For the more...ahem...rotund kayaker

Hey fellas, I'm getting closer to pulling the trigger on a new PA-14. However, I weigh in at a dainty 310lb and I'm a bit concerned about the vantage seat being able to support me, especially in the elivated position.

If the new PA is not going to work for me can I order an older PA-14 that has the fixed seat and raised tackle box?

Thanks all...

_________________
One moment you're flying South for the the winter, then - BANG - gravy.

I fit that description. I don't have any problems fishing from a 2012 PA-14. That seat is fine, I'm not sure I would like the "new" seat for reasons other than support. You can always change the seat - I know needless expense, but you can do that and I've thought about installing a seat similiar to the one on the back deck of my bass boat although it would add a little weight.

_________________
2012 PA-14 Dune; 2013 PA-14 Yellow.

I resemble that and I love the older seat on the 2012 and older models .......

Not sure where you're located but Black Creek Outfitters here in Jacksonville Florida just found a left over 2012 Papaya colored PA14 and are selling it for one heck of a price. It's never even been assembled. Might contact them if you want the older model.

I'm 250lbs and take my 100lb nine year old son with me all the time on my 2012 PA14.

Yeah the payload is 600 pounds, long as u like the seat you good...buy a used one

Match here too. I wish they would state what the Vantage seat's capacity is like they do with camp chairs - just for piece of mind. Some "heavy duty" ones can max out at 225-250. There's a recent post on tearing on the older seat which I could see happening more quickly with me in it...

I can't see there being an issue between the seat being elevated or not...? I think the support/quality lies in the material and stitching strength. Maybe another poster who has one (I have to wait 'till mid-April to place my order ) could say if the seat in the up position plus the armrests might make for a more controlled... landing That could reduce wear and tear.

I liked the new seat personally and certainly wouldn't want it to give out prematurely. More bells and whistles, more things to go wrong... The old seat, if I remember right, you are still supported by material, it's not a hard seat or supported by the floor underneath. (I realize you may already know that just thinking out loud -it's something I should get on asking
my dealer about)

Thanks everyone for your replies. But I'm still not sure if the vantage seating or the plastic supports for raising the seat will hold up year after year with a big fella at the helm. Can someone at Hobie give me some weight ratings on the vantage seat? Thanks for the help.

_________________
One moment you're flying South for the the winter, then - BANG - gravy.

buy a 2012 or older ........ it will be much cheaper and you will be happier .......

Doesn't the new 2013 model have some extra support around the floor/seat that they've changed from before when some were getting cracks around the seat? If you buy an older model, wouldn't you add some support in that area? (I think with high density foam). At least I'd look into posts here on cracks before committing to an older model just to check it out. I could be wrong but it was another reason I'm planning on the more expensive newer model.... I'll leave it to Hobie to put more support in the right places although it sounds like an easy DIY project if you're open to it. I'd probably procrastinate on it until its too late - know thyself

Love the old seat

Only a 9 hour drive for you. I should know, I drive to Boise from here 3 or 4 times a year.

For $2200, it's $750 cheaper than new and no Idaho sales tax of 6%. (another $177) total $927 cheaper. That's gonna pay the gas (about $300) and leave you with some serious change to set it up your way.

http://yubasutter.craigslist.org/spo/3550768393.html

WOW! What a beautiful looking rig...full warantee and everything I'll be sure to keep my eye on it. Thanks everyone for your comments.

_________________
One moment you're flying South for the the winter, then - BANG - gravy.

My Vantage Seat seat is separating at the mesh and fabric seam near the front of the seat. I think it happened when I slid forward one time reaching for my rod in the rod holder.

I bought this 2013 model used. That said, I doubt that it would be covered under warranty. Any ideas on how this could be repaired? It is not too bad right now, perhaps a 1/2" separation, but with my 250 lbs, I worry about it progressively getting worse. so any and all advise would be appreciated.

Thanks

it should be covered ........ 2 years no matter who first bought it

Boy am I glad to hear that!!

Off to GOPC

Bob