Cost-Effective Alternative To The Hobie Pa

[Huntrava]

Hello everyone,

 

This board has been extremely helpful over the last couple months, and I intend to tap your knowledge again!

 

I'm an experiences kayaker, so fishing from a kayak seemed like a natural progression.  Believe it or not, my current setup is a (heavily modified) 12 foot Pelican touring kayak.  I think I've outgrown it in size and utility, particularly when it comes to fishing.  There isn't enough deck space and I'm constantly fighting to hold position when fishing a particular piece of structure or cover.  I'm constantly juggling the paddle and my two rods, not to mention having to strap milk crates to the front and back of the kayak.  I'm sure I make quite a sight.  

 

In any case, I've been eyeing the Hobie Pro Angler 14 for a while...it seems like the holy grail of sit-on-top angling kayaks, but it has a steep, steep price tag.  They hold their value at about $2,200 used, and about $3k new and fully loaded.  Who can afford that much for a single-person plastic kayak I will never know.  I'd prefer a tandem kayak to take a partner in crime fishing, but the new 17T will cost about $5,500 when it comes out in a few months.  Not happening for this guy.

 

My question: Has anyone had personal experience with any alternative fishing kayaks that are a little more value-oriented?  Especially tandem kayaks?  Or, alternatively, would anyone say the Hobie PA is worth it?  

 

Open to feedback.

[kikstand454]

I do not own, nor have I ever been in a PA. But I have been around alot of them. The reason they are the top of the line sit on top is because they are boats. Lol. Its not even a kayak really, and is referred to as a "personal watercraft" if I recall. They are awesome. But. .... they are super expensive and super heavy. So add a trailer to the cost of your PA. Because I have seen very few people who stick with putting it in the back of a truck. And you're not putting it on TOP of anything. Its just too big and heavy and awkward.

After realizing this, I came to the conclusion that with the initial cost, a trailer, registration for said trailer, and the sheer size and lack of out of water mobility of the PA- I'd just as soon get a boat.

So I got a used tarpon140 I can sling up on top of my Cherokee and launch it in a roadside ditch if I want to- because that's why I wanted a kayak in the first place- a hassle free way to fish. Ymmv.

By your post, my advice would either be the native ultimate for a solo kayak, or a good old town canoe for your tandem adventures.

Jmho.

[Hanover_Yakker]

I'll chime in with my own personal experience having been on both sides of the dilemma before.  I started in a Wilderness Systems Ride 135, spent time in the Tarpon 120 and 140, the Ocean Kayak Trident 13, Native Watercraft Ultimate and ultimately made my way through the Hobie lineup of the Outback, Revolution 13, Pro Angler 12 and now the Pro Angler 14.  I also have had hands on and interactions with manufacturer and pro staffs for all of the major brands as well.

 

Having said that, the ultimate choice of kayak is a product of a number of factors:

 

1. Your fishing style 70-80% of the time

2. Your target species

3. Your preferred waters 70-80% of the time

4. Your physical limitations

5. Your storage options for when the kayak is not in use

6. Your method of transporting (that includes roof top racks systems, truck beds and trailer options)

7. Your budget (needs to account for all costs including paddle, pfd, racks, etc)

 

For me, I always wanted a Hobie, but like you mentioned, the initial cost factor was a hinderance for me at the time.  After spending countless amounts of money on rigging and kayak hulls, I ultimately found my way into a Hobie, albeit the heaviest solo seat model prior to this summer's release of the PA17T.

 

If weight is a concern, let me add a different perspective - I loaded my 2013 PA14 and my current 2014 PA14 on top of my Dodge Grand Caravan by myself by using physics to my advantage.  I now load my PA14 on top of my Honda CRV solo using the same method and have no problems whatsoever, so in my opinion weight is not a reason to avoid a Hobie.  Most traditional 13-14' kayak hulls weigh 70-80 pounds, so the 20-30 pound difference is negligible in my opinion when you consider proper loading and unloading techniques.  

 

While cost is also a valid concern, you have to look at the total cost of any kayak you are considering purchasing.  I can tell you with a fair degree of certainty that you will add another kayak at some point, whether due to limitations of your first hull purchased, wanting a spare for family and friends or realizing you made a mistake in your initial hull choice.  We all end up adding at least one more at some point.  I myself sold two of mine to get into the one I have now, and I will be adding at least one more in the very near future.   Most likely a Revolution 13, Outback or a Quest 13 (paddle version of the Revo 13).

 

I can tell you that my original Ride 135 cost me around $1000.  What tha cost did not include was the items I added that being a good starter paddle plus I added a high end carbon fiber paddle ($450) later on, a seat upgrade (twice at $250 toal cost), a nice PFD ($100), a rudder kit ($200), a fishfinder and battery setup twice ($250 first, then $600 later), several rod holders, anchor trolley, crate system, cart ($200), rack system ($400), etc.....as you can see the costs add up.  There are ways to save money either through DIY modifications using household or big bix hardware store pieces or even through the secondhand market (eBay, CL, wanted ads, word of mouth, etc).  My only caution there is ensure you can test out the items before committing to a purchase.  In the end, I spent well over $2800 in total after taxes within the first two years of owning my first kayak.

 

By comparison, my first Hobie Pro Angler cost me $2500 in total and it included the factory 8 rod holders (6 horizontal and 2 vertical), the Hobie paddle, a comfortable seat, integrated Lowrance depth finder setup, a Hobie cart and anchor trolley.  I added a $300 depth finder and $100 Hobie battery kit for a FF.  In other words, I only spent $400 more and I didn't have to customize or perform any DIY modifications to the hull.

 

In short, the total difference between the two purchases - $100 more for the Hobie in the end.  My Revolution 13 I had prior to the Pro Angler 14 was even less.  It came with 2 vertical rod holders, a paddle, a high back seat with adjustable lumbar support, an integrated rudder system and cost me only $1500.  I added the $600 FF setup to it bringing my grand total to $2000 for that setup - far less than my earlier Ride 135.

 

Don't fixate on the initial sticker price - you have to price out the entire package.  That's not to say that your budget will allow for a Hobie, it's just pointing out the realities of purchasing a kayak.  Also, don't force yourself into believing that you have to focus on just the Pro Angler series, there are other options in their models both Mirage Drive versions and paddle based.  Keep an open mind!

 

If you have any more questions about any of the Hobie lineup, just ask away so others can see it and benefit from your questions and the answers.

[PersicoTrotaVA]

I'm in the same kayak so to speak hehe.  I want a "hands free" propulsion system so I can keep fishing.  I looked at the Hobie PA kayaks really hard.  I have been looking at them for a few years actually.  The price is what turned me off.  I could get a decent jon boat and convert it for the same price as a Hobie PA but I can't get into places with a jon boat that I can get to with a kayak.  Now like I said, I looked hard at the Hobie PA.  It comes with a paddle, rod holders and built in electronics so all you have to do is plug in.  You get what you pay for.  Lately I have been looking at the Old Town Predator XL that comes out in November.  I like the idea of an electric motor built in with foot controls.