Manitou wrote: October 20th, 2018, 9:23 pm
What kayak do you use? I've been researching the pedal ones and the old hobie brand keeps popping up. Even though it's like $2500-$3000. (with no motor!)
I have the Hobie (PA 12) ProAngler 12 with the pedal drive. I love it, the pedal drive works great with steering from either side and you can easily fish on the move. It's really wide so I can stand up and fish no problem, lots of room for all our stuff without cramping up in front of you. The seat is super comfy, I can sit all day no problem and stand and fish when I want to stretch or need higher angle.
You can do lots of add-on's:
There are alot of options for trolling motors if you want. I did the modification to the "Snake" (
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHjteqNflS4) and it works fine. It's really inexpensive, less than $100 I believe, but negative is you need take out Mirage pedal drive to use it. There are times the pedal drive is perfect and times trolling motor is perfect. Right now I use both but it's not "fast" swapping them on on water since motor blades need to be lined up perfectly. Next year I will be looking at fixed rear motor to use w/ pedal drive, several companies offer.
Fish finder, Pro Angler comes preset up with nice recessed area and cover for transducer, I use the Lowrance 7 and big screen for my eyes is great.
The negatives are cost which you mention, any Hobie is not cheap but PA12 is up there.
The other negative, others may not see it as negative, is weight. It's 105lbs without rigging, so unless you're a hulk you aren't car topping. And not sure I'd want that much weight up top anyway.
Also fully rigged it is still heaving moving around on wheels. I upgraded wheels to make easier to launch and move around.
All in all it's awesome, good luck and let me know what else you are looking at.
2001 Concourse XL Lounge model, 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis.