2012 vs 2011 Pro Angler

So I know the specs and whats new for the 2012 model. If you can get the 2011 model for $150 less than 2012 which model would you buy?

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Matt Baden


http://www.thehobielife.blogspot.com



AFTCO, Kanan Lures, Astral Buoyancy and Alltackle.com Pro Staff
2012 Yellow Pro Angler 12 and 2014 Pro Angler 12

It would only matter if you decide to sell it soon, the longer you have it the less the difference in what it sells for. I don't think there were any changes.

The only change on a PA would be the new guide-track in the Mirage drivewell area... nothing else really.

I also recently noticed on some 2012's, reinforced scupper holes in the rear, and the front 2 out of the 4 in front. (you will notice that they are 'black' vs the kayak's color.

Also have seen some minor things, like the notch in the front bucket for a better fit of the hatch strap

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2019 Hobie Outback Slate Blue
2018 Hobie Compass Seagrass Green
2012 Hobie Pro Angler w/MD180 Papaya Orange

ex 2012 Hobie Tandem Island
ex 2011 Hobie Pro Angler
ex 2011 Hobie Adventure Island
ex 2010 Hobie Adventure Island

For $150 I would go for the 2012. I would pay that just for the new mirage guide-track. It makes locating the drive a snap. Also the reinforced scupper are a great idea.

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http://www.kayakbassfishing.com Pro Staff
http://www.yakattack.us Pro Staff
http://www.mariner-sails.com
http://www.TFOrods.com

Are there any pictures of this guide track? Sometimes when I am on the water my mirage drive snaps right in and other times I have to mess with it for 10 minutes of pure frustration to get it lined up right.
Even the dealer had a hard time getting the drive in when I bought the boat. Mine is a 2011 model. Do you think this guide track would be available as an accessory?

From what I saw of the 2012 model, there is a change to the mold of the boat and two pins of the mirage drive. This doesn't appear to be an option you can add.

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Cheers,
Adam
http://www.yakfisher.net

I believe it's molded in and therefore not retroaction.

Next time you have trouble getting your MD in place, just lightly drop it in and then lightly jiggle it from the top, fore and aft a little bit. Typically it'll find the right position and just fall into place. Just don't force it. A light touch will do the trick.

That's correct it is molded in. U can basically drop it in now.

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Kayak Corpsman, 2012 Hobie Pro Angler

On my new 2012 PA, there is a bunch of foam installed inside the hull on both sides and up into the hollow areas between the cockpit and outer hull. I don't see this in any of the PA's I've been watching in the You Tube videos of fish finder installs. I guess it's a good thing, but it's making the wire routing for my GPS antenna, transducer and power wires NOT the piece of cake I thought it was going to be.

That foam is to stiffen up the area you stand and sit on. It keeps it from sagging and I would imagine help transfer it's own weight when sitting on the ground upright from flattening the bottom of the kayak. I just picked up my new Pro Angler yesterday!! Woot!

Look at your mirage drive area as you lower your mirage drive down. I noticed on my 2011 PA that the area was to small having one end of the mirage drive stuck on the small ledge at one end as I lowered it evenly down. Matt advised that this at times does happen and to file a small portion of the area. Now my mirage drive drops it fine. Hope this helps.

shove the foam thingies back and install yer wires, i installed my downimaging/GPS combo in less than 30 min...was almost too easy, and the 2011 Pa's do have the foam in them too.

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2019 Hobie Outback Slate Blue
2018 Hobie Compass Seagrass Green
2012 Hobie Pro Angler w/MD180 Papaya Orange

ex 2012 Hobie Tandem Island
ex 2011 Hobie Pro Angler
ex 2011 Hobie Adventure Island
ex 2010 Hobie Adventure Island

Thanks for the guidance, funny how the more frustrated I get - the less soft my touch is... I will remember this though and do my best not to get wound too tight.

Tom, this was a great tip. On my maiden voyage, I kinda placed in there with a little more force that I would have liked. Sunday was my second trip and I remembered your post. It worked beautifully. Thanks!!!

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2011 HPA
2006 Wildy Ride 135
2019 Hobie Compass
2020 Hobie Outback