Hobie rookie - need help

Ok new to the site and new to the Hobie world. So please bare with me here lol. In process of trading for a Hobie pro angler 14. What things should I look for when buying a used Hobie. I don't know what year so is there a way to tell? Guy says it comes with turbo fins that are brand new and have only used once. They no rust and move freely. What else should I look for ? Thanks Woody.

All Pro Anglers came with Turbo Fins as a standard feature.
Here is where you can find information about the serial number and year of the PA viewtopic.php?f=21&t=12562
If it were me, I would not buy a PA-14 unless it was model year 2013 or newer because the seat is upgraded, improved Mirage drive V2/GT with drive alignment pins and it has the Lawrence/Humminbird transducer mount + other improvements.
Carefully inspect the hull for any signs of damage...specifically cracks anywhere that could have been caused by misuse or for any other reason.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Woody,

If you're looking at a PA14 that's in great shape and the price is right, it should not matter what year it is. I agree with the Dr. that the new seat, flat floor and built in transducer mount that come on the 2013 and newer models are great improvements, but if it's an older model, that shouldn't be an issue. How much is the person asking for the PA? I have seen 2012 PAs in great shape going for $1700 in the Jax area.

The minimum items you want to look for with the PA are: Double paddle (with t-handle for single paddle use), white storage bucket for the front storage area in front of the seat (2009-2012 models), Mirage Drive, large white front bow storage bucket, and a circular round storage bucket that fits in the rear cargo area 8 inch hatch. The PAs do come with a few tackle boxes. Not sure if the seller is including those. The Plano tackle boxes can be purchased locally. Walmart carries them.

Hope this answers some of your concerns.

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Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

I'm partial to the older hulls and seats. I do not care for the arm chair the 2013 and newer have. You'll be happy regardless of which version you end up with. If the PA is 2012 or older make sure to check for cracks in the seat area. Look at the pics in this thread (link below) for the specific location to check. I had a 2010 crack in the same area, but Hobie made good on it with a pro-rated warranty. I now have a shiny new 2012, but will be doing some "creative supporting" under the seat area in an attempt to keep it from happening again.

viewtopic.php?f=78&t=53164

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"I have always found it easier to show people what the coolest things about fishing are, rather than just tell them another fish story."
--Jose Wejebe

you asked about not knowing the year, here's a quick guide. the first one is 2012 and older. the second image is 2013 and newer.

the pre-2013 models had a great seat, but no adjustment, and they had a 'raised' cutting board hatch between your knees. the newer models have a flush hatch (commonly referred to now as the 'square hatch'), and this model is more conducive to standing to fish--which you will do a whole lot more than you think.

fair market value varies with region. there are some bargains out there, but not many. they get scooped up pretty quick. the great thing about buying a used Ferrari, the resale is fantastic. if you get a fair deal, plan on getting 90%+ of your money back out of it.

and for what its worth, each Hobie i have sold used, i pony up to have it serviced at my local shop so the new owner has a great boat to start out with. it costs me like 60 bucks. use this as a bargaining chip? and you'll know from the local dealer if there is anything you need to know.

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Cathedra Mea, Regulae Meae.

I am going to recycle some other comments to get to my point. As other people said, there were a lot of upgrades from 2012 to 2013. flatter deck, new vantage seat, and its pre rigged for dual steering. plus someone said the mirage drive was upgraded, and I think the 2012 drives had some kind of splash guards that 2013+ don't need. I could be wrong; it could be even older models that have guards or caps. In 2014 I only know of one upgrade, a tension knob for the rudder cables. Then 2015's have some pretty significant upgrades.

With all that said there is nothing wrong with the older model, but bringing that knowledge to the table might help your negotiations. When I bought my 2013 in 2013 I was adamant about getting a new model. But the first dealer was sold out of 13's and had an unused 2012 for sale for $1800. I didn't buy it but if it wasn't yellow I might have. No stab intended to yellow kayak owners but its just not what I wanted.

tinman7344....And that is why Hobie makes at lease three hull colors for the PA line to keep us happy campers......For my PA-14, I would not buy any color other than the golden papaya (yellow to some) for the visibility on a busy water way. It also matches my life jacket and dry suit colors....again for visibility on the water....

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

I wanted a dune one. figured it had decent visibility, it wouldn't fade from the sun and salt, and a white belly would be good camo from fish underneath. But they didn't have dune in 14' so I bought an olive one. I was a little skeptical at first, being its the worst for visibility. But in the end I couldn't be happier. Mud and fish guts blend in nicely and it looks great on top of my tan Tahoe. If I ever get an AI or a TI I would like to get papaya. I really like the yellow and blue sail.

tinman7344.....Congratulations on your new PA acquisition.......I am sure you will be very happy catching fish from it!

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Great idea!

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"I have always found it easier to show people what the coolest things about fishing are, rather than just tell them another fish story."
--Jose Wejebe