Hobie Pro Angler 12 or 14 for a little guy

I have had my PA12 for almost 2 years and it is very heavy and not simple. I have every accessory just about
I don't think I would get it again, it is too much boat not enough kayak.
once it is on the water it is great and you can get going really fast with the blue turbo fins,
so if boat ramps are at most of your favorite spots you are ok.
I rolled it in the ocean and took a lot to get it flipped back over,
I won't be taking it back to the salt after about 6 different times out in the ocean with it. I will used my old kayak.
I paddled the ocean trident 13 for 6 years before the PA12 and life was simpler ... but I never get wet anymore in the PA
anyways just wanted to share my experience since your asking

BUT after having peddled a hobbie I am afraid that I will never be happy with a paddle kayak again, I have been looking at the Kraken but just think I will miss the mirage drive too much because that part is amazing. in my opinon the reverse drive is not needed just get youself a backwaters hand paddle best $30 investment and should have been packaged with the PA!

I have a PA12 on an trailer and could not image constantly loading and unloading from my Toyota 4Runner.  I am around your size but slightly heavier and though I have the Rhino rack rear tilting loader it is still not easy to load.  The PA12 loaded on a trailer is a dream to launch and retrieve.  In the bed of a pick up would be a nice way to go and load onto the cart down to the water.  Love the PA12 for it's stability, storage space and easily installed electronics, but as others have stated it is a beast.  Can only imagine trying to car top a PA14.  I tried bass fishing out of my Perception sit in kayak recently and that dam paddle was constantly in my way while trying to fish, got spoiled by the mirage drive.

I think we were all "strictly freshwater" until we fished the salt.

Exactly.