Hobie PA 12 vs Outback with sidekicks

Hi all,

I am in the market for a kayak (that I will need to car top on a Honda Civic).

Since stability is ver important for me (standing up and also be able to get out in a bit rougher water), I am wondering which platform is more stable for me (6'3, 210 pounds).

2019/2020 Hobie PA 12 vs 2019/2020 Hobie Outback with sidekicks.

Any thoughts or experiences on this would be very much appreciated!

Thanks,
Seb.

My only advice is to go out and demo them.both are pretty stable but im alot smaller then you(5'8" 200)car topping the pa is a pain in the ass but your a big guy so it might be ok.but im sure the pa wilk suit yoy better

Car topping either of those is a pain.  Even more so with the PA.
Like Mienboy said, rent both and ask the company if you can try loading it onto your car.  It’ll be a big factor on what boat you buy. 

I'll start by saying that the PA12 is a great yak and I liked it a lot.  BUT, these guys are correct, the car topping that sucker sucks major balls.

the best way is to demo in conditions you plan to be in.  If you can't do that then ask yourself do you feel stable standing on your current yak.  If you are, then you will most likely be okay with either but the sidekicks in the down position should allow you a little more stability. 

I'm 6.3 with a high center of gravity so standing up is usually a great way to cool off and practice self rescue 

I think the Outback with sidekicks will be more stable than the PA 12 since the Outback is 34" in width and the PA 12 is only 2" wider at 36" width.  IMO, you don't even need the sidekicks as the 2020 Outback is plenty stable.

Car topping Outback upside down is not bad once you get the process down.  In addition to being heavier, that PA look pretty unweildy with those rails.  Stability in Outback is fantastic.  Once you know the boat I don't think you'll feel the need for added stability.

you mention rough conditions so I am assuming you mean some surf launching/landing... I have never tried to land a pa in any significant surf but I have paddled my friends around quite a bit... Its a beast and the weight difference is extremely noticeable.  Getting rolled in a pa would be painful...Unless you are one of those bass fisherman that likes to carry 9 different rods and a shit ton of gear, go with the outback. you won't regret it.  But I agree with what others said...try'em both and see which one you like. 

I have used the Hobie Sidekicks for nearly 10 years on my 09 Revo.  I bought a new Outback a couple of weeks ago and tested its stability at the Delta last week.  There is no need for the sidekicks on the new Outback.  It's extremely  stable.  I don't stand up and fish but my son who is 6' and about 160 found it very easy and stable to stand and cast. I don't car top the yaks.  I have a modified jet ski trailer with "J" racks that hauls two 2019 Outbacks. 

Weight wise in terms of car top loading - both will be a pain. I have the PA 12.  I’m 5’11 / #175 and can get up to fish very easily in the PA with the seat in either the high or low position.  I can tell you the PA is a bitch in the wind.  I bass fish mostly and have been thinking of an outback because it looks like it might be less exposed to the wind. 

Also in the delta with wind and current I’m constantly raising and lowering the skeg on the PA.  I keep it deployed to track straight and drift without spinning - then lift it for turns.  The PA does not turn that great (guessing that’s why the came up with new 360... looks sweet!). i do love my PA but I’m guessing you get blown around it more than lower profile hobies