Which kayak to Demo?

I know this topic has been beat around forever, but I do have a specific list of what I want to be able to do with my first kayak.

- Fish ocean, bay and fishwater (Panama City, FL area)
- Paddle or Pedal (Paddle for a workout, Pedal to fish)
- I weight about 260 pounds

Given what I have listed, I'm thinking the Outback and the PA are the right choices? Little worried about the weight capacity of the Outback and a little worried about the ability to paddle the PA. Unconcerned about the size of the PA, I have already ordered a trailer that will carry anything I want to buy.

I know I will learn a lot once I have my paddle day in December, but that will be on a no-current lake basically where anything will work fine. Is my logic here correct?

Thanks,
T

Try the Adventure. Fastest one man kayak Hobie makes.

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Hobie Island Sailing since 2006

Yah, try the Adventure. But at 260, prepare well for swampbutt. Keep your eyes on the the two you first figured on. Either the Outback or the PA. I have both. The PA gets paddled when I "have to" for some reason. But then again, the Outback gets the same type of treatment. You'll never be disappointed in the Outback and it'll give you a good platform for finding out if you want to do more. The PA is an awesome craft. I'd not want to paddle it around much as it's so wide.

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Yakkingaway
Portsmouth, VA

Is the PA more suited to the open ocean or a more calm area? I want the greatest flexibility, sounds like the Outback will be more the ticket, but I do want to demo both. Just got to get back on that side of the pond.

Thanks again,
T

If you're planning to carry much gear (bait tank, etc), the PA will probably be your best choice, especially if you are tall. You're right though, it's not a good paddler.(of course, you could use it as a stand-up paddle board ):


The Outback has decent weight capacity and would work if you're less than about 6' +/- tall. It's not a great paddler either, but paddles much better than the PA.

The Adventure has a little longer and roomier cockpit than the Outback, but less deck space. It has the best speed and range and is the best choice for the Ocean or bad weather. If you don't carry a lot of equipment and don't mind a wet butt, it can be a great fishing boat, especially if you like to troll.

After trying each of them next month, I think you may fall in love with the PA. Be sure and let us know how it works out!

If I had to go with just one of those and no other selection, I'd be hard pressed to make a suggestion, as both yaks are good for your criteria. I'd be less concerned about the weight capacity of the Outback, as it's plenty.

Have you considered an AI for your fishing needs? After being out in all sorts of weather conditions this season, I gotta say that pedaling for any real distance in waves and wind gets old real quick (especially with something as bulky as a PA), and a sail can vastly extend your range.

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Mitch

2010 Tandem Island
2010 Revolution
Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore

My sailing blog
Our sailing videos

I love my Adventure, and Revolution, but I weigh about 95 pounds less then you, and I don't think either of my boats will perform the same way with a 260 pound skipper. I think you've got the right idea with the Outback and Pro Angler. It comes down to how you want to use them.

Personally, I'd have to agree with Roadrunner, but everyone here will give you different pieces of information that may apply to you. Try to find a place where you can test ride a couple boats. Having owned the Revolution and the Adventure, I was surprised at how different these very similar boats were out on the water. You'll find one that clearly speaks to your needs once you're able to get out in them.

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