Test Drive Pro Angler 14 CCK (California Canoe and Kayak)

I tried to test drive a PA14 (Pro Angler 14) on Saturday Jan 11 '20, but they did not have one available, however I did get to test drive the PA12. I was looking more at the ergonomics of the cockpit. I am 6'2" and 300 lbs with hip problems (possible Hip Replacement). Both the PA12 and PA14 are very similar in the Cockpit. Bow and Stern are stretched on the PA14.

CCK set up the kayak with the seat in the high position, which I thought would have the most room and comfort. It was comfortable to sit in at the high setting, but the pedal position at the longest (#7) it felt like my knees were smashing my belly. The strange part now is when I lowered the seat I would have expected it to make the cockpit smaller. I was wrong, it actually made it bigger. My legs were fully extended as i peddled the kayak. I might have to move the peddle back to position #6.

Over all feel of the PA12 was very comfortable. The 36" beam seemed a little tippy with my overly burdened body rotating side to side. It still felt good, but The PA14 will be better because it has 38" beam which should plant the boat better and more stable. Speed is unknown since I am new to the game and don't know proper pedal movement. As I watch you all on Youtube it looks like you are barely peddling. I was peddling like crazy and felt the burn in the Quads. PA12 seemed fast enough (no GPS), but the PA14 will be faster.

Thank you for the reply. New to this forum thing. It probably should be moved. I am very interested in the safety side of the kayaks, and you brought up a valid point about flipping it back up right. Already thinking about this issue. I figured I can tie ropes with foot loop to upright the kayak

The problem, there is no other seat which is rated for 300 lbs. I like the outback but the seat is only rated for 275lbs

Thank you for the reply. New to this forum thing. It probably should be moved. I am very interested in the safety side of the kayaks, and you brought up a valid point about flipping it back up right. Already thinking about this issue. I figured I can tie ropes with foot loop to upright the kayak

The problem, there is no other seat which is rated for 300 lbs. I like the outback but the seat is only rated for 275lbs

The foot loop line (stirrup rescue) is probably a great strategy for you, particularly for such a wide boat.
I would suggest you pre-tie your self rescue line and practice using it before relying on it. I've used the technique a few times with other large paddlers and it can be tricky to accomplish in any type of wind or chop (precisely the conditions that may lead to unintentional capsizes). The main issue I've come across is the loop is difficult to keep open with a simple line loop alone. Best to run the line through a piece of tubing so it stays open regardless of conditions.

Or go with an AI or something else with amas that will have more stability in the first place

Piscean. Excellent idea about a piece of tubing to keep the loop open. My plan is to have two lines with loops already set for rescue.

Piscean. Excellent idea about a piece of tubing to keep the loop open. My plan is to have two lines with loops already set for rescue.

6" of 1/2" PVC inside the loop is perfect to keep it open. And make the loop bigger than you think it should be. Even with the pipe in there, in those conditions, it's harder to get your foot in there than you'd think.