Hobie PA12 in the ocean

Trying to decide on a kayak for my dad. Leaning more towards the Hobie PA12. But I’m also considering the JK Coosa FD and the old town predator PDL.  We will be doing mostly ocean fishing but definitely some lake and delta fishing mixed in there.

Just looking for some input from anyone with a PA12 that fishes in the ocean. How do you like it? I’m sure it’s plenty stable, but is it really significantly slower than other kayaks like the outback and other pedal type kayaks?  Would he be better off on maybe the Coosa or predator?

He is new to kayaking and kayak fishing. That’s the reason I’m looking for something that’s big and stable. But at the same time, I don’t want him to get stuck in a slow kayak in the ocean if the conditions go to sh!+ and we need to get back in ASAP or in the delta and the current starts ripping.

In the delta you'll be fine,ocean will depend on the individual. I went out with another member and he was In an ocean kayak and he kept pulling over and waiting for me.takes more to hold the pa' s at top speed vs the smaller yak

I have a PA12 and I only do Ocean Fishing. It is slower than the rest but it all depends on the person. I fish all over including pigeon point. I’ve been out in some rough conditions and still able to make it back in when conditions get worse. It’s a heavy boat so that’s another thing to take into consideration. You do get a lot of stability and room so that’s a plus. When the current is strong peddling through it does get a little exhausting.

I love my PA14 on the ocean.  Yes, it is slower, but it's so much more stable that it more than makes up for it for the 'older' fisherfolk.  Ha!  My legs are able to hold up a lot better than my arms at paddling too.  The biggest issue is launch.  Have the flotation wheels.  I'm 62 and still feel very much at ease on the ocean, the exception being the wind.  The PA is pretty high profile and wind can really affect the drift.  Staying alert to tide, current and wind is essential. 

I also have a Old Town Predator 13.  It paddles, not peddles, but is also a very stable platform.  Rudder is optional and for the ocean, really is a plus to get it.   

I have a Native Slayer 13 I’m 5’10 245 lbs got arthritis in my hip and a bad lower back. I can keep up with the Hobie’s peddled by older fishermen, the kids just peddle too damn fast. I salmon troll two rivers up here 4-6 hours at a time. Ocean fish it as often as I can. Plenty stable and instant reverse.

I have the PA14 and take it out to Half Moon Bay several times a week.  It is heavy to move around on shore, but stable enough stand up on looking for my crab-pots.  Wind is the main problem with the PA; it is very hard to push against a 10+ knot wind.

I know it’s been a while for this thread, but I was curious as to which kayak you ended up getting?