best Kayak for the ocean?

I currently have a Pro Angler 14.  It is somewhat heavy due to the two 35 AH batteries and 30 lb thrust trolling motor I added.  It can really be a handful to load, unload, and launch.  I really would like to get a drysuit and a couple other items to start doing some fishing in our bays and the ocean.  The main reason I added a trolling motor was for when the river currents are strong.  It can be difficult to make progress up river when the rivers are flowing a lot of water.  The question is, do I buy a second kayak that would be better for the ocean, or do I use what I have.  Should I try to use the electric motor setup in the ocean?  My batteries are secured and sealed.  Or do you think I should just remove the batteries and trolling motor when I go in the ocean?  The other thought was to buy an outback and use the mirage drive I already have or even buy something else all together....Any feedback would be great.

Can you buy just a Hobie hull, without the Mirage Drive?  I've only seen the whole package advertised - hull, seat, Mirage Drive, and paddle. 

Only way to buy a Hobie hull without the drive is to find it used or a unusual circumstance from a dealer, usually an old demo model. 

My suggestion is to leave the trolling motor and batteries behind and just use your PA14 in its natural form for the ocean - you'll be just fine.  That's a lot of weight to slow you down with and the currents you'll experience in the ocean are not that strong.  Just make sure you pick your days wisely and start small when learning the ocean - small surf, light winds, easy launches.

  +1

  And believe..............

Only way to buy a Hobie hull without the drive is to find it used or a unusual circumstance from a dealer, usually an old demo model. 

My suggestion is to leave the trolling motor and batteries behind and just use your PA14 in its natural form for the ocean - you'll be just fine.  That's a lot of weight to slow you down with and the currents you'll experience in the ocean are not that strong.  Just make sure you pick your days wisely and start small when learning the ocean - small surf, light winds, easy launches.

And with a buddy!

Thanks guys.  Looks like I will be pulling the batteries and motor when I head out to the ocean.  I have been eying a NRS drysuit on sale for around $350 at one of the Portland Kayak shops.  Seems like a good deal all things considered.  Does anyone have any feedback on economical drysuits?  How is the quality with NRS.  I tried the XL on but only had it on for a couple minutes.  It was choking me.  I suffer from big neck syndrome.   I will need to cut the seals to fit much much much looser!

I have been eying a NRS drysuit on sale for around $350 at one of the Portland Kayak shops.  Seems like a good deal all things considered.  Does anyone have any feedback on economical drysuits?  How is the quality with NRS.  I tried the XL on but only had it on for a couple minutes.  It was choking me.  I suffer from big neck syndrome.   I will need to cut the seals to fit much much much looser!

There are a lot of good threads about dry suits on this forum.  For example, check out http://www.northwestkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=12341.0 .  If a latex neck gasket feels too tight, I suggest that you try putting something in it to stretch it for a couple of days rather than cutting it.  If you cut a latex neck gasket, you reduce the amount of the gasket which is lying flat on your neck, and then as the neck gasket gets flabby and loose over time, you may end up with an inadequate seal.  Another option is to get a dry suit with a neoprene neck gasket, which a lot of people find to be cheaper and more comfortable.

Thanks for the tips guys.  I picked up a new drysuit from Next Adventure today.  A special thanks for the quick friendly service.  Especially from the hippie looking dude, and I don't mean that in a bad way!

I am stretching the neck and wrist seals on the new drysuit right now.  I will check it for fit again tomorrow after work.  The suit was on clearance for $349.00 it's made by NRS.  I think I figured out the tricks for me getting into the suit.  This is what worked best for me.

1.  Left foot in
2.  Right foot in
3.  Pull suit up into crotch and around hips as far as possible.
4.  Left arm into sleeve all the way
5.  Put the neck sleeve on top of head but not over
6.  Bend and tuck right arm then move it upwards into sleeve
7.  Pull neck sleeve over head
8.  Hold top of zipper with right hand while zipping down and across with the left hand.
9.  Look at how red face is in mirror
10.  Quickly reverse steps above before things go dark

ur drysuit have a relief zipper?

ur drysuit have a relief zipper?

It does have a relief zipper.  I don't think I would buy one without it. 

I think it's cause dampainter fishes east side columbia, 100 degree's and a 60 degree river. Shorts and a tank top.