areas that produced fish, and you have never had as much fun as having a 20# King tow you around!

Hobie has everything you need to get started except the rod, and more assessories than you can emagine. I have a anchor trolley so I can point the boat whatever direction I need to when anchored (the anchor came with the yak). I have a sun shade that folds out if I'm on a hot calm day. I have a fly for over my legs that cuts the wind, rain and spray. I rigged her with a hummingbird depth finder and can secure the battery under the deck where it holds tight.

Let's talk stability - I have never dumped her, except when I wanted to so I could practice getting back in (which is no problem either.)

How about portability - It comes with (of all things) wheels! they fit into the hull and you can roll it almost anywhere. I upgraded to pnuematic wheels, they roll better across sand.

Weight - 62#. I hoist her into the back of my pickup, throw a ratchet strap over and I'm off.

 

In short - The Hobie Outback is worth every penny!!

 

I saw one at the Wichita boat show last month, and didn't think to ask this. Can you detach the drive system to put it on top of a small suv (Saturn Vue)?

You bet, the drive system comes out with the turn of two ... well for lack of a better term... over-sized thumb screws - half a turn on each and it lifts right out.

It comes with a hull plug that you can put in in place of the drive, if you want to go more classic, or if you are really shallow and in the rocks or something. You won't want to mess up the drive, replacement is about 1/3 the cost of the kayak.