I was online at Hobie's website this weekend checking out the new PA-12, expecting a shorter version of the PA-14, but with everything about the same in just a smaller version...But to my Surprise and Envy...The PA-12 was very different than the 14...I was jealous because the PA-12 had many improvements over the 14 that I wished were available for the 14...Improvements such as the lighter & removable adjustable seat...The "transducer ready" hull design...And the "twist and seal" center hatch that will help reduce the water seepage inside the hull.
I've spent alot of time and money making improvements and upgrades to my PA-14 because of earlier design "flaws?"...It seems that because Hobie has a forum where people can talk about their PA problems and successful improvements, the engineers use the forum to get their ideas for future changes and upgrades...Not a bad idea...In fact...A Great Idea
I wish that I was on their design team for the PA. I have all kinds of ideas for practical improvements and optional add-ons that would make the PA a better fishing platform than it already is...
To everyone that reads my post...PLease excuse my griping...I'm just upset that I've spent so much time and effort, not to mention the money I've spent, in making improvements to the PA...And now it seems that Hobie has an additional model PA...2 feet shorter (PA-12)...Lighter...And with upgrades related to steering positions, storage, seating and transducer mounting...All standard features on the PA-12 that I wish were included on my original PA-14
Oh well...I guess that I should make a choice...Either just shut up and continue to custom improve my PA-14, or sell it and buy the new PA-12 with the many improvements, now standard...
BTW...I wonder if the shorter PA-12 is more difficult to keep a straight course without making many steering corrections, than the PA-14?...Generally speaking,...The shorter and wider a boat is...Doesn't that make it slower, and more difficult to keep a straight course?