Hobie PA12 Up-graders from an Outback, any regrets? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

IN2DEEP · 10-28-2013, 10:51 AM

Hi guys, looking to get my first kayak. Also, currently a boat owner
Will be using mainly for SW inshore fishing (harbors, kelp beds, etc.), FW lake fishing and occasional exercise.
Unsure if I will be surf launching in the future
Pretty set that it will be a Hobie with the Mirage drive.
Either the PA12 or an Outback
Have two buddies with the PA12 and no complaints (their 1st. kayaks also)
I will be transporting with a LB pick-up w/camper shell.
Have the funds to get either one (used)
If I stay with it, I might end up with two so the GF or friends can join me.

Any PA12 up-graders that preferred their Outbacks?

If you tell me to get both, which one should I get first?

Thanks!

CKallday71 · 10-28-2013, 11:40 AM

I have a 2013 Outback that I had Andy at OEX install the Square Tackle Box hatch (from the PA 12) just ahead of the seat. I love my Yak. It's light enough that I can solo load and unload it on top of my VW Golf with no worries and it is VERY comfortable even for a long time on the water.

salty pirate · 10-28-2013, 01:14 PM

I had the outback first, loved it. got the pa12 and love it. I kept the outback for a spare kayak, also thinking I would take it over the pa on days when the surf is big but the pa goes anywhere the outback went.

You cant go wrong with either. I can carry the outback with one hand and it is a great fishing platform. pa12 is a bit more work to load but in the back of a truck is no prob. pa12 is more comfortable especially for longer days+ stand up to stretch out is nice. I load both in a long bed truck with toolbox no prob. 2 pa's would be a bit tough though. on the storage side of things the out back is much less trouble to move around the garage and although they are close in dimensions the outback seems to take up way less space.

You will find a lot more outback's to pick from and for quite a bit less $. Get the pa if you plan on going often and or long trips.

Hope this helps and good luck with your purchase.

Eli

Raskal311 · 10-28-2013, 01:34 PM

It’s tough for me to find time to get on the water so when I do I make the most of it and fish for at least 8hrs. After about 6hrs or so I can see the envy in my buddies their eyes as I standing up stretching out or slouching on the lawn chair with my leg resting on the mirage drive

But yea the PA does take more work to move around but you but I’m 5’8” 145lb and I don’t have any problems taking it out solo as long as I know where I’m going and what the launch site is like.

flemdogg · 10-28-2013, 03:35 PM

You can't go wrong with either, however the truth is if you don't test both you will always wonder "what if?" Test both, and be happy with no regrets at the end of the day. Have fun

IN2DEEP · 10-28-2013, 08:59 PM

Thanks for the replies guys
Its seems that most are happy with either one.
I did peddle my friend's PA12 around king harbor and then outside the breakwater for a short distance.
I need to demo an Outback for comparison and then make my decision
Who knows, I might end up with both someday

Thanks again!

Zfish03 · 10-28-2013, 09:42 PM

I started with an outback(older version) , still have it and I love it. But I go out on long trips and I wanted more deck space so I ended up getting a PA 12.
The PA punches through waves surprisingly well, get soaked in moderate surf launches. Most days I'm glad I'm to be in my PA but somedays I miss being on the outback.
It really depends on what youre looking to do. The outback will be easier to load and launch. Plus you can take it on mothership trips, PA's are usually a no go.
But you can't beat the comfort, deck space, and enjoyment of a PA...

10-28-2013, 10:51 AM	#1
IN2DEEP Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 82	Hobie PA12 Up-graders from an Outback, any regrets? Hi guys, looking to get my first kayak. Also, currently a boat owner Will be using mainly for SW inshore fishing (harbors, kelp beds, etc.), FW lake fishing and occasional exercise. Unsure if I will be surf launching in the future Pretty set that it will be a Hobie with the Mirage drive. Either the PA12 or an Outback Have two buddies with the PA12 and no complaints (their 1st. kayaks also) I will be transporting with a LB pick-up w/camper shell. Have the funds to get either one (used) If I stay with it, I might end up with two so the GF or friends can join me. Any PA12 up-graders that preferred their Outbacks? If you tell me to get both, which one should I get first? Thanks!

10-28-2013, 11:40 AM	#2
CKallday71 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: The 951 Posts: 430	I have a 2013 Outback that I had Andy at OEX install the Square Tackle Box hatch (from the PA 12) just ahead of the seat. I love my Yak. It's light enough that I can solo load and unload it on top of my VW Golf with no worries and it is VERY comfortable even for a long time on the water. __________________ I fish therefore I am. Selling cars since 2006. If you love what you do you never WORK a day in your life.

10-28-2013, 01:34 PM	#4
Raskal311 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Santa Ana/Westminster Posts: 1,256	It’s tough for me to find time to get on the water so when I do I make the most of it and fish for at least 8hrs. After about 6hrs or so I can see the envy in my buddies their eyes as I standing up stretching out or slouching on the lawn chair with my leg resting on the mirage drive But yea the PA does take more work to move around but you but I’m 5’8” 145lb and I don’t have any problems taking it out solo as long as I know where I’m going and what the launch site is like. __________________ Kevin Yellow PA12

10-28-2013, 03:35 PM	#5
flemdogg Island Blood Join Date: May 2013 Location: Murrieta Posts: 237	You can't go wrong with either, however the truth is if you don't test both you will always wonder "what if?" Test both, and be happy with no regrets at the end of the day. Have fun __________________ These are my express opinions derived from my experiences - I know less than most and half as much as some!

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10-28-2013, 01:14 PM	#3
salty pirate Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: where the hell is Temecula Posts: 268	I had the outback first, loved it. got the pa12 and love it. I kept the outback for a spare kayak, also thinking I would take it over the pa on days when the surf is big but the pa goes anywhere the outback went. You cant go wrong with either. I can carry the outback with one hand and it is a great fishing platform. pa12 is a bit more work to load but in the back of a truck is no prob. pa12 is more comfortable especially for longer days+ stand up to stretch out is nice. I load both in a long bed truck with toolbox no prob. 2 pa's would be a bit tough though. on the storage side of things the out back is much less trouble to move around the garage and although they are close in dimensions the outback seems to take up way less space. You will find a lot more outback's to pick from and for quite a bit less $. Get the pa if you plan on going often and or long trips. Hope this helps and good luck with your purchase. Eli

10-28-2013, 08:59 PM	#6
IN2DEEP Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 82	Thanks for the replies guys Its seems that most are happy with either one. I did peddle my friend's PA12 around king harbor and then outside the breakwater for a short distance. I need to demo an Outback for comparison and then make my decision Who knows, I might end up with both someday Thanks again!

10-28-2013, 09:42 PM	#7
Zfish03 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Oceanside Posts: 197	I started with an outback(older version) , still have it and I love it. But I go out on long trips and I wanted more deck space so I ended up getting a PA 12. The PA punches through waves surprisingly well, get soaked in moderate surf launches. Most days I'm glad I'm to be in my PA but somedays I miss being on the outback. It really depends on what youre looking to do. The outback will be easier to load and launch. Plus you can take it on mothership trips, PA's are usually a no go. But you can't beat the comfort, deck space, and enjoyment of a PA...