help with deciding which model please!

Hi all
After a lot of thought, Ive finally decided to take the plunge and buy a Hobie, but I have a few questions about which type etc... I was wondering anyone could give me some advice?
Im buying one because Im a very keen fisherman. I want to use it primarly for this reason, and fishing in the ocean itself- I live in Australia and would be using it for offshore (0-3km from shore, usally), both bottom bouncing and sloft plastics and trolling hardbodied lures for makeral/ tuna etc. Im trying to decide between a revolution and proanger models.

1- I notice that the progangler is a bit longer and wider but seems to have a shallower draught (sits higher in the water?) than the revolution. Would I be right in assuming that this shallower draught would make it a bit less stable in the water? I think that the proangler seems designed a bit more for rivers etc and not so much for the ocean (where I would be using it most), which is a bit of a shame because the extra storage area the profisher has is really good.

2- Speed/ ease of paddling: does the extra weight/ length and width make the proangler harder to paddle and/or much slower?
If anyone could give me some advice on the pros and cons of each model, it would be really appreciated!

Thanks guys

In my view really no choice. The candid observation of the PA is,,,its a mini BOAT. It is not as simple and slick as the Revo. Most PA owners want a trailer(truly I know of none here locally that don't). In my view if you need a trailer for your rigg, Well then get a small Bwhaler skiff. The Revo has all the attributes the PA lacks,,,,it is fast, Very,,paddels great, Very, sailable, Very and then some,, easy surf launch. Gear storage is there too, just needs to be thought out. In case your looking at the AI??? yes to that yak for sure, but a well thought out Revo with Mods will challenge that with much less surf vunerability. Try them out for your style of waterwork. But there is only 1 champ on the water and it Hobie yaks. I fish here in Florida and, no one, no one, has said they would challenge me in my ,Mochine,, on the water for extended time or operations nor expressed their yak had something over it. NONE. Do I know what I'm talking about,,,,I'm a retired US Navy man both Blue Water and Brown Water Sailor.

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Sammy's enthusiasm for the Revolution is contagious and I would agree with most of what he says. Between the two, the Revo cruises about 8 to 10% faster (using Turbofins), runs against wind and chop easier, responds to the tiller quicker (with large rudder), is much easier to paddle (although you'll use it much less than you think), is less expensive and is hard to beat for all around use.

I wouldn't be quick to sell the Pro Angler short though. It was built for fishing like no other. Although it tosses more on a beam sea, it is much harder to capsize than the Revo, is no slouch for speed, considering its size; will keep you drier, has a smaller turn radius, and has much more space for gear, storage and load capacity. Additionally, it can accommodate pelagics on board (the Revo doesn't have the space) -- you can even store them on ice if you insulate the large tray and hatch cover. For a tall or large person the seating and leg reach is much more accommodating. Although I am neither large or tall, I have no difficulty tossing it in the back of my truck in about 2 seconds, or loading it overhead if necessary. I wouldn't even think about needing a trailer like all those geriatric patients in Florida! (just kidding). Seriously, it's surprisingly easy to handle, both on and off the water!

Both boats are used for fishing offshore here in California in fair weather. Both are capable of mild surf launching. Both are excellent fishing choices. Both are easy to pedal, although the Revo responds a bit faster).

Important considerations in choosing should be how much gear you like to bring along and how sloppy of weather you like to be out fishing in.

If you decide on the Revolution, you would want to add Turbofins and the large rudder to maximize your performance. Both are standard equipment on the PA.

If you get a chance to try them both it might be easier to decide. In the mean time, search the forum here for lots more info and reviews on both.

I agree with Roadrunner and think Sammy is enamored by his decision and is trying to convince everyone, including himself that he made the right choice. I think you'll find that either of them will excite the hell out of you. The kayak 'experts' or those that think they are while paddling a plastic molded kayak all love their choice. I do to. I think I made the best choice. Edited..... for me....I've got both the Outback and the PA. That doesn't mean it'll be the best choice for you. I made that choice based on the extra room on board. Both will do a fine job of getting you around. I haven't had to rig them either. The PA will need a rod holder up front. But they made that much easier than boring holes in your craft by using the replaceable composite plates. The Revo is a soggy bottom boat.... meaning your arse is going to be wet for the most part in any kind of 'sea'. It has nicer lines, looks more like the traditional Kayak. if that's important to the fish or the fisherman. The Outback will get more comments like "wow, that's wide...... not like a normal kayak"..... None of them are much like a normal kayak as we have thought of them over the years. The Revo is the closest. I've been able to smile at that while staying right with the other plastic vessel kayak'ers while fishing. The PA is huge, a barge on land and a very capable and comfortable craft on the water. I think I can kick the Outback further and somewhat faster if I had to for an extended time. The difference in lead or lag over any fishing trip would be almost unnoticeable. If for some reason your partner who has a sleeker vessel wants to race, which they seem to want to do occasionally, you might lose with a PA. Theoretically the difference in speed is minimal. Personally I love both the Outback and the PA..... You pick your poison. Terrible to say, but you wouldn't be upset with owning all three either. Having said that... I really wonder which one would get the most use if you did. Good luck.

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Yakkingaway
Portsmouth, VA

I have a Outback my wife has Revolution I have had a on and off want of the Revolution ultimately always deciding that the Outback is the right yak for me as fishing is my primary focus when I'm out on the water and freshwater lake fishing is our thing the Outback does that best for me.

Now on the topic of the 2 yak's I can speak of the Revo feels like it cuts thru the water probably more because of how it sounds when its choppy or ruff out there because the OB can be a bit noisy but it(the Revo)does seem to glide along a little better.

On the subject of rudders and fins my wife is the ultimate test pilot because of her being less muscular than me she feels every change I've made to her yak whether positive or negative on my own yak I use a a modified sail rudder a Turbo ST fins on hers she prefers the original rudder and Turbo ST fins if the weather is to be nice if the wind is up as it is quite often on Big bear then she uses just the ST fins I've put the sail rudder on her yak and she immediately noiced the increased drag from it my modified rudder was better but she says the original rudder is best she does drift fish like I do so having the larger rudder was less of a issue for her I use it most for making adjustments when the wind pushing me along it definitely has more authority than the original rudder my mods for the sail rudder were done based on the fact that we do not use our yak's for sailing only pedalling in fact the last few times out she did not bring along her paddle.

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Fastfish/Geoff
Kayaks Owned>Outback/Mine & Revolution/Wife

I'm certainly not trying to convince myself on the REVO, I already did that in purchasing it after much practice with both (and the AI) and reviews by owners here. If I were doing lakes it would have been the PA hands down since it would be normally launched from a boat ramp. I live next to the Gulf Island Sea Shore with miles and miles of beach launch areas. My point of view is for exactly what Dellanator's intended purpose was. Beyond the break, ocean. The PA is an awesome craft but it didn't give me the confidence I want in paddeling in the event something goes wrong with the drive. Being 3-5 out is no place for me with just the paddel as I tried at the 2mi mark and it was with some level of "boy if the wind kicked up I'd have an issue, and I'm a daily weight lifter and runner." My solution was to cross the AI with the REVO which has worked perfectly for me. 3 methods of getting home with all the stability of the PA (Spring Creek AMAs). The AI with tramps is on par, maybe even better. I just didn't like the thought of the trailer or help getting it up on top of my van. Just my 2 cents

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Yakkingaway, look at your ealier post. But hey if your only comfy on the couch then,, well,, Yur comfy on the couch. I'm sure your delighted with your PA, but it is not for everybody, especially Beyond the Breakers,,,if you have some gas in the tank,,, well,,. funny

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Sammy, apparently you're seeing something in my post that ruffled your feathers. I'm not going to go on with apologies and statements about how I must have left off a smiley face or something. There wasn't any intended post made towards you that should be getting these types of remarks. Let's not ruin a good forum by bickering. Read it again and insert something about the "individual excitement and enthusiasm" or something that will set better with you. Tight lines.

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Yakkingaway
Portsmouth, VA

Yes yakingaway, your remarks,, Sammy is enamored by his decision and is trying to convince everyone including himself. My op was my cut on a question and I don't put out my op on someone elses post. Please,,, lets give our cut on our game and knowledge to all including me who needs it most, (I admit, I practice dangerous going well beyond the breakers solo), now lets go get fish

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Cool Sammy. Maybe the better choice of words would have been "fortify" your choice of kayaks. I think we all do that... fortify or justify. Nothing meant to take anything away from you. Lets fish.... I appreciate your posts.

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Yakkingaway
Portsmouth, VA

99% of my time is spend targeting yellowtail, white seabass, and flatties off the coast of so.cal. I have fished the outback, outfitter(similar length, width, capacity to the PA) and revo alot offshore and if i had to choose one it would be the revo.

It may not be much faster in calm water, but put it up next to any of the other hobies (except the adventure) in light offshore chop and wind and you will find it to be almost twice as fast, and much, much quieter. The rougher the conditions the brighter the revo shines. When targeting pelegics you need range and i would much rather be peddling the Revo around all day....unless it was super calm, then the PA or outfitter would be my choise

Low profile. the hull sits much lower in the water and is not affected by the wind as much, the other boats (outfitter and PA) are like huge sails

As for catch carrying ability the front hatch can hold alot of fish, although mine is usually filled with beer and food. I usually just strap the donkey yellowtails on the back deck behind the bait tank (a friend helps for this), or bungie the fish to the top of the bait tank.

Weight - I can carry the revo just about anywhere, down/up stairs, trails...which means i can launch at alot more places.

Surf - well just look up the PA surf launches on youtube...nuff said. The Revo has much better launch/landing manners.

IMO - the pro angler is aBOAT built for lakes and bays and luxsury fishing. If ur into KAYAK fishing and wanna lay the wood down on some peligics in less than calm conditions the revo cannot be beat.

PS. I do not own a revo (i will soon), i currently fish from a boat (outfitter tandem) and had a outback before that.