Hobie kayaks...say what!? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

kauaiboy04 · 03-31-2014, 08:08 AM

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 · 03-31-2014, 10:32 AM

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.

tsugg · 05-31-2015, 07:56 PM

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 · 06-01-2015, 08:20 AM

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 · 06-01-2015, 08:33 AM

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

PapaDave · 06-01-2015, 08:40 AM

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 · 06-01-2015, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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

WARRIORMIKE · 06-01-2015, 10:09 AM

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.

tunaseeker · 06-04-2015, 04:48 AM

Any comments on a sail for the PA14?

Shimano Penn · 06-06-2015, 07:47 AM

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

Gr8fuldude · 06-06-2015, 09:53 AM

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 · 06-06-2015, 10:53 AM

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

Gr8fuldude · 06-06-2015, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Legacy

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 · 06-07-2015, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

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 · 06-08-2015, 08:00 AM

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.

03-31-2014, 08:08 AM	#1
kauaiboy04 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sandy Eggo Posts: 215	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. __________________ http://socalkayak.blogspot.com

03-31-2014, 10:32 AM	#2
wiredantz Currently @ MLO Territory Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Under the Shadow Posts: 2,290	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. __________________ Team: Disbanded You only have one chance in this life...make the right decision(s)...so you don't regret it

05-31-2015, 07:56 PM	#3
tsugg LOWSPARK Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: CARLSBAD Posts: 251	Tony tony 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!!!

06-01-2015, 08:33 AM	#5
tsugg LOWSPARK Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: CARLSBAD Posts: 251	group buy !! 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

06-01-2015, 08:40 AM	#6
PapaDave Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Menifee, CA Posts: 1,474	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. __________________ So long and thanks for all the fish...

06-01-2015, 08:20 AM	#4
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	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

06-01-2015, 10:09 AM	#8
WARRIORMIKE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 303	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.

06-04-2015, 04:48 AM	#9
tunaseeker TB Metal Art Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 653	Any comments on a sail for the PA14?

06-06-2015, 07:47 AM	#10
Shimano Penn Junior Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 22	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 Last edited by Shimano Penn; 06-06-2015 at 08:21 AM.

06-06-2015, 09:53 AM	#11
Gr8fuldude Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Tehachapi, CA Posts: 166	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.

06-06-2015, 10:53 AM	#12
Dave Legacy Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Hacienda Heights, CA Posts: 427	WS Thresher 140 sounds like a good move, dude! With all the money saved you can apply it towards quality parts.

06-08-2015, 08:00 AM	#15
bolocop Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 332	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.