Hobie Sport vs Revolution 11 (in speed)

[samm]

I am planning to buy a Hobie Revolution 11 because it is faster than my Hobie Sport. I am interested to hear from anyone who has had experience with both to get an idea of how much of a difference there is between the two.

I currently have a Sport and an Ocean Kayak Scrambler. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to take them both out when my brother-in-law was visiting. It was then while we were both pedaling/paddling side by side that I realized how much faster the Scramber is than the Sport.

I am not so much concerned with speed as I am with efficiency. That is, using the same amount of energy I should be able to travel a longer distance. Also, the Rev11 should be able to cut through windy conditions easier.

I tried a Rev11 last weekend but I was by myself and so unable to do a side by side comparison but it felt faster than my Sport.

Before I bought the Sport I considered the Rev13 but I found it was just a bit too heavy for me to handle so I selected the Sport. My theory is that Hobie designed the Rev11 for people that are on the lower end of the weight scale like myself so I suspect the Rev11 will suit me well but it would be good to get some opinions from those who have experience with both the Sport and Rev11.

Thanks,

Sam.

[solatree]

The Sport might be just a tad slower...but it has much more mojo.

[Drew]

Revo 11 with turbo fins

the Sport is a little noisier on the water also...

[samm]

Just ran across the following post on a Hobie forum which compares the Rev11 and the Sport (http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopi ... 1&start=30):

"Keep in mind that I prioritize speed, range and and weather capabilities and am not a fisherman. I'm about your size though (5'10" 180).

The Sport has the Outback's tray system -- that may be an advantage to you. On the othr hand, the Revo 11 has a bow hatch and much better interior access.

On a head to head basis, here's my comparison:

Compact transport and storage -- Sport by 1 1/2 feet
Weight -- Sport by 2 or 3 lb.
Ease of loading -- I can't tell the difference; both excellent
Cockpit space, size, weight capacity -- Revo 11 by a substantial margin
Pedaling efficiency-- Revo 11 definitely at our height
Initial stability -- small edge to Sport
Secondary or final stability -- small edge to R11
Speed/range -- R11 by a wide margin
Seaworthiness (wind and chop) -- R11 by a mile
Turning/maneuverability -- both excellent
Quiet operation -- no question the R11 has it, the Sport doesn't
Fun factor -- no comparison. R11 is a blast!

Bottom line -- I sold my Sport to get an R11. The Revo 11 is a dynamite little kayak and feels like a sports car on the water.

The Revo 11 should be able to accommodate any fishing gear add-ons (ram mounts, Scotty mounts, depth finder, bait tank, etc). It only lacks the handy trays that some fishermen like to use.

..."

[Gozz]

Just ran across the following post on a Hobie forum which compares the Rev11 and the Sport (http://www.hobiecat.com/forums/viewtopi ... 1&start=30):

"Keep in mind that I prioritize speed, range and and weather capabilities and am not a fisherman. I'm about your size though (5'10" 180).

The Sport has the Outback's tray system -- that may be an advantage to you. On the othr hand, the Revo 11 has a bow hatch and much better interior access.

On a head to head basis, here's my comparison:

Compact transport and storage -- Sport by 1 1/2 feet
Weight -- Sport by 2 or 3 lb.
Ease of loading -- I can't tell the difference; both excellent
Cockpit space, size, weight capacity -- Revo 11 by a substantial margin
Pedaling efficiency-- Revo 11 definitely at our height
Initial stability -- small edge to Sport
Secondary or final stability -- small edge to R11
Speed/range -- R11 by a wide margin
Seaworthiness (wind and chop) -- R11 by a mile
Turning/maneuverability -- both excellent
Quiet operation -- no question the R11 has it, the Sport doesn't
Fun factor -- no comparison. R11 is a blast!

Bottom line -- I sold my Sport to get an R11. The Revo 11 is a dynamite little kayak and feels like a sports car on the water.

The Revo 11 should be able to accommodate any fishing gear add-ons (ram mounts, Scotty mounts, depth finder, bait tank, etc). It only lacks the handy trays that some fishermen like to use.

..."

Which one out of the two do you think handles choppy water better and which one is dryer.
Thanks.

[samm]

The comparison above was made by someone on the Hobie forum I only copied it here.

I have a Sport and I tested a Rev11 and based on that I would say the Sport is noticeably drier than the Rev11. According to the article above "Seaworthiness (wind and chop) -- R11 by a mile".

Sam.

[solatree]

Which one out of the two do you think handles choppy water better and which one is dryer.

Can't speak for a Revo 11. I can say that the little Sport is surprisngly seaworthy - quite happy in it in waves I would not enjoy in a tinny. In a short chop with wind, it is however a wet ride - not from waves over the side, but wind spray from the bow. Best advice, as always, is try before you buy. I expect that if I had a Revo 11, I would miss the Sport's wonderful utility trays where I put bait, tackle, pliers plus its ease of adding rod holders, sounders etc - and its stability. Going back to the Sport from the Revo 11 - I expect I would miss the Revo's slightly quicker speed and quieter (and maybe direr) ride in short chop.

[Squidley]

Andrew, have you ever worked out what's the most weight you've loaded on the sport? I've weighed everything that I might take on a trip and come to 105 kg as a safe figure and that's basically what's made me look more to the revo 11. Do you get close to, or exceed the capacity?

[solatree]

Brother Mark - in my Sport - he says he weighs 87 kg

But I reckon he's closer to 90 kg - he caught a tailor ! And there was plenty of freeboard.

Mark is bigger than you Chris.

[Squidley]

I thought Brother Mark was how you referred to Olddood
That's encouraging, when I get around to trying a hobie I'll give the sport a whirl with weights on board. That was a crazy thing to catch in SA by the way, I'd wonder how far I drifted.

[solatree]

I thought Brother Mark was how you referred to Olddood

Nah.. OldDood is Dunny - Brother Mark is my brother, Mark ! As it turns out, brother Mark, who lives in Perth, has now bought a Revo 13. He's just under 6ft - but has long legs - fitted in the Sport OK with the pedals at their longest adjustment.