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Topic: Malibu X-Factor Gator Hatch Child Size?  (Read 9121 times)

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jrsyboy

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Hello all.

I have a question: How big of a child can you put into a Gator Hatch? I currently have a OK Malibu 2 XL which I take the princess and wonder mutt out in when I go kayaking. She is going to be six tomorrow and is around 50 lbs. We all fit nicely in the Malibu 2 but I want something a little more single user friendly when I do manage to go out alone. I have a co-worker who wants to buy the tandem which would give me a good start towards the X-factor. While I was down in San Diego yesterday for business, I saw one in the showroom, but didn't get a chance to take it out on the water. Before I go through the effort to get everyone down to San Jose to try one, how big of a kid can fit on that Gator Hatch? In a couple of years, she can paddle the Mini-X alone but between now and then she has to ride with me?

Should I dump the tandem for the mid-life crisis X-factor or just buck up till she's big enough to paddle her own ride?

Thanks!
rob
jrsyboy



LoletaEric

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I'd say up to a 100 pounder!  For what you've described I don't think you'll be at all sorry going with the X and a Gator hatch.  Check out this vid for direct info on it:



F$#*er's disabled the audio sometime recently...   :smt012
I am a licensed guide.  DFW Guide ID:  1000124.   Let's do a trip together.

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What Abking said...My skinny 13 year old fits in mine and he's about 110lbs.


porky (bp)

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Im digging up an old thread.... Im considering a boat like this one day, id like to get my daughter out on the local lakes first when shes old enough.. So the child seat has planty of room huh? But no back rest? Any other or new feedback would be much appreciated..


LoletaEric

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There's enough of a back support on the original Gator Seat that it's not too tiring for a kid up to 100 pounds or more.  I had them fishing on that seat with me for hours.  The newer Gator Seat that I see is much lower profile, so it may not offer that support - look for an older/original model.  Good luck.   :smt001
I am a licensed guide.  DFW Guide ID:  1000124.   Let's do a trip together.

Loleta Eric's Guide Service

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Being an honorable sportsman is way more important than what you catch.


porky (bp)

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Good info... Thanks Black Ab, great video too.


malibuj

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Our official weight we recommend is 60lbs.

Josh Eck
Sales Manager
Malibu Kayaks
Josh Eck
Sales Manager
Malibu Kayaks
www.malibukayaks.com


porky (bp)

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So the newer seat is lower profile?


jrsyboy

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I want to thank everyone for their input and opinions on this. I bought an X-Factor late last fall and love it. It has the older style Gator hatch and my 6-year old is fairly comfortable in it. I still have to put in rod holders but that's later this year. I agree that my old OK Malibu Two XL had a more comfortable seat than the gator hatch but I'm looking to put a seat in the tank well when wonder mutt doesn't come(that's his spot with an old wetsuit to lay on) along to see if she can get more comfortable back there. However this year the princess is going to fish for rockfish with her own rod so this could get interesting. I guess I need to update my avatar to the new boat one of these days........

Tight lines~!

rob
jrsyboy


LoletaEric

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Right on, Rob!  Please bring some reports this summer showing the Princess catching fish from her Gator Throne.   :smt001
I am a licensed guide.  DFW Guide ID:  1000124.   Let's do a trip together.

Loleta Eric's Guide Service

loletaeric@yahoo.com - call me up at (707) 845-0400

http://www.loletaeric.com

Being an honorable sportsman is way more important than what you catch.