PA and Revo

[bus kid]

So being between kayaks sucks. I have decided on going to the darkside that was simple what I cant decide is between a revo and a PA. I have taken both out over the last few weeks and still cant decide. The revo is faster and more maneuverable, the PA is Stable as hell, even more so then I imagined. Help a brother out in making a decision, post up some pics of how you have rigged yours up, and what you like best about it.
Thanks in advance
David

[467echo]

just sold my Revo and getting in a PA. I have peddled around with friends and the PA seems just as fast. Where will you be fishing the most?

[bus kid]

Originally Posted by 467echo

just sold my Revo and getting in a PA. I have peddled around with friends and the PA seems just as fast. Where will you be fishing the most?

yeah I saw your ad and the fact that it was Wahoos I almost pulled the trigger but I was going out on a friends PA the following day. I fish everywhere open water up to 8 miles out, bays, and lakes. That's what making it hard. I heard wispers of a smaller PA due out later this year, but no proof of that. Having sold my kayak last month I have been borrowing friends kayaks and Riding as a boat HO yesterday so I need to get my own ride asap.

[467echo]

easy choice, if you can afford a PA, get it!

[PapaDave]

If you can afford to, go with a PA, I'm glad I did. Stable, lots of room and VERY comfortable for those day long trips.

[blitzburgh]

A beast to lug around but its been over a year and a half with my PA and I wouldn't go any other way! Like PapaDCh said, SUPER stable and I can stay on it ALL day comfortably.

[sandydiego]

Originally Posted by PapaDCh

If you can afford to, go with a PA, I'm glad I did. Stable, lots of room and VERY comfortable for those day long trips.

I have been on the water for 12 hours straight in my PA.

[sandydiego]

Originally Posted by 467echo

easy choice, if you can afford a PA, get it!

Second that!

[THE DARKHORSE]

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Just kidding!
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The gentlemen who spoke of the issue about the possibility of a Mirage Drive failure---in the wrong location and conditions, with the Pro Angler---hit the nail on the head! Well done. This is always my concern when clients inquire about what boat to get.

I suppose it really depends on where you fish, but if you fish where, at times, there's heavy current and wind, remember: the Pro Angler is not a kayak intended for paddling. While possible to paddle, obviously, it's not efficient enough to fight heavy winds and current without the Mirage Drive. It would be like a truck without any gas, so to speak.

When I fish La Jolla on a Pro Angler, I never, ever, fish without a spare Mirage Drive. If you're past the corner and the current is ripping South, when something goes wrong with the drive---you better know alternate landing spots (one of 30 surf spots and reefs in La Jolla) or have your Mexican license with you.


That said, I absolutely Love the Hobie Pro Angler. It can do anything other kayaks can do, but no other kayak can do what the Pro Angler can. While I realize some guys have the fantasy of a smaller Pro Angler, and we'll quite possible see one from demand, I can say with confidence that it won't be a better kayak. The Pro Angler is absolutely perfect just the way it is.

For me, the Pro Angler is for sight-fishing. Yes, standing up in the thing for hours on end, spotting fish. While, yes, it's also the most comfortable kayak on the market: due to the lawn-chair that you sit in...or couch as I refer to it. That's not the reason why I love this kayak. It's all about the ability to sight, hook, fight and land Yellowtail---while standing up! You think hooking Yellowtail, on the surface-iron, is cool sitting down? Well, that will always be cool, but it's a whole 'nother level standing up! This simply won't be possible with a smaller version of the Pro Angler. I find it highly unlikely a smaller version will have the same kind of stability. In my opinion, It's perfect just the way it is.

In answer to the original post: If you're not targeting Yellowtail as your main quarry, I wouldn't rule out the Outback. The Outback has similar speed to the Revo, but a bone dry seat. Which I love. You will not have a dry seat on a Revo if there's any wind (like La Jolla does everyday!). The only reason I go with a Revo over an Outback (even though the wet seat is annoying at times) is due to the bow splash of the Outback. The bow-splash of the Outback is a deal killer, if I'm constantly targeting Yellowtail, due to the noise. That bow-splash will keep you from hearing things; things that you should be listening for. Personally, I'd rather have a wet seat than miss an acre of foaming Yellowtail behind me!

[bus kid]

Thanks to the DarkHorse for making a hard decision harder, and adding another option. As for the outback if I'm going with a fat chick I'm going all the way and a PA is the fattest. I get wet regardless, and wont be using the stock hobie seat if I do go with the revo so hopefully that helps with the saggy arse at the end of the day. While out I didn't notice it as it was calm that day. I can stand on the revo in open water but not a comfortably or stable as the PA, I did sit when I hooked up though. How noticeable is the hull slap on the PA?

[StinkyMatt]

You can STAND on the Revo?

Damn Cirque De Solei acrobat!

I want to see a photo.

[driftwood]

Very good info Josh! Your advice is based on a boat load of experience and endless hours on the water using all three hobies. But i have to admit, My main reason i got the PA is for the simple reason. I feel much safer with a FAT lady under me.

Especially when the wales are in La Jolla and fishing does late dark nights.
I've never seen any Great Whites swimming next to me. but if i ever do, my fat girl friend makes me feel a little safer.

[monkyak]

The PA needs bow facing oars attachment on the side rails if the mirage drive fails. Anybody handy enuf to make them?

btw that's not me in the pic
[IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/pmirand/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png[/IMG][IMG]file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/pmirand/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png[/IMG]

[sandydiego]

Originally Posted by StinkyMatt

You can STAND on the Revo?

Damn Cirque De Solei acrobat!

I want to see a photo.

My 8 year old can stand on the center hatch.....

In our pool.

On the water, it would eventually pitch him.

[THE DARKHORSE]

Originally Posted by bus kid

Thanks to the DarkHorse for making a hard decision harder, and adding another option. As for the outback if I'm going with a fat chick I'm going all the way and a PA is the fattest. I get wet regardless, and wont be using the stock hobie seat if I do go with the revo so hopefully that helps with the saggy arse at the end of the day. While out I didn't notice it as it was calm that day. I can stand on the revo in open water but not a comfortably or stable as the PA, I did sit when I hooked up though. How noticeable is the hull slap on the PA?

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Wow. Now that's impressive. You're either 5' 2" and weigh 100 lbs wet, or you've got the best balance in the history of man. In addition to that, even with the best balance of all time, that would only be possible in sheet glass conditions with zero surface texture. Not to mention, only possible for mere seconds at best. Not exactly a realistic observation tower with $1,000 worth of rods and reels on deck! Not for me anyway.

The Revo is what it is: the Ferrari of kayaks. A Revo with a brand new Mirage Drive cuts through wind and chop like butter. I'm a little biased when it comes to the decision of used vs. new (nothing will trump the feeling of new). I'd strongly suggest going new when making the move to the darkside. The Revo's an amazing, efficient, piece of machinery. It makes long trips filled with miles and miles of blind trolling, for lack of a better word, fun. For what it's made for, it's hard to beat. Just like the Pro Angler.

In answer to your question: there's pretty much no hull slap on the Pro Angler. Look at it. The bow design looks just like an aircraft carrier. It, too, cuts through chop like butter...for it's size. In choppy conditions, it's a pleasure to ride in compared to the Outback.

I neglected to mention the benefits of fishing at night on this craft. If in the event, of a large Shark encounter, that bump bump in the night...I'll just say the choice is clear. For night fishing, Pro Angler all the way! Not only would it be less likely that you get ejected in the first place, but there's tons of plastic between you and The Wrong Kind.