Apples to apples Hobies are not much more than comparable models like the Native Titan and such. The 180 drive is bulletproof. The fins lay flat against the hull so you don’t have to worry about getting tangled in grass. I love my Nucanoe Frontier 12 and I chose it over a Hobie due to Parkinson’s and balance issues. But wish I had gone with a PA 14 if it wasn’t for the weight and I feel like the frontier is even more stable.
Hi Takeum,
I'm not sure why you'd assume that Hobie kayaks are more expensive. The majority of the kayaks I see today are made with plastic, but many brands still use fiberglass as well. It depends on what the brand is trying to achieve with their craftsmanship.
There are some people who believe that fiberglass is better because it's lighter than plastic, but I think this is a false assumption. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to the manufacturer to decide which material best suits their needs. For example, if they want a lightweight boat that will be cheap and easy to make, then they may choose plastic over fiberglass. But if they want something that will last longer and hold up better in rough waters or against wear-and-tear from frequent use (like an ocean kayak), then they might choose fiberglass instead because it's stronger than plastic and less likely to chip or break down over time.