No worries, I’m just over 300lbs and carry a lot of gear, a small battery, and a downrigger at times. No problems with water coming in through the mirage drive hole in my 2017. I have even put a low beach chair back to back with the Hobie seat and taken my wife or one of my adult daughters out with me on the lake a few times (wise husbands don’t quote their wife’s weight), and still had no issues. Seat is fine so far. Been very happy with the PA14 and it’s stability for a guy my size and height. I know I’ve seen a couple of videos on youtube of people that make me look tiny using the PA14 who were comfortable enough to take it offshore. If you are worried about getting to the storage up front, keep the rarely used stuff there, and put the stuff you use most in a crate behind the seat. I mostly use the front hatch to store my rod holders and other gear when off the water and things not used often, like extra clothes if the weather turns, and a small anchor which I rarely use. I don’t access the front very often when on the water, so to be honest I am not sure if I ever had any water come in while at the front. Regardless it would drain out the instant you go back to the seat as there are a number of drainage holes, so there would be no water to remain. I think if you got the PA14 you would be quite happy with it. It’s truly a big guys kayak.
Regards
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