Hobie 2020 mirage pro angler choice

So I have the itch to jump on the Hobie train. I currently have the Ocean Kayak Big Game. Nice yak but want to get a pedal.
For those who own or have tried both, the Hobie 12and 14, what would be your choice for mainly open ocean ? Is it stable enough for rough conditions? Is it that much slower?
Pros-cons
Thanks for the input.

the pro angler is too big and bulky for the ocean. It’s super stable but it’s really slow.

An Outback might be a better choice...

I think it comes down to targeted species and personal preference.  The PA is a heavy tank, both 12 and 14.  So if you're car topping, even truck bed, its a heavy beast.  If you need to launch in a difficult area, then plan on getting some exercise before you even hit the water.

If you need to troll at higher speeds, for example Salmon, then you'll find you need to peddle longer and harder to keep up the right trolling conditions for Salmon in a PA. 

Otherwise, the PA is super stable, has the space to bring your whole kitchen sink with you.  I demo'd one before getting my '20 Outback and everything was fine.  I didn't care for the high center of gravity for the PA, but that's personal preference.

the pro angler is too big and bulky for the ocean. It’s super stable but it’s really slow.

I agree.  It can be a great platform, but if your drive fails there's no way you're paddling that thing against any wind or current effectively.

Unless you've gained a bunch of weight since we went out, I think an Outback would be the right boat for you - it's the state of the art for the sport right now, IMO.

 

Thanks for the information guys. That’s why I love this site.
I’m going to demo both on Wednesday but sounds like the Outback is the way to go.
And no Eric, I have not gotten Covid big yet. Lol
And nice salmon! I need to have you hook me up to one soon. Maybe after the purchase.

I agree with the points made by others regarding speed and Eric's comment about drive failure, etc, but for me, i'll gladly trade the speed for stability.  I prefer to stand up while I fish, including in the ocean.  The PA 14 allows me to stand in all but the most pukey conditions and sling the swimbait far.  Also easier to gaff fish while standing.  It's all personal preference, so if you can get out and try them all, that's all the better.  Happy to let you give my PA 14 a try if our paths align in the coming months...

Norm

I agree with the points made by others regarding speed and Eric's comment about drive failure, etc, but for me, i'll gladly trade the speed for stability.  I prefer to stand up while I fish, including in the ocean.  The PA 14 allows me to stand in all but the most pukey conditions and sling the swimbait far.  Also easier to gaff fish while standing.  It's all personal preference, so if you can get out and try them all, that's all the better.  Happy to let you give my PA 14 a try if our paths align in the coming months...

Norm

Thanks for the offer Norm. We should meet up sometime. I also live in Windsor and hit the coast a couple times a month.
In going out this Wednesday to do a demo on both.

I may have a 2018 outback coming up for sale soon. Pm if interested

I agree with the points made by others regarding speed and Eric's comment about drive failure, etc, but for me, i'll gladly trade the speed for stability.  I prefer to stand up while I fish, including in the ocean.  The PA 14 allows me to stand in all but the most pukey conditions and sling the swimbait far.  Also easier to gaff fish while standing.  It's all personal preference, so if you can get out and try them all, that's all the better.  Happy to let you give my PA 14 a try if our paths align in the coming months...

Norm

Similar offer here. If you want to check out a 2019/2020 outback in Windsor I have 2. I think you’ve seen my camo one at ocean cove last year when I got my PB lingcod.

John

I agree with the points made by others regarding speed and Eric's comment about drive failure, etc, but for me, i'll gladly trade the speed for stability.  I prefer to stand up while I fish, including in the ocean.  The PA 14 allows me to stand in all but the most pukey conditions and sling the swimbait far.  Also easier to gaff fish while standing.  It's all personal preference, so if you can get out and try them all, that's all the better.  Happy to let you give my PA 14 a try if our paths align in the coming months...

Norm

Similar offer here. If you want to check out a 2019/2020 outback in Windsor I have 2. I think you’ve seen my camo one at ocean cove last year when I got my PB lingcod.

John

Sounds like we should try and get together this season on the coast!  I go whenever the weather looks great.  When the swell is bigger and/or wind is blowing, i go fish halibut (and the occasional striper or WSB) in Tomales or the bay (tide dependent) or hit the fresh water somewhere.  Plenty of great weather days on the coast through the year and so much more fun when it's beautiful conditions.  We are lucky to live in a place with many options! 

Also, Billy over at Wind Toys in Santa Rosa is doing demos typically on Wednesday afternoons at local ponds if you want to go and try several different models.  You are probably already aware of that, but wanted to let you know, just in case. 

See you on the water fellas!

Norm