Trying to decide on a kayak

I've been trying to select a kayak for fishing. My uneducated and inexperienced selection is the Hobie Pro Angler 14. I've received quite a few comments about how I should get the Outback instead. I'm sure it's use specific, so here are my intended needs...

Fishing...estuaries like Newport, going out from beaches like pacific city, Willamette river trolling and anchoring, same on Columbia. I might do a few lakes, but mostly fishing for bottom fish and salmon.

I've got some arthritis in my knees, hips. I am a big guy...6' 300#. I am 59 years old. Have never been in a kayak. I feel like the mirage drive is necessary to allow for varied propulsion and use of different muscles. I also intend to have a paddle and sail. I've been a sailor for decades.

The biggest comments I get revolve around mobility of the kayak. But with a good loading system, I see no problems here. I feel like the added stability of the PA 14 and payload potential is worth it.

I guess I'm looking for some experiences with the PA14 and possibly comments from those who have been on both. I will go down and get a test drive. But that won't be a test in all conditions. When the water gets rough and choppy for instance, you may not know the capabilities until you get caught in it.

I guess that my main concern is the 400# capacity of the Outback. Sounds like it cuts better through rougher stuff, but loaded at the maximum capacity maybe not? The 600# capacity of the PA14 seems to offer a lot of reserve capacity.

I would say that due to your weight and mobility issues, the PA-14 would be the better choice. As you also noted, the PA-14 has more reserve load capacity.

I am 6' and 169 pounds, closing in on 75 and started with a Outback in 2009, but went to a PA-14 in 2013 because the higher level of comfort and ease of movement in the kayak.
I also have a Hobie Trailex trailer to store, trail and launch the "beast"....its been the right choice for me.

Lastly, I agree that you should demo both the Outback and then the PA-14 before you lay down the $$$.

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

You wont be paddling either except in emergencies.

PA gives you much better scope for standing/kneeling on seat to access back etc. Off water handling you will just work around it accordingly. The size of a PA forces you to manhandle it properly, you wont be tempted to do any of those snatch and jerk lifting techniques to roof top it. The biggest cause of yakker injuries.

Not going to get into details except to say that for a bigger guy, I think you will appreciate the added width, length, stability and comfort of the PA14. And if your like me, your going to be taking some gear along. A 55 qt cooler filled with ice and beverages can add 25+ pounds alone.

If you can trailer, I would suggest you do so. You could not pay me to go back to car topping.

But you need to demo the kayaks. Spend some time in each. If you have never been in a kayak, your going to find that even the PA14 might not feel as ROCK STABLE as you expected. What I have found with taking people out for the first time is that the stability is there, but the perception of being tippy is pretty strong. There is a 'comfort curve' with any kayak, and it is a lot like riding a bike for the first time. The more you do it the more comfortable and confident you get.

I came to the PA14 as part of a progression of kayaks. My last was a Jackson Cuda 12. First time out in it I ate water twice. A week later I was standing in it (in calm water mind you). The PA14 has a shorter comfort curve in my opinion. But don't be discouraged if right off the bat you are not 100% comfortable. Personally, I don't ever want to be 100% comfortable...when that happens, that is usually when I do something stupid...and then end up swimming.

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

I think if you skip "going out from beaches like pacific city" and pay careful attention to the wind (you will be happy when it is under 10mph, largely at its mercy much above that), a PA14 is going to be perfect. cheers, roger

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2019 Outback360 'Fish Retriever'
2016 i11s 'Go Cougs!'
2012 Oasis and 2012 PA12 (moved on but not forgotten...)