Read the backstory, shop my gear, and more at www.KayakFishingAddict.com Please let me know any tips you have for rigging or any questions you may have about how I rigged my 2019 Hobie Compass!
Thanks for sharing. You and I agree that "less is more". Love the "geriatric foam pad" ...lol... but I think that one needs a picture. I was recently up in Jax, but not with my yak. The waters look inviting up there!
Hey! Can you make a video or explain how you load this Hobie compass into your truck bed? Specifically the tie down points and where you run your straps through. I’m hearing it’s not a good idea to run the strap through the mirage drive hole
@@ryanflores7624 Hi Ryan, thanks for the question. The video shows the Carabiner I have on the front nose with the dog strap. I have a 6' bed that is 8' when the tailgate is down. I slide the Compass in backwards until it hits the front of the bed. I then use two straps that extend from the hooks on either side of the bed nearest the tailgate to that same carabiner. Hope that helps.
Thanks so much for the rig run down. I’m buying a compass next week and my ideas for rigging are like yours, to keep everything minimal to preserve the kayaks qualities as a light, manoeuvrable and fast kayak. Your thinking has helped me dial in the priorities. Cheers
For the seat bar.. You could use one of those pool noodles cut to length or the ones they use to wrap water pipes in. You can find them at Lowes or Home Depot.
Great job on the kayak 👍. I did a little mod to my seat that elevated the seat just about 3 inches without drilling or compromising the kayak at all. All I did was make a bracket that slides in the place where the seat goes and the seat just rests on the bracket that I made. I also took a 6 gallon milk crate and cut it down to fit under the seat for my under seat storage tray. Love the compass especially the weight of the kayak. Pretty fast too.
I like Hobie Compass! I would suggest carrying an NRS hand bilge pump ($19) God forbid the kayak flip or the hatches start taking on water when the wind kicks up.
Thanks for the tip. I have noticed that I've had to sponge out a little water on the inside from time to time but it hasn't been enough to worry me just yet. Interestingly, I never had to do that with my Pescador Pro.
I just bought this model. Thanks for posting this video. You kept it clean and simple with minimal alterations which were very effective at the same time. well done. My biggest concern is moving the circular hatch to the front and adding the rectangular hatch but it needs to be done. Probably because this requires cutting into the boat. I also want to add another circular hatch in the back so i can maximize storage but same concern.
Glad I could help! You've got a great boat there. One thing you can always do is bring it to a Hobie dealer. If you buy the square hatch and some accessories from them they will likely install everything for free!
ua-cam.com/video/LNgVcYqITFc/v-deo.html Yeah, I'd be worried about cutting into my boat too. Hobie has a great video on how to do that, I'm tempted after watching that - but I'll probably get hubby's help (lol). :-D I don't own a Hobie yet, but I'm watching as many vid's as I can. Being of the female persuasion, loading the kayak onto my Toyota Hilux (so it's up over my head) is my biggest fear. Currently own a Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 (10.5' and 48lbs) - And I can load that by myself. I'm thinking about the Passport 12' atm. Thanks for your question - that's what I was wondering too.
To lighten the load get rid of the heavy cooler and go with the Igloo cooler Measures OD 18"Lx12"Wx13"D you can install padeyes on the front and back and install bungees and hooks from Hobie mag and will lock onto your aft cleats.
Thanks for the tips. I've never thought about the Engel 30 Qt drybox as being heavy. If you see me struggle with it in my videos it's likely because it's full of water, ice packs, and fish :). That's the only time it's heavy. That said, I'll have to compare it. The Engel is 19.5"L x 12.5"W x 14.25" D....so just a tad bigger than the Igloo. One of these days I may look into cleats, but right now I don't have much of a use for them.
Thank you. I've enjoyed the efficiency of loading and unloading although I've added two cameras now and wiring for them to the battery....I've got another video on my latest GoPro setup...it's still pretty quick. Weim's are great...we love ours!
Hi Kris. Thanks for watching and subscribing! You'll like the 2020 Compass as it comes with Kick-Up fins....that will save you from having to straighten out bent rods on the drives. Enjoy!
Great review of your set up. Just brought the same color compass home. I did have the rectangle hatch installed and the circular hatch moved up front by the dealer, great addition. I drove by your fishing area recently. It looked good.
You're right, two carabiners and you're likely all set. Great idea! Of course, Hobie could just put a few more inches on the straps and that would solve the problem too.
Thanks! And thanks for subscribing :). It's the 30 quart cooler/dry box. You can fit a larger one on, especially if you turn it the other way. I used this same cooler on my old yak.
The fins are about 11" in length and extend down about 1" - so, depending on how much the load on the yak is you need just over 1' of depth to perform a full stroke. Anything under that and you'll need a flutter stroke.
@@hanoitripper1809 yes they do. You can’t go wrong with either boat, but be sure to watch this video - ua-cam.com/video/jhB_oeiYprQ/v-deo.html - before you decide. In it I describe why I upgraded to an Outback and compare it to the Compass.
No. I did not do that install myself, my Hobie dealer did. I suggest getting that one done when you purchase the Kayak. When you do it that way, all of the installs are free...at least at my Hobie dealer they are.
Hi Clay. Interesting idea but I haven't even thought about getting them. I don't need the extra inch or so those give as I put my tackle in the square hatch right there at my seat. It seems they would allow for a plano tackle case, like I use, to slide under the seat, but accessibility is much better in a hatch where I can see what I'm looking for. They don't seem to give you too much more visibility in seating position, but again, I haven't tried them to know. I also haven't shopped them, but doesn't $95/set on their website seems steep for what they are/do? I'm thinking a product like this should be in the $20-$29.99/set range. What about you? Do you have them? Love them? Hate them?
@@KayakFishingAddict I also think that the price is steep. Probably double of what it should be. I’m pretty sure I could make the same thing out of some scrap 2x4 laying around. But for me, I use larger planos and I don’t think they would fit in the storage hatch. And no I don’t have them, I am still waiting for the dealer to get my 2021 compass camo in lol.
@@kawasakidirtrider You'll love that boat! I know what you mean... I have one of those larger, flatter, plano's. Did you get the square hatch mod? If so, maybe consider switching to the smaller plano's for tackle storage. You can see those on my gear page gear.KayakFishingAddict.com - I use 4 of the smaller ones now. It's just something to think about. I use the larger plano at home to store my unused or not used frequently items. Tight lines!
They always give us interesting choices don't they? Personally I'd stick with the horizontal hatch. But why? It's because I use it as a tackle box and I'm always opening it out on the water. I think if it opened from left to right I'd always be hitting my right leg with the door. I like the way my horizontal hatch works. I can crack it open, grab the pliers, or put them back without an issue. That said, I've never used the "vertical" hatch ....the one that hinges on the short edge....so take that for what it's worth. I have a pocket full of pennies that I share two at a time :).
Is this kayak as safe as the Outback in open rough water? Reason I ask, is I live in Colorado. It is impossible to avoid 30-40mph winds and waves if you fish consistently. My older Outback does fine in white caps.
You may have to email Hobie or call your local dealer to ask that question. What I can tell you is that I've been out in choppy water with high winds and I've had no problems. But I've never been in an Outback in order to compare it. My guess is that the Outback, sincie it's heavier, would do even better. That said, if I'm out in those conditions I'm usually on my way back to the launch.
I have a compass and a garmin striker 4. Wondering what ram mount you used to secure it? I can't find any info online, people seem to skip over how they mount it. Any info appreciate. Thanks!
Sure. The mount is two different pieces both by RAM. The ball track mount is www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FE66K86. And the rest of the mount is www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QD8PUM. Everything else comes with the Garmin.
Thanks, I like it. The stability is pretty good, although it takes some getting used to. If you catch some of my more recent videos you see me standing and fishing. Like most yaks it will wobble, but once it hits a certain tilt it stabilizes...I notice you have to try it out until you trust it and then you can stand up and fish.
Hi Joan. I put reusable ice packs in there. When I catch the first fish I want to keep, I make an ice slurry by adding water, and then after bleeding out the fish, it goes in the ice slurry until the end of my trip. It comes with a little tray bucket that I use to scoop the water into it. Before you catch fish it will also keep your lunch or beverage of choice nice and cold. Some people use them to keep other things dry. It's a dry box/cooler.
You obviously catch more fish than us. Plus I do lots of catch and release. Also what do you use to connect the Garmin striker to the h track? I got the striker 4 set up today...thanks for those Lowes part #'s!
Keep watching my videos and you'll likely catch more fish than I do Joan! I added the two links into the description for the mounts...it was a bit complicated to figure that out so I thought I'd add them there. Essentially you need a gear track to RAM track ball component (see description), and then you need a universal RAM mount (see description), and you'll need the base plate that comes with the garmin.
Read the backstory, shop my gear, and more at www.KayakFishingAddict.com
Please let me know any tips you have for rigging or any questions you may have about how I rigged my 2019 Hobie Compass!
Thanks for sharing. You and I agree that "less is more". Love the "geriatric foam pad" ...lol... but I think that one needs a picture. I was recently up in Jax, but not with my yak. The waters look inviting up there!
Hey! Can you make a video or explain how you load this Hobie compass into your truck bed? Specifically the tie down points and where you run your straps through. I’m hearing it’s not a good idea to run the strap through the mirage drive hole
@@ryanflores7624 Hi Ryan, thanks for the question. The video shows the Carabiner I have on the front nose with the dog strap. I have a 6' bed that is 8' when the tailgate is down. I slide the Compass in backwards until it hits the front of the bed. I then use two straps that extend from the hooks on either side of the bed nearest the tailgate to that same carabiner. Hope that helps.
@@KayakFishingAddict thank you! I’ll try it out :)
Thanks so much for the rig run down. I’m buying a compass next week and my ideas for rigging are like yours, to keep everything minimal to preserve the kayaks qualities as a light, manoeuvrable and fast kayak. Your thinking has helped me dial in the priorities. Cheers
I’m really glad it helped, thanks for watching and commenting. Tight lines!
For the seat bar..
You could use one of those pool noodles cut to length or the ones they use to wrap water pipes in. You can find them at Lowes or Home Depot.
Thanks for the tip!
Great job on the kayak 👍. I did a little mod to my seat that elevated the seat just about 3 inches without drilling or compromising the kayak at all. All I did was make a bracket that slides in the place where the seat goes and the seat just rests on the bracket that I made. I also took a 6 gallon milk crate and cut it down to fit under the seat for my under seat storage tray. Love the compass especially the weight of the kayak. Pretty fast too.
That sounds like an amazing modification! Thanks for sharing.
I like Hobie Compass! I would suggest carrying an NRS hand bilge pump ($19) God forbid the kayak flip or the hatches start taking on water when the wind kicks up.
Thanks for the tip. I have noticed that I've had to sponge out a little water on the inside from time to time but it hasn't been enough to worry me just yet. Interestingly, I never had to do that with my Pescador Pro.
Love your setup, very clean and simple . Great Job & Great Video . Thank You 👍👍
Steven Werth Thanks!
I just bought this model. Thanks for posting this video. You kept it clean and simple with minimal alterations which were very effective at the same time. well done. My biggest concern is moving the circular hatch to the front and adding the rectangular hatch but it needs to be done. Probably because this requires cutting into the boat. I also want to add another circular hatch in the back so i can maximize storage but same concern.
Glad I could help! You've got a great boat there. One thing you can always do is bring it to a Hobie dealer. If you buy the square hatch and some accessories from them they will likely install everything for free!
ua-cam.com/video/LNgVcYqITFc/v-deo.html
Yeah, I'd be worried about cutting into my boat too.
Hobie has a great video on how to do that, I'm tempted after watching that - but I'll probably get hubby's help (lol).
:-D
I don't own a Hobie yet, but I'm watching as many vid's as I can.
Being of the female persuasion, loading the kayak onto my Toyota Hilux (so it's up over my head) is my biggest fear.
Currently own a Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 (10.5' and 48lbs) - And I can load that by myself.
I'm thinking about the Passport 12' atm.
Thanks for your question - that's what I was wondering too.
@@KayakFishingAddict - Great video!! I'm a new Sub.
:-D
@@ShazBookOwl Awesome. Welcome to the channel!
To lighten the load get rid of the heavy cooler and go with the Igloo cooler Measures OD 18"Lx12"Wx13"D
you can install padeyes on the front and back and install bungees and hooks from Hobie mag and will lock onto your aft cleats.
Thanks for the tips. I've never thought about the Engel 30 Qt drybox as being heavy. If you see me struggle with it in my videos it's likely because it's full of water, ice packs, and fish :). That's the only time it's heavy. That said, I'll have to compare it. The Engel is 19.5"L x 12.5"W x 14.25" D....so just a tad bigger than the Igloo. One of these days I may look into cleats, but right now I don't have much of a use for them.
If I had a way to send you pics of it I would I got rid of my yeti do to the weight
Just got a compass and was looking at other people’s mods, came across this video, love it man. New sub
Welcome to the channel Peter. Congrats on the yak! Thanks for subscribing and commenting!
Good video, I like your simplistic approach to add on's and not overloading the kayak with gear. Love the dog as well, we've had Weim's for years.
Thank you. I've enjoyed the efficiency of loading and unloading although I've added two cameras now and wiring for them to the battery....I've got another video on my latest GoPro setup...it's still pretty quick. Weim's are great...we love ours!
Just purchased my new kayak this seasons. Great idea on the hatch switch. Just added that to my bucket list. God bless my friend. Be safe..
Congrats on the new yak! Tight lines.
Thanks for this. I’m shopping for a new kayak and I’m leaning towards a Compass. I like the box in front of the seat idea. Cheers....
Hi Kris. Thanks for watching and subscribing! You'll like the 2020 Compass as it comes with Kick-Up fins....that will save you from having to straighten out bent rods on the drives. Enjoy!
Great review of your set up. Just brought the same color compass home. I did have the rectangle hatch installed and the circular hatch moved up front by the dealer, great addition. I drove by your fishing area recently. It looked good.
Thanks. You'l love your new yak! I'm sure you'll spot me out there. Thanks for commenting!
I love the minimalist approach! Super clean
Thanks. I've found that that approach has served me well.
great setup! i just got my brand new compass and your video really helped me to choose what to buy and use :)
Glad I could help!
Very detailed, Thinking about buying one of these. Great video, thx
Glad it was helpful! You won't be sorry if you pick one up!
Great video! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Rob. I’m glad you found it helpful.
That Garmin striker 4 is the best value!
Agreed.
Great video, thanks
Glad you enjoyed it!
you have a cool rig!
Thanks!
Excellent video my friend.🤙🤙
Thanks William. I'm glad it was helpful.
Alsways enjoy
New subscriber
Thanks
Welcome to the channel Greg!
carabiner clip is an easy fix for the seat back adjustment.
You're right, two carabiners and you're likely all set. Great idea! Of course, Hobie could just put a few more inches on the straps and that would solve the problem too.
@@KayakFishingAddict I agree and have the same issue.
OMG
Dog leash. Brilliant!
It worked out great
Great video man! I've watched it a few times now to get mine all setup similarly. What size Engel cooler is that?
Thanks! And thanks for subscribing :). It's the 30 quart cooler/dry box. You can fit a larger one on, especially if you turn it the other way. I used this same cooler on my old yak.
Thank you At what depth of water do you have to stop pedaling? I like the minimal gear you bring. Thanks again
The fins are about 11" in length and extend down about 1" - so, depending on how much the load on the yak is you need just over 1' of depth to perform a full stroke. Anything under that and you'll need a flutter stroke.
@@KayakFishingAddict thank you
Really helpful. Thank you!
Hi Matt. Glad it helped!
Nice set up 🤙Did u ever get the sinking of the hull after adding the square hatch?
I did not. Just make sure the support blocks in the hull are positioned properly and you shouldn’t have issues.
@@KayakFishingAddict ah cool. do the support blocks come with the compass? I’m yet to buy my 1st one.. I’m deciding on the Outback or compass
@@hanoitripper1809 yes they do. You can’t go wrong with either boat, but be sure to watch this video - ua-cam.com/video/jhB_oeiYprQ/v-deo.html - before you decide. In it I describe why I upgraded to an Outback and compare it to the Compass.
Can you do an indept video of each install especially the power supply and fish finder. Thanks
Great idea. Thanks! I'll add it to my TODO list.
Very good. 👍🏻👍🏻👊
Glad it was helpful.
@@KayakFishingAddict Yes great video, I liked the tape to help stand up. I will join.
@@trairasaventuras9920 Happy to hear that. Welcome to the channel!
Hi nice set up. What length is your kayak?
Thanks. I no longer have that kayak but it’s a 12’ kayak. I fish an Outback now and it is 12’9” - ua-cam.com/video/jhB_oeiYprQ/v-deo.html
If I can before a kayak like that I can only imagine
I wish they were more affordable! Keep an eye out for used ones on craigslist.
Did you make a video how to install your square box and remove the circle box to the front?
No. I did not do that install myself, my Hobie dealer did. I suggest getting that one done when you purchase the Kayak. When you do it that way, all of the installs are free...at least at my Hobie dealer they are.
Have you thought about getting the BerleyPro seat risers?
Hi Clay. Interesting idea but I haven't even thought about getting them. I don't need the extra inch or so those give as I put my tackle in the square hatch right there at my seat. It seems they would allow for a plano tackle case, like I use, to slide under the seat, but accessibility is much better in a hatch where I can see what I'm looking for. They don't seem to give you too much more visibility in seating position, but again, I haven't tried them to know. I also haven't shopped them, but doesn't $95/set on their website seems steep for what they are/do? I'm thinking a product like this should be in the $20-$29.99/set range. What about you? Do you have them? Love them? Hate them?
@@KayakFishingAddict I also think that the price is steep. Probably double of what it should be. I’m pretty sure I could make the same thing out of some scrap 2x4 laying around. But for me, I use larger planos and I don’t think they would fit in the storage hatch. And no I don’t have them, I am still waiting for the dealer to get my 2021 compass camo in lol.
@@kawasakidirtrider You'll love that boat! I know what you mean... I have one of those larger, flatter, plano's. Did you get the square hatch mod? If so, maybe consider switching to the smaller plano's for tackle storage. You can see those on my gear page gear.KayakFishingAddict.com - I use 4 of the smaller ones now. It's just something to think about. I use the larger plano at home to store my unused or not used frequently items. Tight lines!
What is your opinion of vertical hatch vs horizontal hatch?
They always give us interesting choices don't they? Personally I'd stick with the horizontal hatch. But why? It's because I use it as a tackle box and I'm always opening it out on the water. I think if it opened from left to right I'd always be hitting my right leg with the door. I like the way my horizontal hatch works. I can crack it open, grab the pliers, or put them back without an issue. That said, I've never used the "vertical" hatch ....the one that hinges on the short edge....so take that for what it's worth. I have a pocket full of pennies that I share two at a time :).
Is this kayak as safe as the Outback in open rough water? Reason I ask, is I live in Colorado. It is impossible to avoid 30-40mph winds and waves if you fish consistently. My older Outback does fine in white caps.
You may have to email Hobie or call your local dealer to ask that question. What I can tell you is that I've been out in choppy water with high winds and I've had no problems. But I've never been in an Outback in order to compare it. My guess is that the Outback, sincie it's heavier, would do even better. That said, if I'm out in those conditions I'm usually on my way back to the launch.
I have a compass and a garmin striker 4. Wondering what ram mount you used to secure it? I can't find any info online, people seem to skip over how they mount it. Any info appreciate. Thanks!
Sure thing. gear.KayakFishingAddict.com look in the Kayak Accessories category. It contains everything on my Kayak! Tight lines.
@@KayakFishingAddict Thank you sir! This helped a ton.
@@andrewcox7179 You’re welcome.
What is the name of the box behind the seat. Thanks
That's a 30 quart Engel Cooler Dry/Box. www.engelcoolers.com/shop/cooler-dry-boxes.html
Will u do a link for the fish finder mount I have the garmin same as u I’m going to do ur installation video thanks
Sure. The mount is two different pieces both by RAM. The ball track mount is www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FE66K86. And the rest of the mount is www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QD8PUM. Everything else comes with the Garmin.
Thank you:)
@@IAmHere.. You're very welcome. Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Nice setup! How is the stability when getting out of the chair, standing on the deck, and sitting back down?
Thanks, I like it. The stability is pretty good, although it takes some getting used to. If you catch some of my more recent videos you see me standing and fishing. Like most yaks it will wobble, but once it hits a certain tilt it stabilizes...I notice you have to try it out until you trust it and then you can stand up and fish.
Are you using the Nocqua 4.4 AH or 10.0 AH?
I'm using the 10ah version. I currently run my fish finder (Garmin Striker 4) and two GoPro cameras off of it.
what do you put in that 30qt cooler?
Hi Joan. I put reusable ice packs in there. When I catch the first fish I want to keep, I make an ice slurry by adding water, and then after bleeding out the fish, it goes in the ice slurry until the end of my trip. It comes with a little tray bucket that I use to scoop the water into it. Before you catch fish it will also keep your lunch or beverage of choice nice and cold. Some people use them to keep other things dry. It's a dry box/cooler.
You obviously catch more fish than us. Plus I do lots of catch and release. Also what do you use to connect the Garmin striker to the h track?
I got the striker 4 set up today...thanks for those Lowes part #'s!
Keep watching my videos and you'll likely catch more fish than I do Joan! I added the two links into the description for the mounts...it was a bit complicated to figure that out so I thought I'd add them there. Essentially you need a gear track to RAM track ball component (see description), and then you need a universal RAM mount (see description), and you'll need the base plate that comes with the garmin.
Thanks Joan. We love her too....she makes her second staring role appearance in my 5 tips video: ua-cam.com/video/KPZeLR3qgwQ/v-deo.html