Just got my PA, two questions???

I got a great deal on a used 2011 and couldn't pass it up. It was barely used, had rod holders with leashes and rod tube extensions, plus the Hobie livewell. A great fishing package. The two questions I have are:

1. The previous owner said that the carts that attach through the scupper holes aren't recommended due to the weight of the PA?

2. On my first test run, the steering line came loose. Is this a common problem? Should I take steps to modify the attachment point?

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Jamie Roberts

There are some old threads covering your question about the cart problem in the archives and I do remember something about the carts causing some problems so if Matt doesnt "chime" in I would recommend you take the time to research the old posts on this subject to be sure you dont damage your new Hobie!
I havent personally had any problem with my steering line coming loose but I do carry a screwdriver with me just in case it did come loose I could fix it on the fly. Hope this helps and I hope you love your Hobie PA as much as I do mine! g man

The main concern with using a plug in cart on a Pro Angler is if it is partilally inserted or partially removed when weight is put on it. The cart posts can get wedged in the scupper and poke through the plastic wall. Scuppers are thinner than other parts of the kayak just because of the way rotomolding works, so they can't handle pointed impacts like the main hull can.

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Brendan Castile

I agree with the above...
I had heard the same warnings about the hobie cart not handling the weight of the PA... It's sort of true because the Hobie will have problems if you start running over curbs with it or using it partially inserted. The PA is heavy and (gasp) has limitations. I actually had got talked into a different cart because of this very problem. That said, I have gotten rid of the other cart and now have a Hobie cart. It's the best thing I ever did. Be somewhat careful with your PA while out of the water and it will give you joy on the water for a very long time.
I haven't experienced any steering problems. But, I carry a few tools just in case... It's better to have and not need...

You need to get the heavy duty cart ...... it's made for the PA

+1 on the HD cart. It fit all the way through the scuppers and I can movement my PA with it without any problems.

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Kayak Corpsman, 2012 Hobie Pro Angler

Thanks for all of your help and input. After reading the string, I decided to go to my Hobie dealer and buy a HD cart. When I got there, I went for theirs instead. I won't mention the dealer's name, but they copied the Hobie cart and improved it by lengthening the scupper inserts and replacing the air filled tires with foam filled tires. I tried it out, and it worked great!

As for the steering, I opened it up and found that one of the sides was loose. I re-centered the rudder and wrapped the line aroung the screw and tightened it. All is well now, and I'll carry a screwdriver just in case, but I am still thinking about adding a stainless washer to give it more surface area to clamp down on the string.

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Jamie Roberts