Considering a 2015 PA 12 or 14, have a few questions

I'm considering upgrading to a Pro angler (the Slayer 13 propel is also an option) and have a few questions for guys that currently own PA's.

I'm currently using a 2012 outback and love it, but I'd like more space and to be able to stand up to take a leak. On average I fish 100+ days a year and am usually out between 6-12 hours at a time. I really like the horizontal rod storage and all of the features the boat has. I'm a heavy guy (260lbs) and an absolute gear whore so the 500-600lb. weight capacity is a big plus for me.

I own a trailer that I use for my kayaks, so I don't have to worry about trying to car top it. So I think transportation wise I'm pretty set to deal with  loading and unloading a PA.

I fish 99% ocean and am usually launching through the surf, how does the PA handle surf launches? My regular spots are places like Leffingwell, Montana De Oro and windmills (cayucos). How does it handle rough or building swell and whitecaps?

What wheels work best for the PA? I'm going to need the large wheeleez style tires regardless of what cart I get. Montana De oro requires me to walk my boat about 250 yards to the water. Windmills is a solid 1/4 mile hike with stairs the boat has to be taken up and down.

The PA is very obviously a barge, without the drive I don't think I could paddle through a 12mph+ wind to land it. What do you guys bring out with you as far as drive maintenance and spare parts? Any experience or anecdotes about the boats speed using the pedals would be appreciated.

I've never really kept track of the PA since it was very far out of reach until recently. Is the 2015 model different enough to justify buying new or should I consider a used model?

Thanks for the info guys. I know some of this has probably been discussed before and I've been reading all the info on the PA's I can find. I was hoping if I put all my questions in one thread I could get some answers that would help me make my decision.

PS: I know the golden rule is demo demo demo and I intend to but our local Hobie dealer doesn't open until July 11th and I don't think they'll have a demo model. The owner seemed ok with the idea of me trying it out if I had the cash in hand though. My only concern is it will be in a calm bay and I won't get to test it out on a surf launch or in 3-6' swell.

I'm following this post as I am very interested also.  I have the same concerns about fighting the wind.  I would be interested in picking up a used kayak.

I've seen them out in the big blue before.  I don't own one, myself.  Having seen them, I would question their effectiveness at a surf launch for anything greater than small surf.  Never had one so I can't effectively comment though.... 

If your doing that much walking I wouldn't even consider getting  a pa.tge pa (in my opinion )is the slowest of the fleet.i bought a 12 n 14 but I fish  the fresh more than the salt.i would get an ai or the revolution 16.
The newer model with the better seat and a few of the mods vs the older ones will be a more comfortable  boat.
The rod holders are nice but they do not fit rods like a boats rod holder does.because of the limited area where your reels sit at they really cluster and stack on top of each other.
And if your drive ever does out its gonna be a long day trying  to paddle it in.
But from my experience  aside from the ai it's one of the most stable platform,but if your planning  to stand and pee out in the salt get ready to pee all over your gear.most of the time I was kneeling when I had to piss.
If you already have an outback I'd would just work on more space management

I have an AI and would like an alternative and better seating.  I am wondering if the PA is compared to pedaling the AI without the Sail.

I'd say, no.

I have an AI and would like an alternative and better seating.  I am wondering if the PA is compared to pedaling the AI without the Sail.

I would say no. The AI is a better pedaling boat since its got a sharper keel and is more narrow. 

(the Slayer 13 propel is also an option)

Let me know if you have any questions.

Bmb do u have one?  I guess I would need a trolling motor if I did get one.

Bmb do u have one?  I guess I would need a trolling motor if I did get one.

I only have an AI. I've pedaled PA14 before though and of course I have the SP13 and 10.  The AI is by far the most efficient pedaler of those, and pedals exact same as a Hobie Adventure does/did.  The AI is actually a decent pedaling boat even with both amas out, still really quick.  I don't use it as much anymore because it just takes so much work to get it fishing.

It really depends on what types of fishing you're doing.  For a self proclaimed gear hog like MadCat, I could see a PA potentially working as long as he can handle carrying/rolling 120+lbs of kayak and gear.  I personally have enough trouble with pulling my SP13 long distances that I wouldn't want to deal with the extra 20lbs of a PA14 but everyone can choose for themselves.

I love my AI, but like you said it takes a lot to get ready to go fishing.  It's the time and effort that seems to be the problem.  What is the SP13?

The PA rocks, forget the haters. For a man your size there is no better boat. Ive had mine 5 years. They paddle fine in a pinch, its not that bad. wd40 thedrive.They stay rigged, which is the best part, its always ready to roll gear stays in boat...  They are heavy, especially loaded, but once on the water its a dream. Wear gloves when rolling it out, really helps.Build a garage cart it makes all the difference. Get the big beach wheels. I got a downrigger on mine and love. Beach launches can be tricky, time the sets heading out and keep the bow into the waves when headed in and let the surf do the work. I fish 8 hrs no problem... Great that u can stand up and stretch.... I love my PA nothing else comes close....

Thank you for all the replies everyone. I just got slapped with some bad news that's going to cost me all the money I was going to use for a PA and then some. It looks like I'll be sticking with the outback for at least this year. Between selling the outback and the raptor I could probably come up with enough money to buy a used PA but then I'd have no money left over to rig it with and risking being without a boat in the middle of the season is just to much for me. As much as I'd love to have one I guess it will have to wait.

I was eyeballing the Revo 16 but with my weight I don't think it would work very well even if I really cut down how much gear I take.. I'm having a hard time understanding how a 16' boat can have such a low weight capacity, even if it is much more narrow.

As for peeing on my gear, I can wash it off lol. It's mostly about the fact that since I wear a semi dry-suit I'd rather not sit in my own piss all day. I have stood and taken a whiz out of my raptor more times than I can count.

That's what the yak-gina in the OB is for.  Heck, isn't that why they put scupper holes in yaks?

That's what the yak-gina in the OB is for.  Heck, isn't that why they put scupper holes in yaks?

It takes an act of god to get my fat ass up out of the OB seat once I'm on land, much less in the water lol.

That's what the yak-gina in the OB is for.  Heck, isn't that why they put scupper holes in yaks?

It takes an act of god to get my fat ass up out of the OB seat once I'm on land, much less in the water lol.

Do we need to get you a Shewee? 

If it helps a girl pee standing up, it should help a guy pee sitting down.