Upgrading PA

I have a 09 14' PA and have been toying with the idea of upgrading to a new 14' PA mainly for the seat, anyone done that and is the new style seat more comfortable? I have to use a cushion on the lower upright part of my 09 PA seat for lumbar support, otherwise the seat is fine.

I have a 2012 model that has the same seat you have. The seat you have does allow you to swing your legs over the side or just back up and sit down to get in the PA. But that's where the advantages end. With the new Vantage seat you have to climb or step into the PA.

The new seat is lighter in weight, easier to carry and install. Can be used to sit on outside the PA if needed. Seat adjustments for the base, back and lumbar are great! You also have room under the seat for storage. To me the biggest improvement made was the tackle storage being basically flush in the floor in front of the seat. Gives you plenty of room to move if you're standing up to cast or for any reason.

I still fish out of the 2012 PA every once in a while. But use the 2013 with the Vantage seat a lot more.

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Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

Thanks for your input Steve.
Do you have a 12 and 14 PA or two 14 PA's? If you have a 12 and 14 do you feel the 12 is slightly less stable, or no difference?

If you notice my signature, I have 2 PA14s. I would think the stability might be slightly better with the PA14 as it's a little wider than the PA12. Never tried a PA12.

I've posted the picture below a few times, but I'll throw it in since it shows both in the picture. Gotta love the flat floor area in front of the seat.

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Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

Going to have to demo a new PA now, thanks for the picture! I don't like on the new PA's how the rail is set back farther..........

If you're used to mounting your rod holders or other gear on the side rails, that would make you re-think where you put some things on the new one. The side rails also only have one retractable shock cord for tying down gear versus the 3 that were on the older versions. I came up with some inexpensive creative ways to hold my gear. That's part of the fun of rigging a new ride.

Look around through the forums and online. There are some great setups that can give you some ideas. Good luck!

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Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

For anyone still wondering about the PA12 vs the PA14, I own and fish out of both of them. I can't detect any significant stability or handling difference. The only real difference to me is the bow storage is obviously smaller and there is a small difference in the area between the seat and the side of the boat on the PA12. I can reach the bow storage easier, but it's not enough to really consider.

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Richard Laughlin
Lafayette, LA

Finally Retired, Fish Beware!

2013 Hobie Pro Angler 14
2012 Hobie Pro Angler 12
2001 Hobie Hank Parker Edition Outback

I think both sizes have merits of their own. If you look at the standpoint that you have a choice of 2 variations versus a single size, that's a plus. I'm sure the PA12 works very well and it basically boils down to which one feels right for you.

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Steve Stubbs
USAF (retired)

SeaDek Fishing Team
Unfair Lures Pro Staff
Ziptailz Ambassador

2015 Pro Angler 14 - Papaya
2018 Compass - Sea Grass

Unless you have an issue with the 2 foot longer PA14, the $100 difference between the PA12 Vs PA14, IMHO is a easy "value choice" to pick the PA14.....more room and load capacity favors the PA14....Pick your poison

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

I would continue to use the cushion and keep the older PA 14... Unless you have money to burn?

I love the seat. If I go anywhere in a car for any distance I put a pillow in my back for support but I don't have to with the vantage seat and it's nice not to have to dick around with one. I like a lot of lumbar support with the front of the seat up for support under the legs. The mesh too must be a lot nicer (cooler) to sit on (I only was in a PA with the old seat once to test it so I admit I can't directly compare). I also sit all day for a living and like having something that doesn't aggravated my back. I've currently been upgraded to a new vehicle that I can tell has a fancy shaped chair (with power lumber) that still hurts for me to be in it for longer than fifteen minutes so I can appreciate that not all seats are that great and upgrading to a better seat could be very worth it. It's a comfy camp chair too.

It really needs a headrest though and I'm pretty sure I could add napping to my kayak trips