Vantage Seat Issue

I picked up a 2014 Pro Angler 12 last week and haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I just noticed last night that the back bottom bar isn't sitting down in the recess when in the lower position. It is sitting right on the raised edge around the under-seat storage area, which I don't think is right after looking at photos and videos online. I have made absolutely sure that the seat is full "seated" in the front plastic mounts.

I'm guessing it is one of three things...1)the plastic mounts for the front were not installed in the proper location 2)the seat itself is a little narrower front to back than it should be or 3) the hull itself is somehow warped/off (doesn't appear to be at all). I took some pictures to show the problem and included some measuring tape to show the location of the front plastic mounts and the front to back measurement of the seat base.

Any thoughts on what the problem could be are appreciated. I just don't want the seat to stress a part of the kayak that it shouldn't...and my father is a big guy that is looking forward to trying out this kayak, so I definitely want to make sure everything with the seat is right before he uses it.

Sitting on the raised trim.


Measurement showing location of front plastic mount.


Kind of dark, but it is from the front of the plastic foot to the back.

_________________
'16 Hobie Outback
'10 Hobie Revo 13

I would check a few things.

1. Measure the distance from the bottom of the front feet on the seat to the middle of the horizontal rear base (on each side). If the distance is not the same and the left side is shorter...there's possibly your issue.

2. Measure from the back of the front mount bases to the trough (where the rear seat base sits in). If the distance is the same or close, then it's probably not related to the mounting of those mounts or the mold being warped.

Does it line up to the pedestals when you have the seat in the elevated "Vantage" position versus all the way on the floor? Just some things to consider and double check.

If the issue is the distance on the left side of the seat frame, then somehow it go stressed just enough to be pushed in (i.e. pressure on the left rear frame.). You could either gently apply pressure by pulling on the frame to see if you could work it out and increase the distance. Or touch base with your local Hobie dealer for help.

I'm guessing it's the seat frame, but hard to tell with what you have provided so far. Post back what you find out!

_________________
Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

Thanks for the suggestions. The left side was about 1/8" shorter than the right, but not enough to be causing the problem. Since I bought it used, there's no telling what might've happened with the previous owner that could have caused the seat to be off, but it's in good shape and doesn't look to have many miles on it.

I just decided to stand on the rear bar and pull up on the two front posts to bend it out a little. Probably bent it out 1/2" on the first pull and that was enough to drop it perfectly into where it needs to go. Problem solved. I may be wrong, but after looking over a lot of pictures of the PA 12, those two front plastic mounts on mine do look to be installed a little more forward than they should be. Maybe that was the cause, or maybe it was the seat. Either way, it's good to go now.

_________________
'16 Hobie Outback
'10 Hobie Revo 13

Glad you fixed it! You will like the Pro Angler! I'm looking at adding a 2017 Outback in a few months. Never fished from one. Have a great week!

Where in Georgia?

_________________
Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

North of Atlanta...on the south side of Lake Lanier close to the dam.

Saw your '13 Pro Anger for sale on the FCKA forum and was hoping I could get my Kaskazi sold quick enough to possibly check in with you on it. Just happened to find a local deal that was too good to pass up. Really impressive set-up. Love that SeaDek. Wish they made a big once piece front mat for the Pro Angler 12.

_________________
'16 Hobie Outback
'10 Hobie Revo 13