How much does a skeg really help you with inshore fishing?

Im looking to buy a new 2014 or 2015 PA. For those of you who have tried both models, do you thing the skeg really helps you so much that you would upgrade your 2014 model? I recently took a 2014 model out in pretty crappy conditions (10-15mph winds on against an incoming tide) and it honestly did not track that bad. I did have to make some minor adjustments and increase the rudder tension but I was overall pleased with the handling.
Secondly, I don't think I am a fan of the new H-rail system for two reasons. First, after placing different mounts on it in the shop, I got the feeling that it wasn't as sturdy as it should be and the mounts were made of cheap plastic (even the upgrade ones). Maybe, I was so hyped about this new feature that I though there could be no wrong lol. Secondly, I thought it really added to the height of the sides making getting into and out of the kayak more difficult (or pulling large fish in) than the 2014 model. I thought that there would be less clutter than the 2014 model but for me that just did not seem the case. I think a 16in gear track on the 2014 is lower profile and more sturdy and can accomplish the same task as the H-rail.
The major selling point for me would be the skeg, but I'm not sure if it is really worth it. I would really appreciate everybody's input. (I would consider upgrading to a larger rudder in the 2014 model, and I could purchase the new ST mirage drive separately if needed but I would probably just stick with the turbo fins)

Thanks

Hi,

I have a pa 12 2014 model and can vouch for the large rudder upgrade (about 30$). It makes a big difference on the tracking. I was holding out for the hrail upgrade ....but have gone with the geartracs. If you decide to go the 2014 model with large rudder, Svendawg has a brilliant large rudder protector post viewtopic.php?t=53382#p246206

cheers

I have a 2013 PA-14....same as the 2014 model, except for the rudder tension boa feature that I added to my 2013.
I also installed the larger rudder to see if it really made any significant improvement.....I can say it did make a small improvement, but "not the big improvement" that adding the sailing rudder to an Outback makes.....that rudder change really improves tracking, especially if you use a down rigger while fishing.

I believe installing the larger rudder on the PA-12 improves the tracking....and the retractable skeg would help too.

One thing I learned 4 years ago, when I owned a Outback, is to the get the "rudder to answer the input", using quick, short flutter strokes on the Mirage drive, will make the rudder quickly answer the input or where you want the hull to go/course direction....this technique works on all Hobie models with the Mirage drive.

Another consideration with the Mirage drive on pre-2015 PA's (V2) is you can "upgrade it" to the "GT" Mirage drive by purchasing the GT sprockets, GT idler pulley and GT drums.....I think it's around $135 for these parts to make the conversion....and you provide the labor.

This year I covered 500 miles fishing in my PA-14 and aside from adding the boa rudder tensioner and larger rudder noted above, I plan to upgrade the Mirage drive to the "GT" by changing out the items listed above....Christmas present from my wife

I don't want to give up use of the aft round hatch, that you lose, due to the retractable skeg occupying this space inside the hull of the 2015 model, because I have my battery mounted inside the hatch....it makes storage and recharging the battery very easy.....So that rules out a 2015 model for me.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR