Sweetwater Fishing Forums
Special Interest => Kayak & Canoe Chat => Topic started by: StevenM on February 27, 2012, 04:11:30 PM
-
This is my new small water kayak. The Hobie Quest 11
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest1111.jpg)
Let’s start off with all the nice stuff by the marketing people of Hobie. Straight from their web page.
Description
This casting kayak has everything you need to fully unwind. The Quest 11’s clean, appendage-free underbody glides on the mere suggestion of water and its svelte hull weight and user-friendly handles make portaging a snap. While versatile enough to please any crowd, the Quest 11’s angler-friendly pedigree includes covered bow stowage, molded rod holders and a stern cargo area that allows you to haul everything from tackle and crate systems to a Hobie Livewell. The only unresolved questions are when and where.
Specifications
Length: 11' 1" / 3.38 m
Width: 29" / .74 m
Hull Weight: 47 lbs / 21.32 kg
Capacity: 300 lbs / 136 kg
Crew: 1
Hull Construction: Rotomolded Polyethylene
Features
Adjustable Deluxe Padded Seat
Two-Piece Paddle w/ On-Hull Storage
Large Covered Bow Hatch
Adjustable Foot Braces
Cargo Area w/ Bungee Tie-Downs
Two Molded-In Rod Holders
8” Twist and Seal Hatch (patent pending) w/ Gear Bucket
Accessory Tray
Mid-Boat Carrying Handles
Options
Twist and Stow Rudder
Bimini
Plug-in Cart
eVolve™ Electric Motor
Livewell
So let’s have a look around this puppy and what I have done to it.
Firstly I basically added a flush mount to the bow of the boat. This houses my Scotty anchor lock.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest114.jpg)
Then on the centre console I have also added a flush mount for a forward rod holder. This is there mainly to hold my rod while I am portaging or dealing with the fish after capture. Its secondary role will and vary rarely will be for trolling. I have added two pad eyes in the screw holes to minimize holes and they act as a base to secure pliers and the such.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest115.jpg)
On the side of the boat I have added two Hobie Horizontal rod holders. At this stage I have only added the tip protectors.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest117.jpg)
I position these so that my short rods fit into the paddle keepers. I will eventually get around to mounting the rear holder sections.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest118.jpg)
A few different angles of the boat
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest116.jpg)
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest1110.jpg)
And from the front. Side pockets are a handy bit of gear. I have removed the standard Hobie seat as I can spend a long day in this style of boat and no manufacturers seating has been good for a 12 hour day in the saddle. I use the surf to summit and this is absolute luxury.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest119.jpg)
You may have noticed that I have made a mod to the Hobie cart. I basically just added two plastic rod holders.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest112.jpg)
They weigh next to nothing and are just zipted to the cart. These really are not for carrying extra rods but my net more than anything.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest113.jpg)
For this style of kayaking that I do, less is more, you don’t need your whole tackle box. If you cant fit your gear into the centre Hobie plastic Tupperware carry case, then you are carrying too much. That includes leader.
I use the pouch behind my seat for my car keys,phone, lure retriever and dunny roll. You don’t need anything else.
I you did want to carry anything inside the yak you have a mountain of space. There is access to inside via the rear, middle and front hatch.
The front hatch is huge and well angled. Here you can see a 6’6” spin rod and 7’ baitcaster that slide in with ease.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest111.jpg)
Couple of shots around the boat. The rear has a replaceable wear skeg.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest1112.jpg)
And nice wide foot print for stability.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest1113.jpg)
Front is sharp and pointy and cuts and glides rather nicely.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest1114.jpg)
Really looking forward to spending many hours in this great little kayak.
So who else is getting one?
Hobie Quest 11 - Ringadingding, the new small water king!
-
Thanks for sharing mate :thanks a sweet looking rig.
That's not a sit in Steve???..... ;)
Mate I'm going to wait until the new OK Tetra's land in Oz & then maybe upgrade my Venus sit on top to one of those. Should be a far better rig for me from the spoof on the spec sheets. Have reserved one of the samples on that are on the water now.
Sorry to hijack mate, will get back on the subject. :NoSpam)
What are the key features that made you decide on the Quest 11?
Cheers
fitz..
-
Looks good mate , though sad to hear you have left the Wilderness Systems brotherhood .
That front hatch is a winner , love the rod storage option for such a short yak .
Cheers,
Dave.
-
The Tarpon was getting on and the big winner was the 20kg of weight and storage options on board.
Love the side pockets (same as I had in my Revo 13) which were handy keeping deck clean yet everything like camera, sunscreen etc close by.
Had a few Paddles in Sel's 13 when he had it and liked the way it went.
This thing slides along better than the ol girl thats for sure.
Now its up to the test of time.
-
Nice fitout mate. No fish finder, I guessing this be intended for river/creek work only.
Wouldn't mind having a test drive sometime.
-
Nice fitout mate. No fish finder, I guessing this be intended for river/creek work only.
Wouldn't mind having a test drive sometime.
Yeah mate, the last one had sounder on it all the time but only put the battery in now and then(harly ever) so no sounder.
Always welcome for a drive mate. Its available next weekend if you want to play. Can drop off if need be.
-
Looks like a great yak Steven, love the rod storage too, your onto a winner there!
SB8
-
.
couldnt help myself. Had to drill some more holes (4) and add some colour into my life.
Nice fit.
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest1115.jpg)
(http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s20/Hi-Yo/Quest1116.jpg)
.
-
You never used the last one Steve why put one on this yak?
-
Are they actually scupper hole bungs or something different ? Look fancier than the standard wedge of foam.
Steve
-
You never used the last one Steve why put one on this yak?
For places like Toonumbah.
ohh and I had a heap of BCF vouchers that I needed to spend before the use by date.
-
Are they actually scupper hole bungs or something different ? Look fancier than the standard wedge of foam.
Steve
Them ones fancy ones. Venturi jobs. Keeps water out but lets water out.