HOBIE PA 360 Every Issue I've Experienced in this Fishing Kayak 

Sorry for the pain you had to go thru! Thanks for the heads up about the issues. Great honest vid!!

Brutally honest! I feel like I owe you a steak dinner after this. The temptation to excel above and beyond one's competition in business is often ruthless and leads to many innovations- most of which have never been adequately tested before they are sold to the public. Your experience is proof positive of this or so it seems- they're just isn't any other explanation other than the product itself isn't reliable. I was seriously considering selling my loaded 4 year old PA and updating to the 360. After watching this, I think I'll stay with the 180 albeit updating to the unit that kicks the fins upright when hitting an obstacle. I don't want to bash Hobie either, but these type of reviews are an absolute necessity and I seriously applaud you for sharing your first hand experience with this new kayak. Considering the astronomical increase in pricing for this boat, these type of reviews make Hobie look really bad- and they should, to keep these very profitable companies accountable. Have you ever noticed when companies want you to review their products or services? It's almost immediately after the sale and for this reason- rarely will a person ever have an immediate issue with a new product or service. So far this is the only new Hobie review I've watched after owning it for over a year. I would love to hear (good or bad) of other's new Hobie experiences as well. Thank You again for your willingness to suffer for the rest of us considering buying this new product. I called Hobie last week about an issue on my kayak and I could easily discern the guy was really stressing out and I think I know why. We'll see if they have the guts to recall them or just keep praising what will amount to an inevitable failure. 4 failures in 14 months! Yes, that's entirely unacceptable.

Great review. Thanks for taking the time to go over your experiences.

So sorry you've had such frustrations. Good luck with your next kayak. Thanks for this video.

Well done for making this video, its a big help to anybody going after max manoeuvrability in Kayaks.

Thanks for sharing. Too many moving parts equates to many potential points of failures. I love my hobie, but 360 is not for me. Props to Hobie for standing behind the product and warranty. Hopefully they can get these issues resolved in the next version.

Thank you for making this video. I was going to sale my Pa14 180 for the 360 but now I will have to think about doing this now.

First, i appreciate your honesty and I am old school when it comes to buying new things. I usually wait for a few years for any issues to be found by owners and have the company resolve the issues. Second, like you said, you use the heck out of it and for that price, i would use the heck out it too. Some people that are not having any issues are the ones that use it twice a week and never put it thru the test. I have a 2020 outback and a 2020 PA14 so im not biased as to any one model. There is nothing worse than to be stuck out in deep water when your drive goes out on you. Thankfully I have a Bixby trolling motor as a backup :) Anyways, keep up the good work with your reviews. maybe one day i will pull the trigger and get a 360 but as of now, the two colors does not do me justice.

Sorry to hear about your experience.. Mine haven't given me any issues.. had it fo a few months now n lots of trips:)

In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens ru-vid.comUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.

Thanks for helping me decide my next Hobie will be a PA 14 180

Had my PA 14 360 since early NOV 2020 and have had no issues so far. I just make sure to wash it down well after salt use (which is 90% of the time) and make sure to oil the drive really well. I work crazy hours so sometimes i get it out 2x or 3x a week and sometimes i dont take it out at all for a week or two. over all i have logged well over 100 hours in the seat and so far so good. I agree about the mold possibly being off. if something is off a bit it is going to effect everything else via rubbing or strain.

That's crazy. I'm glad I haven't had these issues with my PA14 360.

I bought a used 2020 360 PA 14. I’ve taken it out to saltwater a twice and about a dozen times on freshwater. Compared to the 2021 PA 14 Mirage 180, I say the 360 drive is definitely more sensitive in general. Going over lily pads, something always gets caught up in there. When using the 360 ability while simultaneously pedaling, you can definitely feel an increase in tension on the turn handle. I just take it easy and usually stop pedaling for a second to start the handle turn. Otherwise it feels as if you’re putting a lot of stress on that turn handle. I will also say that even with all that, the 360 has a lot more Pros that the mirage 180 kick up drive. It’s not as if the mirage 180 is perfect either. It has its issues sometimes when changing from forward to reverse. Most of all I hate the lack of control in a 180 vs a 360. Just my two cents. Hopefully it saves someone the time and money of buying a 360 after owning a 180

Hey Brother how's it going. It's been a minute man I hope everything is going okay for you and your family man with this crazy weather. I'm sorry to hear that you was having these issues with your Hobie. I know you're not trying to bash Hobie but they really need to fix this problem. You went through that many drive and that many belts in that short of time like you said that's unacceptable. This is messing with your fishing career. I hope and pray that you get to work everything out man. I hate to hear things like this happen to good people. Just keep your head up brother. It was good to hear from you man. it's been a minute but I know you been busy. Take it easy brother and be safe out there.

Sorry you are going through this. I was looking to upgrade to a pedal drive and this was on my short list. I will hold out for 2nd generation or stick with 180. Thanks for the video.

Yep. This is why I keep my 2014 PA. I'm leaving good enough alone. Sadly...I don't get the time on the water that you have but I'm still hoping!!! Good info Nathan!

You must be a really patient guy. I feel sorry for you and the dealer for having to experience that nightmare.

Was seriously considering getting a Hobie PA-14 thanks for putting out this video, I'll be going with another brand. Looking hard at the new Old Town with spot-lock.

I almost bought one of those PA 360's but, the sticker shock price here in Japan turned me away. I would check out a "Old Town Sportsman line of Kayaks" They have a lifetime hull warranty that can't be beat. Pedal or electric with spot lock tech. Proven tournament ready.

Thanks for making this. Your problems are basically the issues that I was concerned about when looking at the 360. Hobie makes a damn good kayak but the 360 seems to have too many moving parts for my liking. I think I'll stick with a 180 when I get a Pro Angler.

Thanks for the info! I'm still running my old 2011 flawlessly. I love the idea of the 360, but I'm hesitant to upgrade something that isn't broken. Thanks!!

I don’t want to hear from people that are not using it! Thanks stopped me from buying a headache

Wow... Hobie should have given you a medal for finding all those bugs in their system.

I purchased my Hobie PA 12 360 around the same time and have had five warranty claims. Three are the same as the video and the other two were leaks. The plastic under the red clip where the drive locks in is weak and cracks over time. I also use my Hobie a coupon of times a week and concluded that I like the boat but would prefer something with less issues and I’m considering the 180 version. Hope this helps!

Was thinking about the 360 but im actually glad I purchased the new outback, its been a great fishing platform

Thank you for sharing.

Whew...Thanks for the information; Old town should be the win.

Great Vid, I will wait until I upgrade.

Nate, this answers my question I asked on the MBKFA FB page. I'll avoid Hobie. Thanks for the honest review.

I love my cheap but nicely modified kayak...gets the job done and no ridiculous crap like this

Great video!! I have 3 native propel slayers 2014,2015,2017 INSTANT REVERSE zero issues brotha 🤙🏾

I think the 360 is the best kayak out here!!!! I have one and have had some of the same issues bearing fall out new drive belt break twice my 360 is down now for the belt because they have ran out and on backorder and my dealer told HOBIE don’t know when they will come in. My dealer let my try a new 2021 PA 14 with the 180 drive, it night and day difference when you have to bend down and pull a handle to go in reverse and pull again to go forward and you have time or space to may the turn then you know what a 360 is all about. Once you’ve been a 360 NOTHING WILL FIT. Maybe one of those spot lock trolling motors but I don’t think so. As long as mine is under warranty I’m going to stick it out because I love mine but I feel you and thank you for this video because my dealer said on this belt break you must be kinda ruff to keep breaking these belts this 2021 PA 14 may be the best for you. I said NO I want my 360 back!!!!!! Thanks sorry for the rant!!!!

Great information. Thank you.

Thanks for this video. I'm going to look at a 360 tomorrow. Now I know what to check on the kayak. I've been running a wildness system Radar with the PD and a Bonafide but last fall I got up close with a Hobie and I really liked what I saw.

It’s a phenomenal kayak in its capabilities. Just buy a second one for your “wife” so you always have a “backup”... that’s what I did lol. Also have a 14’ 180 but the maneuverability of the 360 is just too good to give up. I am biased though because we’ve never had an issue with either 360 (and it’s also just a hobby for me - completely understand your reasoning being that it’s your livelihood). Cheers bro 🍻

So was just about to drop cash on a pair of 360s I’m about the same build and size as you and so is my son. After your video NO WAY!! 6 screw ups in 14 months! Not my money. Thank you so much.

My girlfriend showed me this video because I wanted one but I will no longer purchase it. Thank you so much for this

I have been fishing tournaments out of my 360 since January 2020 and have never had a single problem out of it. I don't put it in saltwater though because that causes all kinds of problems. I'm not sure what's going on with yours but I can assure you they don't all have that issue. Hope you get everything resolved.

First generation of anything is usually problematic I want a peddle drive with multiple gears

Definitely noticed you need to treat the 360 with a bit more finesse than anything else. No forcing if actions, fast moves, etc. 2021 and newer models have seemed to mostly fix these issues, but still treat it with ease.

thank you for this review!

I bought my PA 12 360 in February 2020. I use it about twice per month. Not a single issue so far. Sorry you have had problem and I agree those problems are not acceptable.

You need an Old Town Sportsman Series! Unbelievable what you have been through! I pray your next kayak is trouble free, no matter what you get. 🙏😎🎣🐟💦

G'Day I'm from the land down under Australia and always thought Hobie were a reputable and trustworthy manufacture to deal with. I currently own 2 hobie products the antique hobie bravo cat and the good old angler pro 14 , i bought one for my son so there's 3 in the family. Was seriously thinking about upgrading the 2 annular pro to the 360 i like the thought of 360 movement as one who has the forward thrust only and the crappy rudder turning cap ability

Sounds like you use the equipment pretty hard and are good user check on the system. One thing I did take from this video was that Hobie stood by its product the whole time so that alone gives me the confidence to go forward with picking one up. Admittedly, I doubt I'll use it as hard as you do but it will be in salt water and having a company back it up its product this solidly is a good thing. The drives functionality seems pretty amazing and I suspect that once I use it nothing else will do.

This makes me nervous 😬 I’m waiting for my PA 360 from my dealer . It’s fully paid for and It’s been back ordered for over a month .. the regular PA was my original upgrade plan. Thanks for your info

We were seriously contemplating buying two of these... not now, you've talked me out of it. Thanks for the honest review. Prolly just stick to the 180, or maybe even some other manufacurer now.

I’ve got a 2021 pa14 w/ reverse and love it! Sucks you’re having a bad experience.

Sorry to hear your troubles with yours. I bought mine kinda from watching your videos. I have found the 360 to be a little stiff if I try to just rotate it as is. I find it rotates a little smoother if I input some pedal movement while rotating the drive. I'm sure they say it should rotate without, but just easier when I pedal a bit... hopefully your issues are anomalies and not across the board. It is too expensive of a kayak for me to have major problems like that... otherwise I agree about the platform. It is one of the best fishing platforms on the market, outside an actual boat

My pro angler 12 was recently stolen and replacing it asap! Looking at the 14 instead of the 12. I'm 6'3" 210lbs and thinking the 14 would be a more stable platform. Inshore saltwater, Merritt Island, Fl area with the occasional beach launch. Also was checking out the BKC brand kayaks too. Know anything about them? You just can't beat that hobie drive vs a rotating peddle drive. I've never had drive issues like that either! Wow how frustrating and aggravating! Thx man!

Thanks for this video I just went down and did a demo on a 360 and thought it was the greatest thing ever . I had an old style 14 footer and the seat was terrible . I did wonder with all these gears and everything moving around how bullet proof it was or wasn’t. Now that I’ve seen your video I will do exactly what you were going to do and get the 180 in the 14 foot. Thanks again for all the info great video. A+

Is there any way to find out if Hobie has modified their designs to account for these problems or if they are still using the original design??

They did say this was a first gen 360 drive. So they will be issues that consumers will find out and they will fix and attain to in future build. Kinda how it all works from manufactures. Especially from car dealers. You sir found the flaws and we newbies are obtaining your wisdom. Haha

Thanks for your honesty. It really sucks to be out of commission because of a failure. I don't fish nearly as much as you do. The only problem I've had with mine is with the kick up fins getting stuck. It's disappointing to see this with such a high end kayak. I'm still a fan of Hobie. I hope I don't run into any major problems, but it sounds like I probably will as I use it more.

Damn! I'm actually considering a PA 12 360! Now, my favorite word in all man-made products is "warranty",...however, having one of these 360 drives get busted every 3-4 months would not be a good thing,...and especially not good out of warranty!

Good review thank you!

Wow sorry for all the trouble. I well say this I would make hobie exchange your kayak as the amount of issues your having not.similar situation but I have 2019 outback and I've had 3 drive issues and now a cracked Hull on my.kayak and of course under 2 year warranty so I told then I wanna upgrade. Now I'm waiting on a 2021 pa12 of course I paid difference but they definitely understand how frustrated and mad I was considering I been with hobie since when they came out so maybe it's an idea rather easier then selling its the least they can do.

Great review good or bad, honesty is best. Thanks for the information, Hobie backed their product which is a positive thing. All the problems are unacceptable within a fourteen month time frame. I know I want to fish when on the water not have problems with my kayak. Good luck

Hey brother I feel you in this hobie. I have a native titan that’s just a work horse. Haven’t had any issues with her. Other than she’s too dam heavy. But she’s a beast. This review makes me really appreciate my kayak. Looking forward to seeing your next setup.

My drive got really tight as well and a buncha pins fell out. They replaced it but man this scares me. I've had mine since October 2019 so I'm hoping I don't have any more issues.

interesting video. i JUST got my 2021 Hobie PA14 180...... fortunately, no issues so far. im hoping that the problems you have had with your 2019 model have been corrected for the 2021 yaks!

Gotta budy looking at that 360 and yes he has not got internet access like I do ,he was bragging up what he has seen so now I'm gonna show him this,hopefully spare him some trouble

I would not sell that Kayak to another person. Seriously should consider talking to Hobie to see if they would do a swap. I would want Hobie to go through that Kayak themselves to figure out what the issue is to prevent it in the future.

Man, if I bought a new vehicle and had three drivetrain failures in a year I’d never shop that brand again. Hopefully Hobie does right and sends you a whole new one! Seems like the engineers over there might like to crack that one open and search for defects.

I just had a belt snap last week, Ive already had two bolts break on my drive. Its been stressful. Ive used it for maybe 3 months.

This is why I'll stick with Native & Old Town. There drives are amazing. The Hobie Kayak itself is a Really cool platform, but I'm not into there drives. I'll leave fins for the fish 🐟 . Thanks for the info, and very sorry you had too go through so much.

Yea I'd be asking for a new kayak man. I've had 2 PA12-360s and zero issues. Have several friends with 360s also with no issues.

I just picked my 360 up last week. The belt snapping was caused by a sharp edge inside belt assembly that has been fixed with a slight redesign. I've also been told you can change the belt out yourself with a $20 belt from Tractor Supply and 45 minutes of your time. As for the drive, I've curious if you've gotten a replacement drive that has the new drive bearings or some old stock with the old bearings. Another question, have you rinsed it after every use?

Man... you have the patience of a monk. The PA is way too expensive to have so many failures in such a short period of time. Wow.

sounds like a new name for a kayak : The 2021 Hobie Issue 360....lol

Probably wouldn't drop $5000 on a kayak with Old Town PDL's available for half that, but I am surprised that this many of these 360 drives were bad. Looking at it versus the OT PDL, it's WAY more complicated and therefore it's not surprising that it encounters these issues.

Even if you use it that much, for a $5000+ kayak it sure doesn't last long. You're paying more for the name 'Hobie' than an actual well built product.

Nice dealer helping you out and replacing through warranty! Sunjammers?

I just got me a pa 12ft 360 drive and at first I put alot of use to it... now its 2-3 x's every 3 weeks and haven't had an issue

Just coming across this video, getting a PA-12 360 next week. What ended up happening with this yak, did Hobie replace it? Have you ever went back to a 360? Great video, thank you for the schooling.

Had my old town predator for 2 years and not a single issue. Use it about 2 times a week

I feel you man they can't make a kayak that can hold up to everyday fishing like we do. I live my hobie to so I had to get two to stop the wear and tear on the one. Hell they should have a real test team that fish everyday

Not sure what to tell you, I’ve owned mine for over a year. I go out on the delta at least 2 times a week in tidal currents and never had a problem yet 🤞🏼. Taken it crabbing, lingcod , salmon and halibut on the ocean. It’s been awesome. With all the moving parts there’s bound to be issues eventually.

I would think the biggest issue would be close to $5000😳

That seals the deal for me. I've heard too many horror stories. If I go with another PA it will be the MD180

The 180 is on a version 2 best to wait for v2 of 360 drive before pulling trigger on on this kayak.

I have had my PA 12 for over a year and what I found out if the 360 drive is not completely seated, you may by accidently break the drive directional steering. You have to make sure it is completely seated.

Good information but that's a shame for all those problems considering how much those kayaks are going for.

Sounds like the 360 needs routine belt replacement, bearing overhaul, and perhaps aluminum or SS gears...

Yikes, I just purchased my 14ft 360. I noticed the 360 knob pretty tight so hopefully, in time it'll loosen up. I hope I don't have this issue...I'm normally out 5-7 days of the week.

That stinks about your kayak. I have the same one and during the summer I was out maybe 3 times a week. I haven't really had any issue other than the belt tension being a bit too loose and needing to lube the drive. But I'm sure you put a ton more time on yours.

Sad I am hear a lot of things about Hobie and manufacture issues, Leaking hatches and other issues - supper sad but when you spend $5500.00 you want this to work

I had a similar experience with the turning mechanism. I lost a drive belt, shop installed a completely new steering mechanism. I noticed it was tough to turn without the drive installed. Got it on the water and have had it lock up very often and now I have a tournament coming up and I have a steering mech that fails often. Not sure if there is too much stretch in the belt. Im pissed off! Lots of $$ and poor reliability. No drive issues, just the 360 steer mechanism. I average on 1.5 days a week on the water.

This sounds like there's no maintenance done to the drives right after fishing

I thought about upgrading to a 360 last spring but did not trust the 360 being new on the market as I wanted to see how it fared mechanically! I went with a MD-180 and am happy I did! Less moving parts to worry about! Not to mention I just felt I did not need to turn 360 on a dime not the way I fish!

That's a bummer!! Especially the time lost and cost of the hobie .. That is onething that concerns me about hobie, the drive systems have so many parts ..I love the layout of hobie..I went with nucanoe pursuit and love it .Got the wife f10 with pivot drive and she loves it ..Hopefully the new one works out , I'm sure it will "

I sold mine and it was the best decision I made had nothing but issues with the drive. Waste of money for 6500 from dealer. Pure garbage big disappointment. I sold mine and got an old town.

For 5k you should be able to fish that thing every day 12 hours a day for 5 years and only experience minor wear and tear. I've got an outback from 2017 and have only had one cable snap since then.

Hobie should just replace your entire boat! Check out the BKC brand kayaks. I have been looking at them and look pretty good. Except they have a rotating peddle drive vs the hobie drive system... C'mon down to Merritt Island sometime! Great saltwater fishing. Snook bite has been on fire!

I do know that they had issues when they first came out I waited for about a year to buy one. Just to see what all would go on with it... I hope if nothing else they come out with the MD360 V2. I haven’t had any issues with mine... but it’s not as Heavily used as yours either. Do you think that you’ll go with a regular PA14 or an outback?

I regretted buying my Hobie Compass last spring very much. The kayak itself, and all accessories are all over priced. $220 for a kart which is difficult to put under the kayak, $2100 for the yak, $180 for a crate, $25 each for a simple rod holder, and $800+ for a mirage drive that can go backwards (I bought the regular model which came with the basic mirage drive)...

Have you had any type of knocking from the right front side of seat? Mine just started doing this today.

Hobie is going to end up like the outboard manufactures after dealing with you 😂 Pros are either sponsored or on their own. If the motor manufacturer finds out you're tournament fishing, no warranty claim for you.

Find a 2015-17 Outback or PA and go back to the 180..My MD-180 is still working great 5 years in..I like the idea of the 360 but felt right off that it was going to be problematic.