I'm a little confused...

But my main question was when the Jon boat says 36" width and the hobie says 38" width is the hobie really that wide?

Yes, a Pro Angler is really that wide.  It's one of the reasons I don't really consider them a kayak.  They are far too wide and heavy to effectively paddle for very far.  They are an amazing boat under Mirage Drive power, but they are a wide, heavy battle ship.  They're very popular along the Gulf Coast (TX, Florida, etc.) because the Gulf is usually pretty calm and the weather is relatively predictable.  The picture attached is to scale within a couple inches.

Wow thanks so much for that overlay photo! That was a great way to put it into perspective!

Few things I like about the PA is the compartment right in between the legs for tackle, the 6 clean design rod holders, the storage space up front, the width and that its hands free pedaling.

My kayak I have to turn around to grab my gear, can't stand up, plus only hold a few poles and those are also located behind me.

So I guess I'm coming to realize I don't like having to constantly reach behind me to grab my things. I still haven't decided on what I will do but hopefully by the end of the week I will.

I'm going to create a pros and cons list for both tonight to really way out the options.

Honestly can't thank everyone enough for all the great input/advice.

I've got a PA, the 12 not the 14, love the kayak. For me, the ability to stand and actually even be able to walk from front to back is great. Very stable, yes it's more difficult to paddle with the added weight and width and it's not as maneuverable as my wife's revo 16, I didn't buy it to run slalom courses. I trailer mine, so can't launch the same places smaller yaks can, there are plenty of ramps around. You will love it to fish in it.

John

This strikes me as a hike vs mountain bike type comparison; both activities get you into the woods. I like being close to the water and love when a fish pulls the kayak.  I like the slow and deliberate pace of paddling my kayak; kind of like hiking. 

I am too much of a newb to provide meaningful experiential feedback, but so far I think we're still at this, which only OP can answer:

I think a better question to ask is what you want to do with your boat, and then find a boat that fits.

For my part, I have a hard time thinking about water where I would take a jon boat but not a kayak. That's why I bought a kayak. Twice.

That doesn't mean I didn't make 2 mistakes. I would rather paddle or pedal than row. I already know my back won't let me row.

Although I have to say if you are going to haul it in the bed of a pickup, I'd rather try that with a jon boat than a PA 14. Something else I already know I can't do. For me a PA 12 would be marginal but I can still do it, fat and old as I am. PA 14 = trailer and all those limitations.

Also, I presume the wheels on the jon boat are about the diameter of shopping cart wheels, in which case it's either a paved ramp or nothing. Don't overestimate the value of small diameter wheels.

You might consider a different style of kayak. 

A Wavewalk is a catamaran kayak, that is stable, you can stand up in it (by design),  you can easily put a motor on it if you so desire, and it is easy to cartop with the W700 being only 80lbs. I put it on my suburban with no problem and no trailer needed.  It would be superior to a jon boat hands down.  I have had mine on lakes from American to small little lakes and comfortably out on the Sound and I have yet to put a motor on it.  Haven't been out in Big Blue yet but working my way that direction hoping to get a drysuit in 2016 and that may open that door.   It has its own set of pro's and con's when comparing it to the more established brands of kayaks. There are lots of great boats out there all with their strengths and weaknesses.  The trick is finding the one that works for your application.
 
I would second the idea of taking lots of test paddles in lots of different boats!  When you get out in one you will know if it will work for you or not.

Google Wavewalk and look at what might be a unique option for you.

Good luck in your search!

Good point, and the NuCanoe was something I considered as well.

Again thank you everyone for all the great input! So I did my pro and cons and think I'm leaning towards a new kayak over the Jon. I figured I could always get a small cheap Jon boat later, but invest in a great new all around kayak for now.

So now the difficult part of finding the right yak for my needs! 😩😩 so many great options to choose from! I checked out the NuCanoe based on a posters recommendation. Although it looks nice and great seems like I would be spending extra adding certain things I would want in accessories.

I know I want a 12'-14', width about 33"-38", price preferably under 2k ready to go with all the accessories I need for fishing, mainly able to go in small lakes/ponds bass fishing- also able to handle lake Washington/lake sammamish bass/salmon fishing- also handle ocean for when I visit family in California 5-6 times a year ocean fishing, front easy access tackle storage, stability over speed, prefer pedals over paddles but not to picky about that and lightweight to load and unload 3 times a week.

So now the fun part in making pros and cons list on different yaks! All recommendations welcome!! ☺️ Thanks everyone for all the great advice and helpful insight!

Let the hunt begin!

Not sure of what part of Washington your in but test paddle as long as you can not just 5 minutes and the native mariner in Idaho might fit your bill if it didn't sell yet.

Not sure of what part of Washington your in but test paddle as long as you can not just 5 minutes and the native mariner in Idaho might fit your bill if it didn't sell yet.

I'll check it out. Idaho is about 6-8 hours from me, but any reason why that model has been discontinued? Anytime something gets discontinued it worries me because that means no more spare parts or any parts for that model anymore.

I'm thinking it's because I have really no clue but on my wife's I see nothing that couldn't be scavenged from a different model or found aftermarket. We both love her boat. 

If you're along the I5 corridor and between SETAC and Oly, there are several dealers to visit. Alki, Ballard Inflatable Boats, Mountains to Sound Outfitters , REI and several more.

Take your time and do not rush into purchase under any circumstances.  Also, do make sure the boat you buy has the capacity needed to haul you your gear and anything you catch and keep. You'd be surprised how fast a 325lb capacity yak gets close to overload if you aren't careful. 

They're still pretty new, so it might me tough to find a used one in your price range, but it sounds like a newer Hobie Outback with the Vantage CT seat would be a good fit for you. They have a lot of the advantages of the PA's, but turned down a bit into a smaller, more convenient package. An older outback without the new style seat is a great boat too, and would be easier to find within your budget.

They're still pretty new, so it might me tough to find a used one in your price range, but it sounds like a newer Hobie Outback with the Vantage CT seat would be a good fit for you. They have a lot of the advantages of the PA's, but turned down a bit into a smaller, more convenient package. An older outback without the new style seat is a great boat too, and would be easier to find within your budget.

I was thinking the same thing. PA is not an easy load. Outback is, and can do small water and big water. Others may do either better, but not both acceptably, is why I went Outback.

Ok... So I'm kinda really liking a lot of things about the lure 13.5. Anybody have any input on this yak? i really like the sonar pod and the new seat, plus I really like the hatch upfront to keep the tackle boxes or a cooler. Plus the side of the seats has mesh netting to store smaller tackles boxes. 36" width and seems very stable and most of the things I was looking for. Another question anyone know if it has the dolly like the hobie which goes into the scuppers? 

So what are some people's opinions on this feelfree lure 13.5?

Thanks in advance

Ok... So I'm kinda really liking a lot of things about the lure 13.5. Anybody have any input on this yak? i really like the sonar pod and the new seat, plus I really like the hatch upfront to keep the tackle boxes or a cooler. Plus the side of the seats has mesh netting to store smaller tackles boxes. 36" width and seems very stable and most of the things I was looking for. Another question anyone know if it has the dolly like the hobie which goes into the scuppers? 

So what are some people's opinions on this feelfree lure 13.5?

Thanks in advance

They're a really nice kayak. Well made, well appointed, will do all of what you want, so long as you are willing to paddle.

I personally made the decision that I wouldn't go on the Columbia or the ocean with a paddle kayak, because big water moves a lot, I'm old, and I have bad shoulders. Hence the Hobie.