Likelihood of capsizing Pro Angler 17T

PAs are pretty popular in SCAL and I have seen a lot of them out of La Jolla. Seen a few roll in the surf and it didn't seem they had trouble getting it upright and re entering. They were smaller PAs though. Any boat can flip, even Islands with 2 Amas. 240 pounds is a lot of boat. Can't imagine pulling something that heavy around. Of course I am old and have a bad back.

I second Dave's post above. You don't want to be taking your PFD off, especially when you are in the EXACT situation the PFD is meant to help you with.

Duly noted!

The tandem Oasis model might be a better option if your looking for a tandem ocean kayak, it could be operated with just 1 person much easier. Plus it costs alot less too.

220lbs is a beast, I complain at 65 lbs, can't imagine flipping that.  Also try paddling that thing without penguin drive.  If those drives fail that is your back up, see if the paddle is the right length for you and your partner. 

see if the paddle is the right length for you and your partner.

An even better idea is to ditch the kayak paddle all together.  They are just about pointless on a PA in my opinion.  The length will not be even close to correct.  Get a couple wooden canoe paddles with the large blades.  I used to have my Hobie paddle converted with the "T" handle for a back up in case of a drive failure.  The first time I ever needed it was the last time I used it.  A kayak style paddle isn't made for paddling with a "T" handle.  The blade on mine pulled out of the paddle shaft from the excess torque of using it like a canoe paddle.  I ended up paddling home that last 300yds with a fishing rod after the drive broke and the paddle blade sank to the bottom of the Delta!  Both of my Pro Angler 14s now have a wooden canoe paddle on board and I keep the kayak paddles broken down inside the hull as a backup to the backup!

Having seen one of the PA17, I would agree with RK regarding a wooden canoe paddle.  Seems WAY more efficient than a kayak paddle for that kayak.

Update: I took my 17T to a lake and did some practicing. I intentionally capsized it, which, by the way, wasn't easy! It required me to stand on one gunwale and lean across to the other one with my hands. I had to pull up on the side while shoving the other side down into the water with my feet. I was encouraged by this--it would take a massive wave or a lot of deliberate effort to roll this thing. Very stable.

Regardless, before I take my kids out, I wanted to make sure I could right the vessel and re-enter it without any assistance. For all the doubters out there...it was a piece of cake. I was able to simply flip the kayak back over and mantle right into it without any tools or straps.

One thing to note: it took on a lot of water while upside down. I believe it enters through the unsealed storage bay at the bow (removable white molded insert). When I trailered it at the marina, some 40 gallons of water flowed from the bilge plugs before I drove home. Can't wait to get on the water again!