Fisrt Kayak Advice. Is a used Pescador Pilot 12 reliable for ocean fishing?

Hi All,

I am looking to buy a first-time kayak, and I'm still deciding between a paddle and pedal. I'm looking for a used kayak but am willing to change my mind and go with new. For now, I've set my budget at $2k, but I found a used Pescador Pilot 12 with a fish finder, and a few other accessories for only $1000 (seems like a good deal, right?). Any advice on whether I should go for it or stick with a more reliable kayak like a used Hobie Outback?

Storage is also a challenge for me. I'll likely be storing it at HMB kayaks, so that's another reason not to go for an expensive kayak, as I'm not sure how safe the storage location is. However, reliability in the ocean is still very important.

Hey, I also just got into kayak fishing and got a pilot for a good deal as well. It was $850 with about $150 in accessories (cart, WS kayak krate, etc.) if you want a comparison (the seller was super homie also gave me a discount because it was my first). 1k sounds is definitely a fair price, but that would depend on how much you value the FF and other stuff. Also how used it is, mine was relatively fresh and never touched salt (pun intended).
I've taken it out in salt once at oyster, definitely wont cut through the waves like a 13-15ft OK or hobie hull but handled well. Was surprised at how fast I could go, but kind of struggled with the 15mph+ gusts. Also might need some modding on the rudder steering and raising cables, if you're comfortable with DIY.

If you are really serious about that kayak, try to take it for a test ride. Even as a new kayaker, you will probably determine pretty quickly if that is the one for you.

Also, post a few more posts here. When you hit 10 posts, you can see the classifieds on the forum. FYI, another member posted a 2016 Hobie Outback just today. It looks very clean, comes with some extras, and is very nicely priced at $1500.

That's good to know. For the hobie 2016, from my research that's one year before the Drive 180. From your experience do you guys think the reverse option makes a big difference when ocean fishing?

I have one Hobie Outback with the 180 drive and one without. I almost never use the reverse and prefer the non 180 drive because there are fewer parts to break. I went through a couple of kayaks before I got my Outback and the Outback is far better. Don't underestimate the importance of little things like built in rod holders, fish finder mounts, gear tracks, and access hatches for storage and to get into the hull when you need to. Also, the Hobie drive is smaller and easier to fit in a car than other pedal drives which may be important if you have a smaller car or transport two kayaks. As SpeedyStein mentioned there are Good deals on used Hobies but they usually go fast. Good luck shopping!

I've been using a pescador pro 12.0 for the last year - decent on the ocean, but wish it was longer.

Santa Cruz Kayaks Raptor G2 is in your price range and extremely stable, if heavy. It has a center pod that can be replaced with a pod to receive a Hobie pedal drive for around $150 (pod only). It cuts through waves very well and has a large rear deck for gear/fish bag, and it used a bass-boat style seat. For me the seat back leans back a bit too far, but I clip in a seat back sling to support it. You can use a Wheeleez cart or get their special bow end cart for beach moving; I use one of each so I don’t have to carry the weight myself.
https://santacruzkayaks.com/raptor-g2/

There are definitely experienced folks who are big on paddle kayaks, but I would venture to guess most pedal and most have a Hobie.

I started out with a paddle kayak and was out at HMB when the wind picked up and I was struggling against the wind concentrating on paddling back to the harbor when a dude passed me pedaling a Hobie while eating a sandwich and waved.

The next week I bought a used Revo.