Pro Angler 14 or 17 in Rough Water?

I live in the gulf coast area and fish mostly bays and lakes. I do not fish much in or have to go through the surf. The lakes and bays that, I fish will get a good 3' wave with some chop. I am looking at the Pro Angler 14 and 17. I like to fish with my family and a few Friends. I hear a lot negative info “Not good off shore” about the Pro Angler but, I see so many out in such rough conditions, I wonder if, the sheer size of the thing, makes it more like a boat, then a Kayak. I hear no secondary stability used on this forum a lot but, does the with of the Pa void the need for it? I am confused so, please inform me. Would the Pa 17 be more or less seaworthy then the 14. I weigh 275# and believe the Pa is the best choice for me. All comments will be welcome. Thank You

The PA 14 sounds like a well-suited vessel for yourself, in the conditions you're talking about using one in. One thing you might add is a hatch latch to imrove the security of the seal on the front hatch...part no. 84501921

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

I had my first trip in the ocean with my PA14 this summer, first trip in any kayak. I'm 200 lbs, plus motor, a couple batteries and gear, I was hesitant in the waves at first but by the end of the trip I was out in the whitecaps feeling pretty confident. Still kept an eye out for the wakes of the cruise ships and tugs but I felt really stable.


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On the bank of the Bow River

Thank for the tip about the strap. I am worried about water entering the Pa through the hatch.

Thank you for your reply. It sounds like the Pa impressed you, by the way, it handled the conditions.

FYI, Nomad 2017 - The straps come in ones...when using the straps, we recommend using two (one on each side of the mast receiver on the aft side of the hatch) and you can even put one on either side of the hatch for added security like in this photo:

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA

Thank You, for the advice on the second strap. I saw on this forum, people talking about after market gaskets, for the front hatch as well.

Howie. I want to order a set of the straps, but I am not finding them online. You know who has them in stock or pretty much special order thru the dealers? Also, was thinking of replacing the screw in bungee holders for the original front straps with the screw in pad eyes. Do you have the part number handy for the small pad eye's that could replace them? Thinking that would be a nice place to attach my drive leash when I use it.

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STLKayak
2020 Pro Angler 14 360
St. Louis, Missouri
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005695487937

You'll have to order these straps through your dealer...reference part no. 84501921.

Screw-in Pad Eye - part no. 71116001



Screw-in Pad Eye XL - part no. 71125001

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Howie Strech
Parts & Accessories Product Manager
Hobie Cat USA