Thoughts on PA17T after a few trips

Took the PA 17T out yesterday and went to Ray Hubbard with my wife. We ended up doing almost 7 miles!! We were pretty tired after that trip. The kayak handled very well, even when the wind picked up. One thing I did notice was having to make constant rudder corrections, which seemed odd to me since we weren't being "steered" by a paddle. I know that had we gone with a paddle kayak over the hobie there is no way we would have covered that same distance!

Today my wife, the pooch (bottom right of pic) and I headed out to a different, smaller lake for a short cruise and to do a little fishing. About 5 casts in I landed this little guy. Thought it was going to be a killer day, but that ended up being my only fish. I stood for most of my fishing and to say I felt stable was an understatement!

The constant, never-ending adjustments on steering is just something you gotta get used to. I have a PA12 and it is, literally, the only thing about the yak that bugs me. Take your hand off that lever for a second and ZING - off you go...
Everything else is gold, and you gotta admit - peddling is a heckuva lot better than paddling... I'd love to check one of those out. Maybe next time I'm at the store.


Tight lines,

If there is wind, the steering will always have to be adjusted constantly. I have had multiple Hobie kayaks for fishing and race surf ski's doing ultra marathons and the issue is present on any type of kayak whether pedaled or paddled. There is not enough resistance to fully compensate for current or the force of the wind on most kayaks. When moving through the water with a cross wind, the force of the front of the kayak is breaking the water is enough balance to keep the front moving in the correct direction. By the time the water reaches the back of the kayak, the water is pushed away from the hull therefore the wind or current is able to move the back of the kayak not having the lateral resistance to maintain course. Whether I'm out in my Hobie or racing a surf ski. The best suggestion is finding the sweet spot and keeping the rudder in a position which balances out the force of the current or wind. In all reality, in a strong wind if done properly...you will keep the boat pointed in the correct direction but the wind will actually push you diagonally.

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Braxton
-2013 Hobie PA12
-2010 Hobie Mirage Sport Hank Parker
-2012 Seabird Design Expedition LV
-1987 Hobie 16
-2010 Stellar SES
-Hobie Fleet 291 Yankton, SD
-South Dakota Canoe and Kayak Association

I only have a PA14 and am still annoyed by the constant need to adjust the steering. The best thing for me was purchasing a secondary steering handle. I have severe arthritis so its great to be able to steer with either hand. I mostly walleye fish with jigs so I try to maintain a slow. Unfortunately, the winds here in Kansas are almost always blowing and seemingly wanting to push me in the opposite direction. Quick flutter strokes can help you get back on track but usually moves me faster than I want to go when jigging, so I find it easier to do an almost 360 in the direction the wind wants me to go until I'm back on course.

Jeff

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Jeff
KansasYaker
2014 - Pro Angler - 14 - Upgraded H-Rail Kit

KansasYaker...have you considered deploying a small sea anchor?....Hobie calls their unit a "Drift Chute"...P/N72020009.
It will slow down your motion depending on where you deploy it and the direction you wish the kayak to point.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Doesn't the 17t have a tension adjustment so the rudder doesn't move so easy?

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Vegasvec
2015 Pro Angler 17t
Lowrance Elite 5 Chirp
Zieman Trailer w/ Cradles

Dr. SteelheadCatcher, the funny thing is that I actually have a drift-sock but have never used it. Kind of like the anchor I have, never been in the water. I don't like sitting still. Must be my A.D.D.

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Jeff
KansasYaker
2014 - Pro Angler - 14 - Upgraded H-Rail Kit

Too funny

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the PA17 have the retractable skeg like the 2015 PA12 and 14? I haven't had any problems tracking with the skeg down on my PA12. Trolling and covering distance for me requires very little rudder adjustment. It's a different story all together with the skeg retracted. She can wander all over the place with the skep up. On the other hand, if maneuverability is necessary, I can turn on a dime with the skeg up. I'm curious if you think the skeg makes that much difference in tracking on the bigger boat.

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Cory
2015 PA12

Yes, all of the 2015 PAs have the tracking skegs and the steering line tensioners (BOA). The Boa was included starting in 2013 or 2014 I think.

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Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

The rudder BOA was a new, great rudder control improvement starting with the 2014 PA's. I retrofitted/added the BOA on my 2013 PA-14 and really like the "slop removed" from the dual rudder controls
It was well worth the small expense and effort to install it.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

I'm guilty of not using the skeg enough! I don't like raising and lowering it when trying to maneuver while fishing. I'll have to use it more to see how much of a difference it makes. On a better note, I've caught a few more fish out of the kayak!