Likelihood of capsizing Pro Angler 17T

Hey, folks! I have a 17T on the way. I'm brand new to the sport. I'm anxious to start chucking some crab pots and slinging fish in Santa Cruz. I know my limits and will not try going out if the conditions aren't ideal. Even still, I some apprehension about the big "what if." For any of you who have had a wave roll you over out there, was it relatively simple to right your 'yak? The 17T is a two-man mirage drive unit that weighs about 220 pounds. Not sure how easy this would be to flip back over in the ocean. Are there tricks (or a tool/strap) that would help make this easier? Secondarily...gear. Do most of you rig your kayak such that a capsize would only allow cheap things to fall to the bottom? I.e. do you pack most of your gear in floating bags or lash them safely to the kayak so they're not lost in such an event? Or, am I over thinking things and just don't worry about getting tipped over if I'm only going out when conditions are ideal? Any and all advice welcome. I will, of course, always be wearing a life jacket.

Take your kayak and hook up with Rider this weekend.
He will be practicing exactly what you describe on his new kayak.
Don't even guess about what to do ..KNOW what to do and HOW to do it.

I have never been in a 17T, but I would strongly suggest getting in the water with it wearing exactly what you will wear when you are out, and with no extra gear to loose, and practice self rescue.  In a safe area just off of the shore, roll the yak over. Then see what is needed to roll it back and climb back in.  Do it many times so you are sure you can do it even in adverse conditions. There are some good YouTube videos which will help. It would be great if there was someone watching to help you if you get stuck. You should do it without any extra rescue equipment like a rescue loop or paddle float since you might not be able to access them in a capsize situation.
Talk to NCKA members who have the same yak to find out if there are any special problems getting back in the 17.
The important things on the ocean are to dress for immersion (wet or dry suit ) and always wear a Personal floatation device.  I don't know about 17T'S, but I put as many pool noodles as I could fit inside my Trident 13 for floatation in case a hatch came loose.
Going to a self rescue practice clinic is the best thing you can do.
Also start out fishing with other more experienced kayakers till you know how to tell which conditions are safe and which aren't.
Respect the ocean.
Have a ball.

Go somewhere with calm water that you are comfortable with and practice flipping your kayak. Reach over top and pull towards yourself if possible. They are all different. Practice is the only way.
As far as leashing gear, everyone has their own preferences. Personally I leash my paddle (even on a hobie) except when launching and landing for fear of getting all tangled up. I don't leash my rods, but I buy sorta cheap shit. I do leash my game clip so I can throw it overboard from time to time. Everything else can sink. And it all has at some point. Good luck.

You are going to need a helper to pull that 240 # cruiser back over or you're the world's strongest man. Don't practice alone.

I know you're anxious  to hit the salt and do all the fun stuffs, but my advice to you is to TAKE your time and familiarize yourself with your kayak first. the mantra around here is BE A KAYAKER FIRST AND FISHERMAN SECOND.  Take your kayak to a local lake and practice Self Rescue (A LOT). A lot of people get a false sense of security just because they're on a wide, stable kayak. Shit can and will happen out there. It can be flat as a lake and next thing you know the wind is blowing hard and swells are everywhere. It can change in an instant.

And to answer some of your questions, everyone has a different system. I personally do not leash any  of my rods but rather put floats on them. The only thing I leash to my kayak are my stringers with a bungee cord and my mirage drive when surf launching/landing. Other things are tied down like crate/plano box. Be safe and have fun. 


Herb

When I picked my 2015 Revo 13 there was a PA 17 next to it.  For kicks my buddy Don and I tried to lift it.  It was so heavy we gave up.  Good luck with your boat.

I think you're on the right track.  Always plan for the worst.

Everyone flips; it's just part of kayak fishing. 

I don't know if you've taken some classes, but it's definitely helpful or at least have some experienced kayakers show you different recovery techniques.  Proper technique will trump brute force.  A rescue loop might be helpful since it's such a wide, heavy kayak... but you still need to know the technique to use one.    Have fun and glad you're thinking about safety.

When I picked my 2015 Revo 13 there was a PA 17 next to it.  For kicks my buddy Don and I tried to lift it.  It was so heavy we gave up.  Good luck with your boat.

Wow that thing made your revolution look like the sport

Wow--you guys are great. I LOVE this forum already. I have the Stevens Creek Reservoir right by my house. I'll take the beast there and practice flipping it over and rescuing myself until it's old hat (hopefully). Most of the time, I'll have another buddy with me in there which should make flipping it over a little easier.

Question on putting flotation devices on rods. What do those look like or what are they called so I can search for them.

I do plan to wear a 3mm wetsuit (probably with the top pulled down on warm days). If I ever fell in, I think once I calmed myself down, I could probably remove the life jacket in the water long enough to pull the sleeves up and zip myself up all the way. I played water polo and am a pretty strong swimmer, but I know that when you're cold and on the verge of panic, having the extra warmth and buoyancy of a wetsuit is a good idea.

Thanks again for the tips, guys!

Terel

Question on putting flotation devices on rods. What do those look like or what are they called so I can search for them.

Terel

Rod floats are nothing more than just pool noodles you can buy at the dollar store or any box stores. For a lot of people, they make a cut in the middle, slip the rod in, then finish it off with zip ties. I came up with a different way to do it by attaching it on the outside of the pool noodle. This method works best especially if youre bass fishing using baitcasters since the float will not be in the way of your line. Here's the link:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=40396.msg438918#msg438918

I use these on all my fresh water stuff and they float them fine. Muse the 6" version. I also use one on one of my ocean rods and it floats it too, unless I have a 4oz jig on. My other ocean rode that are heavier get noodles.

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/18043/Rod-Floater-8-inch-3-pk.html

Question on putting flotation devices on rods. What do those look like or what are they called so I can search for them.

Just speculating, since I don't own a PA or TA...   You might need a rope or a ladder to help you right it, and re-enter.  Here is an example, although I wouldn't buy it, but build something similar?

I have a PA 12, and wanted to get into it and know what I'm messin with.  Took it out to Berkeley boat launch on a windy day and headed out just north of the pier.  Strapped everything down, secured tackle in the hatch, and flipped it over.  Boy!  Talk about Pro Tankler!    . Trying to propel yourself up and over to flip it was impossible, unless you have swim fins.  While upside down it sits in the water so tall.  With its wide beam, getting under water, grabbing both side handles with push/pull technique & trying to flip it is nearly impossible.  After grimacing and letting out a whole lot of gas  and pulling a muscle, I was able to get it up and over.  Whew!  Heavy!  Glad I didn't have to swim it in!  Rescue ladder a must.  Front hatch took in about a gallon of water.  Definitely practice self rescue.  Hope this helps.