You can back up but only with a paddle, unless you put the mirage drive in backwards lol. I use the hobie when I am going to be trolling and use the malibu mini x when fishing in the shallows.
I have a Malibu Mini-X (fish n dive) and just bought a 2015 Hobie Outback. I tried spring brown fishing in Oswego this year and had a blast. I attached some pictures.
Brad