How I Got a Hobie Outback for $510: A Side Hustle Success Story

For many anglers, a fishing kayak like the Hobie Outback represents the pinnacle of kayak fishing technology. With their renowned MirageDrive pedal system and outstanding stability, Hobie kayaks – particularly the Outback model – are considered top-tier fishing platforms. However, their premium quality comes with a premium price tag, typically around $3,500 for a new model. But what if I told you there’s a way to get one for a fraction of that cost?

The Journey to My Hobie Outback

As an avid kayak angler, I had my sights set on the Hobie Outback. This fishing kayak offers everything serious anglers need: the innovative 180 MirageDrive with kick-up fins, exceptional stability for stand-up fishing, and plenty of storage for gear. Even on the used market, these kayaks typically sell for around $2,800 – still a significant investment.

The Strategy: Watch Flipping to Fund Fishing

Instead of dipping into retirement savings, I leveraged a side hustle that turned $510 into enough cash to buy a brand new Hobie fishing kayak. Here’s how I did it:

Step 1: Starting Small

• Found a limited-edition Casio watch at a yard sale for $25
• Purchased two additional watches from Facebook Marketplace for $110
• Total investment: $135
• Sold all three watches for $425

Step 2: Scaling Up

• Located an undervalued Tag Heuer Smartwatch ($425)
• Sold for $725
• Found a mislisted Tag Heuer luxury watch ($1,100)
• Flipped it for $2,100

Step 3: The Final Flip

• Acquired a Breitling SuperOcean with watch winder ($2,100)
• Sold separately for total profits of $3,400
• Used proceeds to purchase a brand new Hobie Outback

Key Tips for Successful Flipping

1. Know Your Niche: Understanding watch values and brands was crucial to my success
2. Look for Listing Errors: Wrong model numbers mean less competition
3. Consider Presentation: Poor photos often indicate undervalued items
4. Verify Sellers: When dealing with high-value items, research the seller’s reputation
5. Be Patient: Don’t accept break-even offers if you know your item’s true value

Why Choose a Hobie Fishing Kayak?

The Hobie Outback stands out among fishing kayaks for several reasons:

• Hands-free fishing with the MirageDrive pedal system
• Superior stability for stand-up casting
• Ample storage for tackle and gear
• Excellent tracking and maneuverability
• Durability and build quality
• Strong resale value

I’ve been fishing out of mine for 2 years, and for my use case, I believe I made the right choice. You can read my long-term review here. But if you’re thinking about getting a kayak yourself, you can check out my more detailed analysis of which kayak to get here.

Conclusion: Making Premium Fishing Gear Accessible

While a Hobie fishing kayak might seem out of reach at full retail price, creative funding methods like flipping items in your area of expertise can make it attainable. The key is to start small, reinvest your profits, and leverage your knowledge of specific markets – whether that’s watches, fishing gear, electronics, or any other niche you understand well.

it’s not just the kayak that I purchased this way: 20+ rod and reel combos, hundreds of lures, and a bunch of other fishing accessories all came from my side hustle. These days, all my gear does come from fishing revenue. but the only way I made that a reality was by doing the hard work on the side hustle first.

Remember: while making a living as a flipper is challenging, using this strategy to fund your fishing hobby can be both profitable and enjoyable. With some patience and market knowledge, you too could be pedaling a Hobie fishing kayak without breaking the bank.

Looking to start your own kayak fishing journey? Consider what items or collectibles you know well enough to spot undervalued deals. That knowledge could be your ticket to upgrading your fishing setup.