Scotty Kayak Stabilizer 302
 

Hello,
I have a Hobie Pro Angler and I am thinking about buying outrigger stabilizers. Below is a link to Scotty Stablilzers.

any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated.


http://www.austinkayak.com/products/...lizer-302.html

I think those would work, but haven't seen them in action. Do you feel the PA isn't stable enough? I've always wondered how stable it would be in choppy conditions since the center of gravity is so high. I have a prowler and I might as well be swimming!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I think you and I both have the same PA Bruce prior to the new model seat so the center of gravity not so much an issue? Do you feel like you need the stabilizers?? I am more a fair weather yakker....don't like wave heights of more than 2 feet....will you be standing?? I know I could not stand in mine if I wanted to...talk about high center of gravity! LOL!

I am out of the loop in terms of the model kayak you own. Really I
am out of kayak fishing, but am looking to get back into it.

Adding that stuff probably cause issues when fighting/landing fish. I
am really in the camp that less is more. Probably just be in the way
all the time...even when you are just fishing a spot.

If it were me and I had issue with the stability of my kayak, I would
investigate more stable kayaks over adding stabilizers. I had a
malibu Xfactor and it was really stable, to the point the only way to
dump it ...was intentionally ....or if you got turned sideways in the
surfline. I did a test once in flat water and tried to turn it and it
woudln't....I would fall out before it would flip. In calm conditions I
could stand, but I never did.


They always show these stabilized kayaks with guys standing and
fishing...in flat water. I can sort of understand it if you fly fish(not
much choice), but it doesn't seem like a practical way to fish to me.
May be for largemouth bass but if you are targeting anything larger it
seems like the angler is asking for trouble or risking getting separated
from their kayak.

That said...the image in the picture of Scotty stabalizer looks very
similar to the Cobra explorer. My first experiences in that style hull
were interesting. We used to call it the Cobra Exploder...because if
you even thought about leaning to the side...it would turn over and
you would explode into the water. hahaha. I actually fished from
one, and I just turned my head to see the structure I was over and I
was immediately dumped. If you have that type of hull where the
primary and secondary stability are shallow...you have no choice but
to add some outriggers if you want to fish with it. It would be nearly
impossible to pull anything of size up on the deck.

That Cobra explorer was not designed to be a fishing platform.
Adding outriggers is like putting a band aid on the design. I am sure
having the outriggers would effect how the kayak tracks...to correct
for that you would probably need a rudder. Better find a better
design for an application than to try to engineer one yourself.

The PA is really stable enough. I dont see the point of adding the stabilizers....

I have a Hobie Pro Angler.

I do not stand in the Kayak, however, I am a large mammal. I have not used the yak much and the few times I did use it I was a tad weary of the stability.

Mounting the stabilizer brackets aft of the seat should reduce interference when fighting a fish. I fight fish pretty aggressively, therefore the bow should be pointed toward the fish. Reducing interference. I hate trolling, even in a yak. So unless I am moving between spots I will be throwing plugs or eels.

A few hundred bucks is worth the confidence I will gain with added stability. This winter I have spent well over $2000 on other gear/plugs I really don't "need". I am an addict!

Thank you for the feedback.