Hobie Pro Angler 14 Kayak - 360 & 180 Mirage Drives - Walk Through, Water Demo, and Unbiased Review

[@thunderbunny4592]

I appreciate the definition of ubiquitous I truly have never heard that word before. Thank you

[@abidefishing]

Thanks. I try to be both Entertaining AND informative.

[@Michael112233able]

Had a PA14 for about 4 years, and loved every minute of it. I did have a trailer and the wheel dolly for the scuppers is pretty much mandatory. When my kids where small they would sit on the back atop a full sized ice chest and could stand back there and fish for bass for a dad powered bass boat. As the kids grew up they wanted to be in their own boats so I decided to sell the PA 14 and buy the 2019 outback. We now operate only outback’s and believe them to be the best all rounder for size etc… but all in all, can’t go wrong with any of the Hobie line!

[@abidefishing]

They’re good boats for sure. But I’m with you-I think the Outback is the way to go just if only for the size.

[@benbowles8003]

Love the honesty🙂

[@abidefishing]

Real talk

[@HooKSetzWithRyan]

Great demo video 👍

[@abidefishing]

A few hours on the water and being able to churn out 3 different videos? That’s a win in my book!

[@goldida4662]

Mr. Abide, the drive is easy when you understand you really only use the 360 when navigating tight spaces; e.g. fishing/navigating docks or other areas that require sharp adjustments. Traveling point to point, just drop the skeg and use the rudder. It’s a very, very quick learning curve. Thanks for your videos, I always enjoy them.

[@abidefishing]

So NOW you tell me. Haha.

[@goldida4662]

@@abidefishing there’s a couple little things you can learn over time or someone can tell you and make things waaaaay better.

[@jodyfoster9278]

I was going to buy a Hobie PA 14 with the 180 drive yesterday, but one of the guys in my area that makes the best kayak fishing videos. had another issue with his drive. He was using the 360 drive and has had tons of issues. The 360 drive to me wasn't the issue as that was not what I was planning to purchase, my issue was from the number of people that said they had issues with the hull cracking. In every case the said Hobie had made it good and repaired or replaced their kayak. However, it was always when it was convenient for Hobie (send a replacement only when a truck was making a delivery in the area anyway) Spending over $4000 on a plastic boat that has known issues doesn't seem like a good idea.

[@abidefishing]

It’s funny you say that, but I know of 2 folks who had hairline cracks in their hull.

[@adamjeziorski7585]

What year kayaks were they having the cracking issues with? Is this a known issue with Hobie boats? To spend this amount of $ and have issues like that is completely unacceptable.

[@paulfiederlein7789]

I worked with John for 7 years a great guy!

[@abidefishing]

He’s aight. Haha. JK. He’s more than aight.

[@904fishingmusicandadventur9]

outstanding... that guide is awesome.. I have that exact same straw hat

[@abidefishing]

The same hat? He’s a trendsetter for sure!

[@richretired5558]

Good job as always. Those are out of my price range but look to be awesome. My outlaw 11.5 is about as big as my short old guy bod can handle for loading and unloading. Keep up the good work!

[@abidefishing]

Those PAs are an absolute TANKS.

[@donmeola5862]

Very informative video Josh! I have been contemplating a kayak for a while and Hobie is one manufacturer I would consider. The stability and drive are two main features that I would put at the top of my list. I’m a big guy 6’4” 230 pounds so I like the stability aspect of it. Also being a senior the weight also is a consideration. 120 lbs. Not having a pickup or a trailer it sounds like a rooftop carrier might not be feasible either. I could trailer as I have a hitch but a kayak trailer is an added expense. The motorized Old Town Auto Pilot 120 is a bit cheaper and a lot lighter at 45 lbs. I will continue to research and hopefully I can actually sit in one and see if a kayak is even an option for me. Sitting in one for hours might and being unable to walk afterwards might be a deal breaker for me. Keep up the great videos! And thanks again!

[@abidefishing]

I would be sure to lay hands on these boats before pulling the trigger on anything. Seeing as though you want to car-top, that’s going to severely limit your options in the fishing kayak world. With the exception of the Hobie Lynx, there are very few fishing Kayaks that are going to be light enough to put on a car without serious help…and even then it’d be a pain. I own a Native Slayer 12.5 and a Predator 13 and they’re a hassle just to get into the bed of the truck by myself. There’s no way I could get them on top of a car alone. Do your research, but don’t pull the trigger on anything until you can lay hands on one in the store and verify you can pick it up…but my suggestion is save yourself the hassle (and save your back) and save up for a trailer.

[@MaxStax88]

Also be sure to check out the pelican bass raider 10e. It’s a 10 foot pontoon style fishing boat, not a kayak though. You’ll have to get a trolling motor but for the price of a hobie pa kayak you’ll definitely come out cheaper with the bass raider. I got my bass raider, a trolling motor for it and a trailer for for around $3k

[@tonycook6748]

Good show thank you and your not stupid see you next week

[@abidefishing]

I’m glad you think so. I must hide it well. Haha.

[@rogerhale6404]

I know this is about the Hobie. But, I am on the fence between Hobie or Vibe Shearwater 125. What is your opinion as to why one is better than the other? Thanks in advance

[@abidefishing]

Im literally no expert in this field. This was just my completely novice take on this one particular boat. That said, the best thing you can do is demo both boats you’re looking at. All of the shops will hook you up with a demo model for you to test. That’ll be the best test for your particular style of fishing.

[@rogerhale6404]

@@abidefishing Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, no dealers anywhere in Colorado have the Hobie in stock for me to demo. Closest is in Utah and Im not driving that far for that. Not sure what my step will be. The Hobie is really really nice, super expensive, but worth it IF I can actually get one.

[@pitchkapizda8355]

How hard is that stand up rail to mount

[@abidefishing]

I’m not sure. I was just there for a demo.

[@prowlerultra9619]

Keep seeing 'good' reviews of Hobie PA 12 & 14. However, nobody do any review of Hobie PA 12 & 14 capsizing and turn it upright. I've seen a PA 12 capsize 3 times and the owner really had difficulty to turn the kayak upright. Luckily, myself and few friends were kayaking nearby and help the poor fella. By the way, I'm using an Ocean Kayak Prowler Ultra 4.3.

[@abidefishing]

I think it’d be pretty difficult to flip, but if you do get it over, I can imagine I’d be tough to get the thing back upright.

[@markskibo5159]

Thats where I think Old town gets a bump, pulling that cable, one time not enough, plus the 360 cable operation seems troublesome !!! otherwise the setup looks awesome Hope them thar billies shoot straight !!!

[@abidefishing]

There are a lot of great kayaks on the market. It all depends on what features you find most important. There’s a kayak for everyone.

[@BigMex777]

Is there any kind of kayak that has a little higher seat for a fluffier guy that’s also about 24” wide seat

[@abidefishing]

I’m not an expert in kayaks, but the hobie PA 14 and the Native Titan 13 are about the biggest boats you can get. I don’t know what the seat width is, but I’d highly recommend finding a local shop to look them over and demo anything before you pull the trigger. Hope this helps.

[@BigMex777]

@@abidefishing thank you so much!!!

[@skeetergoneguyllcpromosqui3958]

Great video review.

[@abidefishing]

Thanks. I’m a giver.

[@stuchumney]

Great review Josh! I was anxious to hear your critique on Hobie. Personally I think the PAs are way overkill (Great ocean Kayak). Too big and too heavy and too pricey. I fish out of a Hobie Outback. Phenomenal fishing kayak. Outbacks completely shoot down your 3 cons. I have the 180 Mirage with kick up fins - cant imagine why anyone needs the 360? GREAT REVIEW. Wish they had given you an Outback to critique! Thanks for ALL you do! Tight lines brother!

[@abidefishing]

Thanks Stu. I’ve got some friends who are in outbacks and love ‘em. To your point, I wish I’d had an opportunity to demo one. Maybe next demo days!

[@grumpysgarage7276]

Can you bow mount a motor on the Outback. I've been looking at the PA14 but didn't look into the Outback. How is the stability for standing

[@stuchumney]

@@grumpysgarage7276 Not sure if you can mount a trolling motor but the Outback is EXTREMELY stable. Standing up and fishing is no problem.

[@mackjenkins7721]

Man that Hobie 360 is a very nice kayak man. That is definitely the big boys of kayak. & like you said the piece is going to empty your wallet man. They can just keep it I am happy with an another kayak. The other thing is the pedal are not wide enough for my feet 🦶. When I as can the pedal be changed out for wider one he said no. So it was very very difficult for me to try it out because my feet 🦶 was constantly falling off the pedal because of how wide my feet 🦶 was which after a while it started to hurt my feet 🦶. & #2. The salesman thought that I was not listening to him But I was and he was making fun of how big & wide my feet 🦶 were & how fat & chubby my toes were & how evenly straight across my toes were. I kind of took it personal because I can't help it that my feet 🦶 are like this. I was born with my toes evenly straight across which they call it ( box toes ) & if I could get my toes to be at a 45° Degrees angle a would get them. That was an Embarrassing day for me. Thanks you for sharing this video brother. I will see you next weekend.

[@abidefishing]

If you want a Cadillac, you’re going to pay Cadillac prices….and that thing is a Cadillac

[@crazyobservations3080]

Not kayaks, these are just small boats.

[@abidefishing]

I had a full-on bass boat in the early 90s that was only slightly bigger than this.