I'm looking to buy an outback. Paddled/peddled one the other day and it's definitely the way I want to go. I've gotten a price on a 2013 model but should I wait for the 2014? When do they normally come out?

I've seen the video of the lowrance transponder "port" (for lack of a better term) in the hull and I've HEARD the foot well is flatter to aid in standup fishing. Any other changes anybody knows about? Should I wait and see? I have an 8 footer right now and I'll get back in it if I have to but I'd love to get in an outback sooner rather later. That being said, I'll wait for a little bit if it's worth it.

Regardless i would wait. 2013 will be a little cheaper when the 2014 is out, and if you want the extra add-ons, the 2014 will have them

I think they come out next month (could be very wrong on that)

Yeah, either way I'd wait if it's that close. I got a killer deal on my 2012 Outback brand new since the 2013s were out.

The 2013 already flattened the area to stand on. But yeah, the transducer thing is new and pretty sweet. I'm having to mount mine off the side, so it would be nice.

I don't think it's life-changing though. I think I'd rather save cash on a 2013 once they come out, personally.

Depends on how much $$ difference. Can't go back and add the lowrance transducer mount. And will make the 13's more $$ over time IMO.

I went thru the same thing 2 years ago. I went ahead and bought the 2011. As I recall, I would miss about half of the fall fishing and the newer model was going to be a couple of hundred more.

Will the color you want be available on last years model. There were no steep discounts offered when I bought cause the dealers had very few of them. When I was deciding, the dealer in Dallas did not have the color I wanted and the 2012's had not come out yet. They weren't sure when they would arrive. I ended up getting mine shipped from Austin Kayak. No regrets. I say if you find what you want, go ahead and pull the trigger.

BTW, I am a fat guy, but there is no way I would stand up to fish out of my Outback without outriggers.

I stand in my 2013. I don't prefer to fish that way because I am at the mercy of the wind and don't want to juggle a paddle and fishing pole. Where I do enjoy it is when I use my ParkNPole to stay in one place and fan cast a flat. Then, I prefer to stand and get to work. Much better vision up top. As for the wait or buy question, its really going to be a toss up. Do you have a Lowrance already? Plan to go that way? Are you going to get a Side Scan too? I love my Outback for sure. Would be hard not having it and waiting a few months. Not sure if an estimated delivery date has been sent for the new ones. I will say this though: after seeing the changes from the 2013 to the 2014, it doesn't make me sad to have the 2013.

Kuel

Have you had the chance to demo one yet?

Thanks for the all the input. I have demo'd one. Its the only kayak I've demo'd but I do believe it is what I'm looking for. I like the idea of covering a lot of water with the mirage drive. I don't want to go up in size to the PAs but I want some decent stability and utility.

I don't have a FF at all but that's probably a short term issue. I'm looking at this Elite 4x DSI Model right now. Probably will be the way I go. I've got exactly zero experience with FFs but I'm going off of the communal love for Lowrance.

I'm leaning towards getting the outbacknow, especially since I have the opportunity to take it down to the coast next weekend.