Hobie kayaks...say what!?

[ful-rac]

My first attempt at a jimdayesqe post!

First off this post is not intended to be negative towards hobie kayaks in fact i believe they are the best overall, in my opinion. The purpose of this post is to be open and honest about hobies, to help inform somebody trying to get into the sport or wanting to switch over to the darkside...or stay a kayak paddle purist.

I was talking to a certain non-hobie user :D today, and his concern was that nobody would openly criticize hobie kayaks in public. So as a former paddle kayak user and current hobie kayak user i will throw out some negatives and positive things that i have found not just with the pro angler but hobie kayaks in general. Feel free to add your own negative or positive experiences. :eek:

The drive:
Lets start with the main part, the drive. There seems to be alot going on with that mirage drive.....cables, pulleys, gears, pins, nuts, screws, cables, shafts, pedals, fins... I've been a pro angler user for about 3 years now and yes i have broken my mirage drive several times over the years, as well as seen others break theirs. I personally have broken the idler wheel, the cable, one of the crank arms, ive had to replace the drums, new set of cables. I have seen others break masts idler cables, stretch out their drive cables...wear out main shafts, set screws come loose, allowing the main shaft to slide out and pin the mirage drive to the kayak...whew! Oh yeah and the dreaded mirage drive click...

So it seems why would someone buy something like this? My answer would be because it works.....most of the time. Yes the mirage drive does break, and it does need care and maintenance, just like anything else. But with proper care and a good kayak shop, it should last many years. Of course a paddle kayak lacks this piece of modern art so it cant break, much to the amusement of the paddle kayaker, "purist".

Storage:
As big as a hobie PA is...where is all the storage....? Can i stick my 50 pound WSB inside this monster of a kayak? Hell no! You gotta strap that sucker down cross your fingers and hope for the best. Hobies are not very good on storage...i remember a certain kayaker...lets call him brett (mtnbiker) caught his personal best halibut, 30 pound class fish. Couldnt carry this thing back in his outback or revo...simply because he had no place to put it for the 3 mile trek back to the launch...so malibu kayak saves the day. At the time i had a stealth 14 and was easily able to stick that sucker inside my hatch along with my fish, with room left over.
Yeah no storage inside my PA, just enough for a jacket, dry box/bag, safty gear little stuff. Did i mention i gaffed it for him too....?

Weight:
Yeah this thing is a beast especially when fully loaded. Granted fully unloaded its not that bad believe it or not. So you end up having to strip it down completely if you want to get it on top of your truck or car. It takes alot of extra time to get everything set up and broken down...at least for me it does...I have found that if you get the right set of really expensive wheeleeze wheels you can move this beast with ease. If you get the wheels balanced just right you could even move it with one finger fully loaded.

Cost:
Yes hobie kayaks are alot more expensive...but two of the reasons why is, quality and service. When you look at a hobie kayak...it just screams quality, sorry "purists". I have to admit, i really didnt like hobies until i owned one. The look and feel to a hobie seems far superior than any other kayak on the market today...my opinion of course. The service is good, not to say other manufacturers service isnt...but ive had my kayak replaced for warranty issues and have seen others replaced for no charge, even when i wouldnt expect them to. (MATT)

Surf Launches and landings:
Oh the dreaded surf launch...the PA does very well in calm conditions but throw in a swell and 3+ foot surf...your going for a ride! :eek: Its always exciting when your launching your PA and it does a 90degree turn right in the "kill zone" for no apparent reason while your launching...yes they dont track good without the rudder down. I personally survived (dont know how) a 5' wave breaking right on my face with my PA...didnt even flip...jim didnt make it though....

Landings can be exciting too, im sure all of you have seen frank wiredantzs video of me eating it in the surf possibly the greatest video of all time. I honestly dont see why its funny but other people seem to think so. That happened because i had lost my paddle earlier in the day bad timing and i got caught in the kill zone with no way to back up or turn around. Since then i havent had any crashes that i can remember....i like to come in sideways and brace into the oncoming waves all the way in, it seems to work.

Fishing:
No you halibut guys cant fish with the butt of the rod under your leg, not gonna happen on the PA. But...you can move along and fish into the wind with the rod in your hand/s instead. Yes you can get the spectra and kelp stuck in your drive fins....just pull your drive out and move on. You might have to go around the kelp instead of plowing thru it like you would on a regular kayak...this really sucks...it could add some mileage to your trip.

Sandwich:
You could eat your busy bee sandwich, drink your beer eat your chips make a phone call send a text, check what stupid shit got posted on BWE (like this post) all while making way to the fishing grounds. That is MONEY

Stand up like a man:
Fight your fish standing up!! Anyways.... Ever want to stand up and pee like a man on your kayak? The PA is your "boat"!

Lowrance Ready:
Lowrance ready is not lowrance ready...WTF? Only the standard 83/200 50/200 fit in the standard lowrance ready slot. Apparently the newer style can fit with some modifiaction...but come on...whos fault is this hobie or lowrance? Otherwise HDS users rejoice! Amazing quality and sight picture. The best mounting soulution in the BIZ!

The seat:
I forgot about the seat...yes the previous generation PA seat was nice but it wasnt all nice...it was nice that there were no arm rests so you could just hop out or sit sideways if you need to. It was not nice that it was a pain in the ass to open the tackle box hatch what ever you call it. It was also not nice that the buckles on the seat would break. Also the straps would eventually give out from the constant wear and adjusting from loosening...

The vantage seat, the only thing that i dont like about the new seat is the arm rests...you cant just jump out of the kayak like you used to. But i can over look that fact because the new seat is awesome! Adjustable comfortable, quickly removeable, rock solid....but comes at an awesome price!!!!$$$$$!!!!!

Now is the PA good for everyone, is it the perfect kayak/boat....NO..but its a damn good one. It has its drawbacks but IMO its positives definitely outweigh its negatives.

I dont care if you didnt ask for my opinion, its mine and im stickn to it!

Im tired....does anybody have any more to add to this nonsense?

Are you happy Anonymous purist kayaker?

[William Novotny]

You said everything in a nutshell. My main con was the huge event prepping to get on the water and the breakdown/ cleaning when I got off. It made my 4 hr morning before work missions impossible andi found myself fishing less. Might be easier for someone with a pickup truck buti was roofing mine on an suv. Had to wait to fish on days off and hope the weather was good. If I had the money and storage I would own both so I could have the luxury of the pa and still have a paddle yak for those quick morning missions. Nothing beats the comfort of that damn seat. My butt misses it...

[FISH11]

It wasn't me! I appreciate you coming clean. It was not me you were speaking with, but as a non Hobie owner, I have always wondered why no Hobie owner would ever say anything negative other the about the seat. There have been many times while launching at La Jolla that I've watched what the PA owners go through trying to get past the surf. I have to admit I chuckled cause it's like someone trying to go out in a Gondola. Standing up trying to paddle until they are deep enough to use the Mirage drive, and god know if a wave hits it off center to the bow, then watch out. Once under way I do admit they go pretty well and yes you can stand up. That is good for casting surface irons and if you have to pee. I have never spent any time watching them surf in, but I would think that might be a good time to sit there with my camera shooting some video. The thing that I see as a big negative is the ridiculous difference in price over all of the competition. That would include all the other brands that now make similar size Kayaks even with some type of pedal drive. The other is how much they weigh compared to others of the same size. The difference is not quality or strength. So thank you FULL-Rack for saying what the others won't. By the way this was not meant as some challenge to those who will be upset someone said something negative about their Hobie. Just my $.02

[kayakfisherman]

I owned a PA-14 for close to a year. I've been fishing from Cobra's
FishnDive for close to 10yrs prior.

This is my first time rendering my opinion(s):

Speed and Performance
The best. Acceleration, turning ability and the glide--just insane.

Going backwards??
You can't. So if you need to back up for any multitude of reasons,
forget it. You've got to make a big circle. And pray you can get back
to the spot if you didn't hit the MOB button.

Over the Kelp??
Kiss that one good bye.

Hands Off Steering??
I call BS. Your one hand has got to be on the steering handle all the
time. Otherwise people think your drunk or endlessly smoking pot
from all your zig-zagging. So tieing knots, eating, playing with the FF, etc,
you can do it, if you willing to zig zag.

Storage??
The worst. Such a huge kayak, such an expensive kayak, and no storage?
I've been camping on the islands off Baja with all my fishing gear, camping
gear and the kitchen sink stuffed inside my kayak.

I've been in the middle of a hot bite catching fish after fish stuffing them
inside my kayak in a matter of seconds. Since I didn't want to waste time
doing anything else beside fish. At the same time, my Hobie neighbors were begging for someone to help them tie up their one fish, behind them. Wasting
time, while they could be still fishing. (Of course I'm not talking about bass)

Here's another example of how the lack of storage can screw you: After catching a trophy my best fishing partner was busy roping, lassoing, hog tieing his yellowtail. Minutes pasted by. A seal noticed half the yellowtail hanging off the side and said to himself, "I must be back in SeaWorld." Grabbed the yellow and flipped the PA-14. Since the yellow was attached to a game clip which was attached to the kayak, hundreds of dollars of gear and one beautiful yellowtail went into the drink. (I won't let him live it down)

Seats with Arm Rests??
What?? I have to have the ability to sit side-saddle, especially when dealing
with bait. Try doing that with arm rests on your seats.

Where to put Trolling Rod Holders??
I need to troll when then pattern calls for it. The big flat black plastic things on the left and right sides of the kayak that are supposedly there to attach your scotty rod holders to, are way too flexible. I always troll with my rods in front of me since I need to see whether my bait or lure is fouled. But watching my rod bouncing up and down constantly drove my nuts. So I decided to do what Hobie Wade did, change the black plastic for thick wood. However, I couldn't remove the attachment screws and neither could the Hobie people since the attachment screw nuts were slipping and inaccessible. Thus, I couldn't have rod holders in front of me.

Bait Tank??
The worst. Yes, Hobie changed the cheap plastic switch shaft for a brass one, but still, the switch is inside the bait tank. Where it's constantly exposed to salt water air. And since the switch is inside the bait tank, you don't notice the corrosion going on--until one day, when you really need it, the switch won't work. That's why anyone who has the bait tank long enough, by passes the switch.

And what happens when your intake is clogged? Nightmare on the water, thats what.

Resonably priced bait tank? Like all Hobie accessories, overpriced.

Paddling??
What happens when the mirage drive fails 2 miles offshore? Paddle?? Or carry an extra mirage drive like Josh does.

Surf Launch??
I've been surfing for 30yrs. I would pray the surf wasn't over 1ft. Launching
or landing. I'd be on the water with a pit in my stomach worried about the surf. Such fun.

Flipping on the water??
You need to be big and strong to re flip a PA-14. Heaven help you if
you're by yourself.

Hobie Service??
I love this one. My kayak leaned to the left when I was sitting or peddling it.
At first I thought it was my FF battery since I put it on the left side near the front. So I put it on the right side. Still leaned to the left. So I took it back. Hobie dealer sat in it with a digital level. And declared, "yes it leans to the left 2degrees. But that's within manufacturers specs. Sorry." WTF??
Screw me once.

Traveling??
Are you Hercules??

Soft bottom??
Such an expensive kayak with cheap thin plastic bottom. You can't throw it
in the back of your pickup, cause the bottom deforms. You can't hang it
over the pick up gate cause you end up with a crease where it hangs over.
You can't lie it flat in your garage since the bottom deforms. Why can't Hobie
make a little less profit and put the money into a thicker plastic, especially on the bottom.

Excerise??
I've been paddling for 10yrs, and at 58 I've got a six pack. I lose 5lbs a day paddling and keep up with--in my FnD--a PA-14 all day long. It's great excerise and I would not trade it for the world.

Standing Up??
You better weigh less than 200lbs, otherwise it time to buy another
expensive Hobie attachment: the stand up bar.

Was I happy when I took a big lose and sold my PA-14??
Happier than a Gay Greek in the Army.

[Drake]

Going backwards??
You can't. So if you need to back up for any multitude of reasons,
forget it. You've got to make a big circle. And pray you can get back
to the spot if you didn't hit the MOB button.



Just put the drive in backwards, it works quite well.

[makobob]

Just put the drive in backwards, it works quite well.

2X FIRST trick you learn, takes 10 seconds. Fishing the rocks in Baja, try staying 100 feet out with your drive in backwards. MUCH easier to cast to rocks AND work your jig back to you. HOOK UP, you have him coming toward you not the rocks. DRAW BACK to that is it is much harder to stay in a straight line as the rudder will quickly pull you off track. BUT it has saved lot's of Cabrilla and Tails!!!!! Try it you might like it.

[619-SWIM-DOG]

Just put the drive in backwards, it works quite well.

Fish smarter not harder....

[Deamon]

"I was talking to a certain non-hobie user :D today, and his concern was that nobody would openly criticize hobie kayaks in public"
Let me take a stab...Greg?

"I personally survived (dont know how) a 5' wave breaking right on my face with my PA...didnt even flip...jim didnt make it though...."
Ummm no need to guess who on this one...ME in my 13' Revolution...my only regret is I didn't have the GoPro turned on. THAT would've been a fun one to watch...

"Landings can be exciting too, im sure all of you have seen frank wiredantzs video of me eating it in the surf possibly the greatest video of all time."
DEFINITELY a great video...Please repost so others can "learn" (and laugh) at this again...PLEASE (someone's got it)!

[Fiskadoro]

My first attempt at a jimdayesqe post!

Not bad :D

[ChristLike]

it does suck the mirage drive doesn't go in reverse unless you take it out and flip it around, but who wants to do that? Just grab your paddle and back up. I believe hobie will be working on a solution.

As for storage, I personally open my front hatch and take out the white tub and stick a large trash bag under it so when I get the trophys I lean forward, lift it up and the fish go into the hull trash bag liner.

steering is nuts
surf launch is fun, coming back sucks big time(currently mastering the reverse technique) coming back in the way I went out being pushed back.

I do not stand up, to many waves
Bathroom issues, well I invented the hobiewanand2konobie.(taking care of) available on BWE

Im strong so the haul is just good exercise for me

I like the seat, its good for jumping out of coming back in.

I keep a 15lb dumbbell in the front of my pa, it helps it come down faster when the waves hit it

im currently working on a solar powered motor for the PA.

[food4less562]

RIP Hobie Alter

[alanw]

I've read about most of these cons before but it's nice to see them all in one place. There's a few new ones I've not heard mentioned before like the zig-zag steering, inconvenient armrests, weak/flexible trolling rod mount, and poor access to clear bait tank intake clogs. I was most surprised to hear about the soft bottom problems of the yak. I know about reversing the drive but to me that is a very poor solution to the reverse problem. This info definitely helps when deciding whether to drop all that cash.

[Fishwhisperer619]

The PA has plenty of room if you plan ahead. I keep my bigger fish laying on the side of the deck where rods would usually lay. Still leashed to a clip of course but out of the way ultimately leaving the drive operational and unaffected.

[steveooo]

I've been paddling for 10yrs, and at 58 I've got a six pack. ..

He ain't kidding!

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d154/bigsteveorr/P1040067-Version2_zps5d77f893.jpg

True story. That picture was taken about 30 seconds before a fox mistakenly ran out of the woods toward Yani. He killed the fox with his bare hands, and made a delicious Greek soup out of it.

In regard to Hobie kayaks (and any other kayak), I think the best thing you can do is try before you buy. Every kayak has its pros and cons. Experiencing those pros and cons on the water, and figuring out what is important to you will help you make an informed decision about which kayak is the best for you.

I'm in a Hobie because for me, the one BIG benefit (Mirage Drive) outweighs any of the other things listed above. Most of the things listed in posts above are a non-issue for me, or are a result of having the Mirage Drive, so the choice to be in a Hobie was an easy one. Everyone has a different list of what is important to them. Sometimes Hobie come out on top as the best choice, occasionally it doesn't. Judging by the amount of guys in So Cal that started in a paddle kayak, and have ultimately ended up in a Hobie, I do think Hobie is doing something right.

OEX has demo kayaks from most major kayak manufacturers, is located right on the water, and they also host kayak demo days every once in a while. If you want to test out a few brands, I'd definitely go pay them a visit to try a few to figure out which is the best for you.

[f'nsabiki]

That was the best post ever!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYqcHE4WVSs#t=143
"Landings can be exciting too, im sure all of you have seen frank wiredantzs video of me eating it in the surf possibly the greatest video of all time. I honestly dont see why its funny but other people seem to think so. That happened because i had lost my paddle earlier in the day bad timing and i got caught in the kill zone with no way to back up or turn around. Since then i havent had any crashes that i can remember....i like to come in sideways and brace into the oncoming waves all the way in, it seems to work."

[buttchaser]

That was the best post ever!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYqcHE4WVSs#t=143
"Landings can be exciting too, im sure all of you have seen frank wiredantzs video of me eating it in the surf possibly the greatest video of all time. I honestly dont see why its funny but other people seem to think so. That happened because i had lost my paddle earlier in the day bad timing and i got caught in the kill zone with no way to back up or turn around. Since then i havent had any crashes that i can remember....i like to come in sideways and brace into the oncoming waves all the way in, it seems to work."l.

Haha.. oh Gawd just what i needed to start the week off right....:notworthy:

[sandydiego]

As for storage, I personally open my front hatch and take out the white tub and stick a large trash bag under it so when I get the trophys I lean forward, lift it up and the fish go into the hull trash bag liner.

I leave the white bathtub at home and have pulled the silly rod holders out and blocked the openings off with a set of plates cut to the same shape as the rod holders. Opens up the front hatch area a ton.

The engineers at hobie were bummed I did this. They love the rod holder tube for some reason.

Steve

[lowprofile]

Man, I love Hobies. I miss my PA something fierce! (*hobie, if your listening, please send me a PA for Christmas!*)

surf launches?
yeah, it was tough at first. the PA is a big boat (for a single person, kinda small for two though). I had to get used to plowing through waves rather than going over them like in my X-factor. the way to do it is with the drive installed. many people advise against it but if you can time the sets right to where your launching in knee deep water, throw that drive in, hop in and peddle like hell!

Landing. its not the easiest. using my PA to run shark baits off the beach gave me A LOT of launching and landing practice in not so ideal conditions. A lot of night runs too. your not going to surf the PA like a Malibu or OK kayak, the best way I found in big surf is to come in backwards. you'll need your peddles AND paddle for this one.
when you make it just outside the break, turn so your rear is facing the beach and paddle backwards. when your inside the break and a wave is coming at you, stop paddling and peddle forward to keep in one spot, just before the wave hits peddle into it and push through the wave. Once on top or through the wave start paddling backwards again. once you make it closer to shore and your in about 4ft of water, pull the peddles and rudder. face into the oncoming waves and just keep straight as they push you towards shore.

The PA needs more storage. Like said before, you cant fit a 40lb fish in the hull. the storage box heats up and ice never stays frozen. the old seat was too low and my legs fell asleep, the vantage seat is difficult to jump in and out of. the paddle clip should be on the outside of the yak, not next to the seat, taking up more room.

not much wrong with them in my eyes, but they aren't perfect. the stability, weight capacity and ability to handle rough water makes up for most, if not all its faults.

I'm not here to persuade anyone into a Hobie. try different yaks, find what you like and have fun. that's what its all about. I had a lot of fun in my Malibu and Hobie. I caught a lot more fish in the Hobie because I took it out more often. Although that was probably due to the hobie being easier to load up and get on the water with.

Heres some pics of me and some friends having fun in our Hobies.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i214/katguy/Kayaking/shark1_zpsea6b13ff.jpg (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/katguy/media/Kayaking/shark1_zpsea6b13ff.jpg.html)

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i214/katguy/Kayaking/snapper_zps3fa67ffb.jpg (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/katguy/media/Kayaking/snapper_zps3fa67ffb.jpg.html)

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i214/katguy/Kayaking/PC210015-2.jpg (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/katguy/media/Kayaking/PC210015-2.jpg.html)

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i214/katguy/Kayaking/robertaj_zps5881be92.jpg (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/katguy/media/Kayaking/robertaj_zps5881be92.jpg.html)

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i214/katguy/Kayaking/kayaks_zpsc34b2016.jpg (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/katguy/media/Kayaking/kayaks_zpsc34b2016.jpg.html)

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i214/katguy/Kayaking/piertopierlaunch_zpsf767b8b7.jpg (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/katguy/media/Kayaking/piertopierlaunch_zpsf767b8b7.jpg.html)

[kauaiboy04]

thanks for the honest writeup. many people push others to choose certain kayaks over others, but i strongly believe in trying EVERYTHING out for yourself. some people like to paddle, some people like to peddle. to each his own.

[wiredantz]

Pro Anglers, are good skiffs. I strongly believe they should offer a limited life time warranty on the kayak itself for a price tag of 3k.


Even if they do take care of you, unless its on paper, I am not shelling out 3k for it.


That a hefty price tag for me at least.

[WildernessWanker]

YakJoe and his gang all ride hobies so they must be the best for open water!

Sent from my SPH-L520 using Tapatalk

[NEEFFF]

Speaking of Pro Anglers, Anyone interested in a trade?? I have a 2013 Olive Outback, Looking for an even trade!! hahaha


its Worth a try !! :D:D:D:D hahah

[YakDout]

Speaking of Pro Anglers, Anyone interested in a trade?? I have a 2013 Olive Outback, Looking for an even trade!! hahaha


its Worth a try !! :D:D:D:D hahah

Good idea

[blitzburgh]

Hobie Pro Angler = Worst Kayak Ever.
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That said, I'll be looking to purchase my third PA soon :D. Seriously though, great discussion.

[CKallday71]

I love my Outback. When I get my second Yak I'll probably get the PA 12 and keep the Outback for friends to use.

[TJones]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYqcHE4WVSs#t=143
:notworthy:

[ful-rac]

I still don't see what's so funny....:cool:

[Iceman]

Tony did you feel the bow hit bottom, sure looked like. I had a similar experience where the bow got pushed into the sand bottom and I was standing straight up on the foot pegs, luckily managed to fall back in the seat and ride in unscathed.

[momo fish]

So this must be what it feels like to carry a PA... :). ( saw this today as I'm driving )

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/04/02/eze8ugy9.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ful-rac]

Tony did you feel the bow hit bottom, sure looked like. I had a similar experience where the bow got pushed into the sand bottom and I was standing straight up on the foot pegs, luckily managed to fall back in the seat and ride in unscathed.

Oh it hit bottom alright...I heard a loud snap as it hit...that turned out to be my yakattak light pole.

[CaliShark]

I still don't see what's so funny....:cool:

The actual flipping part isn't nearly as hilarious as the video editing is. Cutting in the gangnam style music video is fucking awesome that's what had me laughing...

I noticed when you were peddling in you weren't looking over your shoulder behind you and the wave kind of hit you by surprise...When ever I'm in that zone I'm constantly looking behind to see the waves. Also when you flipped and stood up you were in like 2 feet of water. I would have jumped out and walked my yak in if I was that shallow.

[ful-rac]

The actual flipping part isn't nearly as hilarious as the video editing is. Cutting in the gangnam style music video is fucking awesome that's what had me laughing...

I noticed when you were peddling in you weren't looking over your shoulder behind you and the wave kind of hit you by surprise...When ever I'm in that zone I'm constantly looking behind to see the waves. Also when you flipped and stood up you were in like 2 feet of water. I would have jumped out and walked my yak in if I was that shallow.



Yes...

Thanks for schooling me on that....

I'll remember that next time...:rolleyes:

[jorluivil]

Hobie don't have reverse? Seriously? I can't believe I just read that!

If you decide to paddle in the dark and run into kelp are you just going to sit there until someone rescues you or are you going to back out of it using your paddle?

[alanw]

I ran across another article listing Hobie cons I thought to share. The guy is obviously selling paddle kayaks so keep that in mind. Hobie is sort of like Apple IMO, they are able to sell you anything even if it has some flaws and is overpriced... great marketing. Anyway, some interesting points raised in the article are worth a look.

http://wavewalk.com/blog/2010/10/11/paddle-vs-pedal-drive-in-common-fishing-kayaks/


.

[rossman]

After carefully collecting data over the past 6 years I can definitively report that 14.6 percent of Hobie will breakdown in a 3 day fishing trip. #ItsNOTakayak

[ful-rac]

After carefully collecting data over the past 6 years I can definitively report that 14.6 percent of Hobie will breakdown in a 3 day fishing trip. #ItsNOTakayak


This is a fine example of hobie derangement syndrome...similar to bush derangement syndrome

[tsugg]

Great post! I've been lurking in the private message arena for a while asking all the questions I was afraid to post out in front because I own a pa14 and didn't want to apear to be a Hobie douter. I think that in hindsight I would go fishing a lot more if it was easier to get the yak to and from the water. I really hate the wondering steering on the pa. I really like some of the Malibu models- light and high capacity. And I almost forgot CHEAP!!!

[taggermike]

Great post. I agree that hobies have a loyal following and critism is rare. I've seen the complete evolution of the Hobie and the attitudes toward them. I saw a mirage drive before there was a boat to put it in. I recall thinking it was a weird piece of excersize equipment. Like a 'thigh master'. When Hobies started showing up at the LJ launch the paddling majority thought they were a flashy trend and i remember debates as to whether they were ever kayaks. Things have come full circle, and several times I have been the only paddler on beach full of peddlers. I have never been on a PA, but have fished from an out back and an adventure. They were great and the mirage drive is an amazing piece of equipment. Its been said many times here and else where that every kayak is a trade off; stability vs speed, primary vs secondary stability. And now paddle vs peddle. I've been fishing my 15 year old original OK prowler 15. Again a trade off. I sit in a puddle, my ass is level with my feet. But its fast a shit, cuts right thru wind waves kelp n chop, I can carry or drag it about any where. Pretty much any where I can get to the water is a launch. Try before you by, or if you got the scratch, get both. Mike

[tsugg]

Now that most of us hobie owners/haters are out of the kayak closet lets get a group buy on some MALIBU X-FACTORS !!!! lol,
then me and tony and a few others will have six packs by the time beach season is here and we can sit around on the beach and drink beverages with our shirts off !! and sheet talk the peddelers.rof:cheers1:

[PapaDave]

Hobie bashers you are... Jealous you may be...


Sorry, I'll stick to my PA14. Oh yeah, and my PA17 as well. The grandkids love it.

And I'm positive that Tony has landed his kayak upright many more times than he has tipped.

[ful-rac]

Hobie bashers you are... Jealous you may be...


Sorry, I'll stick to my PA14. Oh yeah, and my PA17 as well. The grandkids love it.

And I'm positive that Tony has landed his kayak upright many more times than he has tipped.


Yes! That would be correct! What fun would it be if you saw me or anyone else come in right side up anyways?

[WARRIORMIKE]

So far totally happy with mine. 2015 PA14. Haven't launched it out of the surf yet so will see. This is my very first kayak ever.I cant really compare it to other models. I will say this if you have the room for storage in garage then awesome, if not get something else. Also this drive system really moves. Cons so far is the front hatch is not sturdy enough to step on. I wanted to walk off the kayak yesterday, but had to go off the side instead. No biggie I'll adjust. I do like the storage hatch and love the oversized wheels to transport the unit. Comfort on the seat was a big reason why I purchased it. the Vantage system is phenomenal. I can fish all day long. Stand up if I need to stretch too.


http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff404/mikesphotos77/IMG_0961.jpg (http://s1234.photobucket.com/user/mikesphotos77/media/IMG_0961.jpg.html)

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff404/mikesphotos77/IMG_0962.jpg (http://s1234.photobucket.com/user/mikesphotos77/media/IMG_0962.jpg.html)

[driftwood]

I like the payload on the PA. Just remove one of the custom rod holder tube rack and you can put all these fish in the front hatch.


15681

[ful-rac]

I like the payload on the PA. Just remove one of the custom rod holder tube rack and you can put all these fish in the in the front hatch.


15681

HEY!!! Get Yani's fish off your deck!

[RockyRaab]

WarriorMike, adjust your pedals back a notch or two. Your leg shouldn't be that straight. It's MUCH more comfortable to have a bit of bend left, even at full stroke. Speaking of which, if you don't go quite full stroke, you'll avoid hull slap with the fine AND also avoid breaking the pedal shafts - without losing any power at all. I try for about 90% travel.

[WARRIORMIKE]

WarriorMike, adjust your pedals back a notch or two. Your leg shouldn't be that straight. It's MUCH more comfortable to have a bit of bend left, even at full stroke. Speaking of which, if you don't go quite full stroke, you'll avoid hull slap with the fine AND also avoid breaking the pedal shafts - without losing any power at all. I try for about 90% travel.


I have them set to 4 I think?? Should I go up to 5?

They didnt hit the hull, unless I forced it??

[Hunters Pa]

What?? I thought EVERYONE had a PA for easy launches, a Trident 15 for surf launches and a Scrambler for quick harbor runs???

That said, most people here get out on the water more in a month than I do in a year :mad::mad::mad:

Love the PA for easy launches, especially for hooping. It is a pain to load on top of my Envoy but I love the comfortable ride and using my legs. Bought it after a black seabass kicked my a$$ at a Baytubers gathering last summer and my arms were spasming as I paddled back in. Bastard towed me a mile out before I got him to the surface and safely released, all while the usual suspects were giving me crap on the VHF.

Trident is my go-to for launching/landing in the surf where I am just not ready to take the PA. Lots of storage that is easily accessible. Comfortable and I can stow pretty much everything before I (inevitably) get rolled on landing.

The Scrambler is for throwing on top of my Civic when I can cut out of work early and hit Huntington Harbor for an afternoon mental health session with two rods and a tray of plastics. Plan was also to get one of my kids on there in the harbor and me in the Trident or PA, but neither has shown much interest beyond my daughter wanting to ride in the PA with me.

Storage? Doesn't everyone have a mancave like this in the backyard??







http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/500/cave.jpg

[cabojohn]

I'm not a Hobie hater or lover.

I have a question...IF your mirage drive takes a shit 6-8 miles offshore, do you call vessel assist?
Or is that just silly to take a hobie that far out?

[GregAndrew]

I'm not a Hobie hater or lover.

I have a question...IF your mirage drive takes a shit 6-8 miles offshore, do you call vessel assist?
Or is that just silly to take a hobie that far out?

I think they just pack a change of clothes or two?

[Bert Vega]

I'm not a Hobie hater or lover.

I have a question...IF your mirage drive takes a shit 6-8 miles offshore, do you call vessel assist?
Or is that just silly to take a hobie that far out?

Carry a spare drive. It also helps to have manly arms. I have paddled my PA 14 from south end of LJ back to the launch. More than once, now I pop the backup drive in.

[YakHanded]

I'm not a Hobie hater or lover.

I have a question...IF your mirage drive takes a shit 6-8 miles offshore, do you call vessel assist?
Or is that just silly to take a hobie that far out?

get a revo 16 and bring the cassette so that it paddles great too :D

[ful-rac]

I think they just pack a change of clothes or two?

Greg you were so close to buying an outback this past weekend....so STFU!!! :eek:

[YakDout]

I'm not a Hobie hater or lover.

I have a question...IF your mirage drive takes a shit 6-8 miles offshore, do you call vessel assist?
Or is that just silly to take a hobie that far out?


Took my new outback to la jolla yesterday. And although I didn't christen with a yellowtail, it did paddle pretty well with the rudder up and drive out. One of the reasons I downsized.

[Zed]

Greg you were so close to buying an outback this past weekend....so STFU!!! :eek:

OooooOo.oOo.oOo.

[Zed]

Took my new outback to la jolla yesterday. And although I didn't christen with a yellowtail, it did paddle pretty well with the rudder up and drive out. One of the reasons I downsized.

Ya know, the Prowler woulda slayed.

[GregAndrew]

Greg you were so close to buying an outback this past weekend....so STFU!!! :eek:

If they had more of a selection, I probably would have bought one.

[ful-rac]

If they had more of a selection, I probably would have bought one.


So they didn't have papaya! Big deal! Ivory dune would have looked real good on ya!

[Silbaugh4liberty]

I saw these on Rob Wong Yuen's instagram! All in good fun, so save your hate messages. .......

https://instagram.com/p/zjomGpBixW/

https://instagram.com/p/lNyWdwhi41/

I'd probably get a hobie if they didn't cost the same as a boat. Dig my x factor though, tons of storage. I just remind myself that when I'm tired of paddling, I just need to stop being a bitch and hit the gym more often.

People have paddled to Catalina, so anything is possible!

Either paddle or peddle, tuna is within our reach! Who's gonna be first?

[tsugg]

So I'm thinking one type of yak won't do.A fisherperson needs both types, one light one for daily use and one heavy one for when your old shoulder injury flairs up. It would be fun to rig a different type. The rigging is as much fun as the fishing.:cheers1:

[TJones]

Took my new outback to la jolla yesterday. And although I didn't christen with a yellowtail, it did paddle pretty well with the rudder up and drive out. One of the reasons I downsized.

I still have my PA 2014 12' for sale , maybe I will just put a minn kota on it . Good seeing you on water . Zippo for me , two days in a row . The circus must have spooked all the fish . A day late and coming up short.

[PapaDave]

I'm not a Hobie hater or lover.

I have a question...IF your mirage drive takes a shit 6-8 miles offshore, do you call vessel assist?
Or is that just silly to take a hobie that far out?

I carry all the parts/tools necessary for any drive failures. They are easy to fix.

[cabojohn]

Thank you all for the feedback. Good to know you can get yourself out of a pickle if things go south offshore. (if you have spare parts / drive. Might be very worth the hassle to carry & extra costs):cool:

There is no one perfect kayak as we all have different needs and how we paddle, fish & use our kayaks.
We are lucky we have a lot of choices. Let's fish! :cheers1:

[Caden]

So they didn't have papaya! Big deal! Ivory dune would have looked real good on ya!

X2 you will like it

[tunaseeker]

Any comments on a sail for the PA14?

[Shimano Penn]

Just read the entire thread and agree with pretty much every pro/ con mentioned. I started with an old OK Scupper Pro I bought off CL for $300 just to see if I'd like kayaking. Light, sleek, fast; a blast to paddle around in but zero stability for fishing. I'm maybe not the most athletic guy here and pushing 200 lbs. I rolled that thing every time I went out even in mill-pond conditions and that was on lakes, I never dared to try the ocean in it. I saw PA's on the beach, got curious and went shopping. Are you f'ing kidding me???? $$$$$$$ !!!!!! So I ended up buying a Current Designs Tailfin with stabilizing pontoons on outriggers. I felt secure enough and started fishing La Jolla but still envied those peddle boats passing by. Jumped on a killer CL deal for a PA14, I believe it is Wades old boat ? I think that's what I was told anyway. So now I have the same love/ hate relationship that some have shared here. All the things that make it great (size, weight, stability, mirage drive) are the same things that make it suck. (try loading one on top of my Astro van :() In my view it's just a mistake to even call the PA a kayak. It's a peddle boat.

I bought a trailer :cool:

[Gr8fuldude]

Since I've benefited from this thread, I may as well contribute to it. I'm new to serious kayak fishing, and I was ready to pull the trigger on a PA 12, but I've changed my mind for the following reasons:

1) I live several hours from the coast (4 hrs from LJ), and with a toddler at home, I don't get to fish the salt as often as I'd like (I'm jealous of those that live near SD or OC). Also, I love fishing Baja, which is even further and takes more effort to get to (five hrs to calexico). So when I do get to go, I need to count on my kayak to work, and it seems like the moving parts on a Hobie reduce reliability and increase the risk of trip-ruining malfunctions. I understand I can take tools and bring Hobie spare parts yadda yadda, but that's starting to feel like more headache than its worth to me. Hearing about Tony's and other's Hobie woes in BdG also made me think twice. I feel like my chances to fish are too few and too precious to risk mechanical failure.

2) I'm hoping to buddy up and carpool for Baja trips, and cartopping two kayaks if one or both are PA's seems more problematic for transport. Lighter weight paddle kayaks appear easier to double up for cartopping.

Some other more minor things factored in (PA not permitted for mothershipping (?), Hobie surf launch challenges, Hobie cartopping a little harder even without the add'l kayak, etc.) but the top two were the main ones.

So, after researching this topic ad nauseum, I finally put an order in with Andy for a WS Thresher 140 for my first serious fishing kayak. Perhaps I'll get a PA down the road, but those were my thoughts that convinced me against the PA for now.

[Dave Legacy]

WS Thresher 140 sounds like a good move, dude! With all the money saved you can apply it towards quality parts.

[Gr8fuldude]

WS Thresher 140 sounds like a good move, dude! With all the money saved you can apply it towards quality parts.

Yeah, saving >$1700 doesn't suck either.

After all, there's a whole lot more gear to buy to get fully rigged.

[Silbaugh4liberty]

Since I've benefited from this thread, I may as well contribute to it. I'm new to serious kayak fishing, and I was ready to pull the trigger on a PA 12, but I've changed my mind for the following reasons:

1) I live several hours from the coast (4 hrs from LJ), and with a toddler at home, I don't get to fish the salt as often as I'd like (I'm jealous of those that live near SD or OC). Also, I love fishing Baja, which is even further and takes more effort to get to (five hrs to calexico). So when I do get to go, I need to count on my kayak to work, and it seems like the moving parts on a Hobie reduce reliability and increase the risk of trip-ruining malfunctions. I understand I can take tools and bring Hobie spare parts yadda yadda, but that's starting to feel like more headache than its worth to me. Hearing about Tony's and other's Hobie woes in BdG also made me think twice. I feel like my chances to fish are too few and too precious to risk mechanical failure.

2) I'm hoping to buddy up and carpool for Baja trips, and cartopping two kayaks if one or both are PA's seems more problematic for transport. Lighter weight paddle kayaks appear easier to double up for cartopping.

Some other more minor things factored in (PA not permitted for mothershipping (?), Hobie surf launch challenges, Hobie cartopping a little harder even without the add'l kayak, etc.) but the top two were the main ones.

So, after researching this topic ad nauseum, I finally put an order in with Andy for a WS Thresher 140 for my first serious fishing kayak. Perhaps I'll get a PA down the road, but those were my thoughts that convinced me against the PA for now.
Nice! My next one might be a thresher! I really like the rod storage! Perfect for those CL launches and landings. The self contained FF/ducer/battery box is sweet too!

[bolocop]

Until this past weekend, I was a Hobie fanatic. I read this thread and was like that stuff can't happen to me.

Then sitting just beyond the breakers in LJ, I was waiting for the right time, the time came and I started stepping hard to gain speed, then POW, one pedal goes dead and leaves me hanging in the kill zone. Luckily, I picked the right time to go in and rode little ones in.

I don't like to paddle in (too slow IMO), but now I will consider changing out the chains and the idler cable more often. I guess the most tension will occur when you get on it and that means, landing, launching or racing towards a boil.

Am considering a paddle kayak now though...or at least an outback where you can paddle and peddle.

[Zed]

Or even pedal.