Hobie Cat Forums

Pro Angler owner for 4 months now...have been exploring local freshwater fisheries here in central NC. Absolutely love my set-up (listed below) as it makes it so easy to get in/out of the water...exploring/fishing...and getting a little exercise to boot.

Hobie Pro Angler
Trailex Trailer
Humminbird 385ci

Have been out at least 20x so far and glad to have made the investment.

My Pet Peeve:
The seat is right on top of the center hatch/cutting board. If there was 1 or 2 inches in between, it would make it much easier to access this compartment while on the water.

My problem:
The seat mount…starts off nice and snug. But after a little time the thumb screws loosen a bit and then the seat mount shifts from side to side. After taking the seat apart…I noticed that one bar is locked in place and one has the 1/8” play in it.

My question:
Is this by design or is this a defect?

My suggestion:
There is enough room (back of seat) to actually create solid locking hardware for an adjustable seat. Even if it moved just that one or two inches back. This would kill two birds with one stone. Sturdy seat and easier access to the center hatch.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts…

This pict shows the seat hardware removed from the seat itself and turned over.
On the left (A) you will see 2 rivots locking the metal brace in place.
On the right (B) ... BOTTOM - the rivot is recessed and allowing the 1/8" play left to right. TOP - notice no rivot on metal brace. But there is one inside the top part...allowing the brace to move.

Again...would like to know if this is by design or a snafu in production.

Thanks!

Joeyb,
I spoke with my dealer regarding this issue and was told that this was by design. The "play" is meant to accommodate slight differences in hulls. I haven't experienced loosening of the hardware but I do get a clicking noise each time I exert significant pressure on the left pedal. It's fine if I'm just cruising but if I'm pushing it a bit... click, click, click. Can be pretty annoying! I plan on shimming to get rid of the play.

GR8 Laker

PS. Congrats on the PA purchase! Glad to hear you're out there enjoying it!

I get the clicking sound too... can become annoying let me know how the shim works

Thanks for the reply...

Not only does it click...I can feel the shift in the seat. I fish BASS tourneys with the PA and they last 8 hrs. So this gets real annoying. I think the folks at Hobie should take a good look at this issue and the fact that the center hatch is too close to the seat for easy access. These are not major modifications...but necessary if used often.

I do love my ProAngler!

Be sure the seat is inserted all the way into the pins in the hull and that the knobs are tight. Other than that... maybe some other fastener is loose?

The tight fit of the hatch area at the front of the seat is a compromise for sure. Size of the seat and then the hatch are the major considerations.

_________________
Matt Miller
Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Hobie Cat USA

Thanks for the post!
Can I ask you what kind of trailer you have under your Hobie Pro Angler? I am deciding on how to transport mine now.

What fish finder did you purchase?

Bruce

I am really liking that trailer and I also would like to know what model and brand it is.

Trailer - Trailex (Model SUT-200-S)
http://www.trailex.com/sut.cfm

Fishfinder/GPS - Humminbird 385ci

Matt - I have taken the seat hardware off a couple of times and added both plastic and rubber washers to the contact points. This eliminates most play. But there is still a problem with keeping the thumb screws tight...it seems that after a short amount of time on the water...at least one loosens up and then it is almost impossible to tighten it as there is very limited access for most people with average sized hands.