The new Sportsman inflatable builds on Hobie’s long line of standup paddleboards. The surf company didn’t rest on its laurels when designing this new board for anglers and hunters. Instead, expert engineering worked with pro staff and consumers to design a board perfect for any outdoors person.
The biggest difference is a three-chamber design with a flat center platform and two outer chambers that act as pontoons to improve tracking and stability. The outer chambers inflate to 10 psi while the drop-stitched center chamber can be pumped up to 15 psi for a rock-solid platform that won’t bend or fold under pressure.
On the water, the inflatable design performs like a hard board. The platform is solid and stable. I could easily stand on one foot, move toward the bow or stern, even turn around and fish facing backwards. Paddling the Sportsman is easy; I was surprised how quickly the board glides across the water. Despite the pontoons, the board is low to the water and hardly affected by wind or current. Two smaller skegs and an 8.5-inch center fin keep the board paddling straight. Since the Sportsman is less than 11 feet long, it is easy to navigate into tight places and fit in any angler’s arsenal.
Hobie packed the Sportsman with bells and whistles that make it a formidable fishing or hunting weapon. The camo color scheme is eye catching without standing out. Bungees in the bow and stern will hold a tackle box or small cooler. D-rings positioned across the board make it easy to attach additonal bungees and tie downs. Add RAM Mount’s adhesive bases to install rod holders, camera mounts and other accessories.
EVA foam padding covers most of the deck to improve traction and reduce fatigue. Velcro loops in the bow, stern and on the deck are convenient handholds and provide more tie-down points. Skid plates on the bottom of the board resist abrasion so the angler can paddle over oyster bars, rocks and submerged timber with impunity. The board is built of puncture resistant fabric that repels fishhooks and other pointy objects.
The whole package, including three-piece paddle, pump, patch kit and board comes in a carry case with backpack straps. Using the standard floor pump, the board inflates in 10 minutes and deflates and packs away in less than five minutes.
The Sportsman is an easy option for quick trips in skinny water. The inflatable performs as well as a similar hard board with the advantage of easy storage and lighter weight. Hobie’s Sportsman is a perfect fit for any angler looking to get on the water more often.
This article was first published in the Spring 2015 issue of Kayak Angler. Subscribe to Kayak Angler Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.
