Big guy on a PA... not very satisfied.

After extensive research, reading a ton of reviews, set ups, etc... I was very excited and finally bit the bullet on a new-to-me PA14 (2012 model). I wasn't able to buy a new model as I can barely fit in the new Advantage seat (VERY uncomfortable for me) so I chose to find an older model. I'm 6'4" and all of 390lbs, so kayak choices are very limited for me- and I have owned just about every 'big guy' kayak available, including Ocean Big Game 2 (joke), X-Factor, Nucanoe F12, and Jackson Big Rig (most amazing big-guy kayak I've ever owned). I decided to give the PA a shot as I was sold on the prospect of being able to fish 'hands-free', the ability to troll without paddling, and, most importantly, the weight capacity.

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to 'try-before-buy', and I truly wish I could have. I probably would not have purchased it. My main concern is the fact that I'm sitting in a puddle- maybe not literally, but my whole front cockpit has water in it thanks to water coming in from the drive hole/scuppers. And that's without ANY gear in it. Just me. Now I have to wonder what I'll be facing the moment I add even just a few pieces of gear. To say I'm disappointed is an understatement... I would have thought that with this thing having a 600# capacity I wouldn't be sitting in water. I understand the whole 'effective capacity' concept'; however, I never had this issue with my Big Rig, Nucanoe, or X-Factor, even when geared down (I did not have to use scupper plugs on any of them). And I guess scupper plugs would be useless considering the big gaping hole for the drive. Overall, I'd give my PA ownership a B-. I love the ability to pedal a kayak (great exercise, fun for trolling, and easy to cover distance), the stability is excellent, and it is an excellent fishing platform. On the negative, sitting in water, loading/unloading the heavy beast, and the cockpit can feel a bit claustrophobic over time. I built a stand with PVC bunks to store it, and my hull now has some very bad pitting in the groves where the PVC contacts the hull. I have no idea how that even happened???

I was fortunate to have bought my loaded PA for very good deal, so getting my money back will not be an issue. But before I head back to a Jackson Big Rig, I'd at least like to apply for temporary Hobie PA membership.

Is your boat equipped with a fishfinder? Curious if you have a battery in the front hatch. This would make it heavier in the bow and would add to water coming in. There is also a rubber flap that screws onto the drive. This helps divert water under a heavy pedal stroke. Some where in the 2012/2013 time frame it went to a solid splash guard.

When I upgraded from my 2010 Outback to a PA-14, I waited for the 2013's to come out as it had the new Vantage seat....However, it is rated for 350 pounds maximum.
The Vantage seat is vastly superior to the original seat that your 2012 PA-14 has.

I understand why you found it difficult to fit into the Vantage seat as it has side arms as part of the frame......Have you considered raising the seat 2" or 3" by installing a couple of wood blocks?

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

I'm 5'10" and was over 300 lbs and carried a bunch of stuff and never had water coming over the scupper holes ........ Even when I ran the Torqeedo engine full blast. I have 2 Pa 14's and never had a problem with either of them.

I'm probably carrying about 100 lbs at times but haven't seen the problem

I have read some posts on the 2012 and earlier ridding lower in the water than the newer boats. I would also wonder if your boat is dry or taking on water? A gallon of water weighs about 8.5 pounds. Doesn't take much to add up to real weight. And if that weight is in the front it might exacerbate the problem.

Also wondering if the foam blocks inside are still in position or even there at all. They are there to help with structural rigidity but floatation as well.

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

Yep- I have a fish finder and a small 12V/7A deer feeder battery in the bow. It's pretty light so it's weight is negligible. Also, the water is coming in at rest through the drive port and scuppers, and it doesn't gurgle up during strokes (which is good I guess). I'm not sure if the foam supports are in so I'll check that out this evening, but foam inside a hull will only help with rigidity, not buoyancy (unless water breaches the hull of course).

After 4 hours on the lake I checked the hull and it was completely dry- thank goodness! I was worried that water in the hull was causing me to ride so low in the water. So at least I know my hull, in spite of all its cosmetic scratches/dings/gouges, is in pretty good shape for a 4 year old kayak...

In the end, it's not a deal-breaker, just a disappointment. BTW- I'm sure the Advantage seat is super comfy; however, a $5 stadium cushion slid underneath my seat's mesh cover made my chair feel like a lazy boy, so I'm good to go!

Good solution

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

I'm 280 and have a fully loaded 2015 PA 14..an easy 100 lbs of accessories fully loaded and often with 70 to 80 lbs of fish in the bow hatch at the end of a day as well and i haven't gotten water in the boat yet with exception of a small amount in the deck when i move way forward to get in to the hatch bucket to bag fish and grab drinks etc..none around seat at all...