Hobie PA 12 vs Hobie Outback with sidekicks

[freelancer27]

Hi all,

I am in the market for a kayak (that I will need to car top on a Honda Civic). 

Since stability is ver important for me (standing up and also be able to get out in a bit rougher water), I am wondering which platform is more stable for me (6'3, 210 pounds).

2019/2020 Hobie PA 12 vs 2019/2020 Hobie Outback with sidekicks.

Any thoughts or experiences on this would be very much appreciated!

Thanks,
Seb. 

[Choporoz]

Planning to go offshore?

 

I only ask because I've got a Compass which is same width as Outback, but shorter.  I have used it inshore and on large lakes on windy days among the skiers and wake boats.  I've had it in 2 foot+ swells.  And I have never once thought that I should be in something more stable.  I just can't imagine trying to fish around outriggers, either, though.

I'm a long ways from 6'3", but I think you'll be impressed by the stability of either

[freelancer27]

3 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

Planning to go offshore?

 

I only ask because I've got a Compass which is same width as Outback, but shorter.  I have used it inshore and on large lakes on windy days among the skiers and wake boats.  I've had it in 2 foot+ swells.  And I have never once thought that I should be in something more stable.  I just can't imagine trying to fish around outriggers, either, though.

I'm a long ways from 6'3", but I think you'll be impressed by the stability of either

Thanks for your response.

I tested the Compass as well and it is not as stable as the PA12 by quite a bit. Also it does has less storage room than what I would prefer.

[Choporoz]

I'm with you.  If I could trailer a Hobie, I'd have gotten an Outback or PA.  I was limited by weight (cartop-atility) mostly.  I wasn't suggesting you move down to Compass....just that I'd be surprised if the other two weren't more than stable enough without the sidekicks

[Hook2Jaw]

The stability of the PA12 will greatly exceed the Outback.  With your high center of gravity and a want for stability, I would go with the PA12.  I used to fish from an Outback and never had a balance issue.  I now fish from a PA14, and can confidently say I won't ever have a balance issue.

 

There are systems you can add to your roof rack to more easily enable car topping a PA12.

 

If you've got any more questions about the two boats, fire away. 

[hmongkidBee]

I have a 2019 compass with the sidekicks and from my experience the sidekicks make the rig seriously stable IF you configure them to actually rest on the water.  If I'm making a huge trek from one area to another, then I will move the sidekicks to a higher position to not impede the speed I get.  Anyways, back to your question, imo the compass and outback are relatively the same stability-wise.  If you're standing up to fish a lot, it would feel uneasy but that's where the sidekicks come in.  With the sidekicks mounted, the stability is superb on any hobie kayak.  If you want more deck space, get the pro angler.

 

I would lean towards the pro angler if I was you because of your height.  I'm 5'5 and I bought the compass due to its lightweight (65lbs unrigged) so I can cartop it on my suv.  My buddy drives a 2012 honda civic and he car tops his pro angler 14 with the rhino rack kayak roof rack.

 

I hope this helps.  Feel free to reach out to me if you have any further questions.

[Dieselguy416]

I had this same question last year and finally chose the outback. I decided I wanted to do more saltwater fishing and surf launching a PA didn't appeal to me. Good luck with your decision. 

[J Francho]

Car topping a PA12 seems optimistic.  Not a fan of outriggers on a kayak, though.  Pretty sure an Outback would suit you best.

[Hook2Jaw]

10 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Car topping a PA12 seems optimistic.  Not a fan of outriggers on a kayak, though.  Pretty sure an Outback would suit you best.

 

After watching her do that, I feel like a reasonably fit adult male can get a PA12 or 14 up top.

[Smalls]

On 11/15/2019 at 6:09 AM, Hook2Jaw said:

After watching her do that, I feel like a reasonably fit adult male can get a PA12 or 14 up top.

It’s definitely doable. However it gets old quick. Even more of a PITA if you have a taller vehicle, or you’re height challenged like myself.
 

My kayak weighs in at just under 100 lbs and I car topped it exactly one time. After that I was in the market for a trailer. I rented one from u-haul a few times while I was searching for my own. 

[Dieselguy416]

I agree putting a PA over head will never be easy. I don't even like putting my outback on my truck rack. Its so simple to just slide it into the bed when I've been on the water all day. 

[J Francho]

Try it in the cold, pouring rain.  With thunder and lightening crashing around you.  Even getting my Hobie Compass into the bed of my truck is an ordeal.