Pre 13' Pro angler 14 thoughts and upgrades?
Posted: 30 Jan 2017, 13:59
After picking up a Pro angler on Australia day, I needed to get out on the water and try this brilliant piece of boat out. I had the opportunity to head to Echuca to drown my sorrows on not getting to Portland and where some friends had a cabin. So I dragged the trailer and PA back to N.S.W. for my first crack. I had added a few railblaza mounts replaced the sounder with a colour Garmin and check the operation of the mirage drive and rudder system.
On the water at 6 AM locked in the drive lowered the rudder and off I headed upstream, instantly falling in love with this Hobie. My Outback has been a great craft but the room the speed and turning ability all took me by surprise. The comfort of the seat including leg room is in a class of it own, stand up casting was awesome I also modified my paddle by adding the T handle to the end turning it into a SUP style paddle which work incredibly well in the Campaspe river. So the pros are what you read the ultimate in fishing vessel for long stints and casting. The overall size is big, 14 foot of length gives you rough weather insurance the width keep you dry and secure with the deck be typically Hobie well set out. The cons are standard issue weight to cart it around the other one is the steering I felt it was a lot heavier than my outback and was not as responsive this concerns me if you re in rough weather trying to correct your course against the elements. I found myself palming the steering control which was not that comfortable. I will make some adjustments and research a little more regarding the bigger rudder and steering upgrades.I will still be taking both kayaks out before the end of summer and decide which one is best for my needs.
So past and present PA owner..........
I would like to know what DO's I should consider when modifying the PA &
what are some DONT's ?
I have already planned on a rear anchor trolley and hatch seals
The V2 drive had turbo fins already apart from this your wisdom will be greatly appreciated.
On the water at 6 AM locked in the drive lowered the rudder and off I headed upstream, instantly falling in love with this Hobie. My Outback has been a great craft but the room the speed and turning ability all took me by surprise. The comfort of the seat including leg room is in a class of it own, stand up casting was awesome I also modified my paddle by adding the T handle to the end turning it into a SUP style paddle which work incredibly well in the Campaspe river. So the pros are what you read the ultimate in fishing vessel for long stints and casting. The overall size is big, 14 foot of length gives you rough weather insurance the width keep you dry and secure with the deck be typically Hobie well set out. The cons are standard issue weight to cart it around the other one is the steering I felt it was a lot heavier than my outback and was not as responsive this concerns me if you re in rough weather trying to correct your course against the elements. I found myself palming the steering control which was not that comfortable. I will make some adjustments and research a little more regarding the bigger rudder and steering upgrades.I will still be taking both kayaks out before the end of summer and decide which one is best for my needs.
So past and present PA owner..........
I would like to know what DO's I should consider when modifying the PA &
what are some DONT's ?
I have already planned on a rear anchor trolley and hatch seals
The V2 drive had turbo fins already apart from this your wisdom will be greatly appreciated.