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Originally Posted by Tightlines
I am looking into getting a kayak. You and Alpha seem to be on top of the game. Do you have any opinions pro or con of the peddle drive vs. paddle drive kayaks. I'm specifically interested in the Hobie Mirage Pro Angler 14. It would seem that being hands-free would be a great advantage.
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My wife and I have had Hobie Pro Angler 14's for the past 3.5-4 years, and she currently pedals a Hobie Revolution. We have also used paddle kayaks for the same length of time, Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120's, Tarpon 160i, Commander 120, Ride 115, Tarpon and Ride 135's. We have also had Jackson Coosa's. We have had at least 10 fishing orientated kayaks in the past 4 years.
The Hobie Pro Anglers are a great kayak, hands free, 600lb capacity, the bost stable watercraft in it's class, and great speed for a man powered craft 4-5 mph easily, and up to 6-6.5 depending on physical ability. They are a very comfortable water craft that you can spen a lot of time in and not be sore. Works well holding you in place against current, or traveling against current, like below the Old Hickory Dam for schoolie stripers.
Cons - Heavy, and limits you to navigating waters shallower than 18" fully utilizing the Mirage Drive. It can be easily transported in the bed of a pickup truck, or on a trailer, it can be cartopped but not easily. They do make tools to easily cartop, or SUV top. Price $3,000 before tax.
It's a great kayak, and if you know anyone wanting to buy one I might have one for sale in a month or two that hasn't even seen the water for a lot cheaper than one from a dealer.
Paddle kayaks weigh less, can access shallower water, no mechanical issues, and $2,200 cheaper.
Jeremy