NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Zone => Kayaks => Malibu Kayaks => Topic started by: OnTheReel on June 13, 2016, 07:52:29 PM

Title: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: OnTheReel on June 13, 2016, 07:52:29 PM
Well I was going to wait until Sunday to join the crew out in SC to bring this beauty out in its maiden voyage, but I just couldn't wait. Finished the build on Wednesday and decided early Friday morning to paddle out and go with a light setup for a break in paddle with the new setup.

Last year, I finally (after months searching) found an XFactor which I got directly from Malibu. I will post a seperate review on that yak another time as I do have a GoPro edit I put together last year (I am currently working on this one as I get the time)..

Anyways... This was not only the first time I paddled the boat, but I broke it in very nicely, scoring 3 flatties (2 of which I would rather not like to talk about) a ton of lings, rockfish and a 17" cabby. So she's got her fish zen going on already!

About the boat:
2016 Malibu Kayaks Stealth 14

-same hull as the xfactor but a little more room on the top deck

-33" wide which is incredible for how fast it tracks and how straight it tracks. Not to mention I can stand up on it in 2-3 ft swells with ease and threw in a little "walking the plank" tests while drifting for halibut

-14'6 long and only 65lbs!!!

-13" deep seat height which gives it the perfect location of seat positioning

-550lb weight rating

-huge "gator" hatch for maximum storage as well as a seat for a youngin or old guy like me to get toes on the nose and enjoy a beverage while trolling

-4 rod holders built in and I added 2 rocket launchers for trolling

-installed a Lowrance Elite 7 Chirp.. Took a very long time to make this decision as I've always had the 4.. However I doubt I'll ever go back.. Even with beach launches I love it and don't think it will ever leave my yak

- it comes with a built in live well ready for you to setup, however I've chose that spot for my tackle and accessories, having all my gear locked down in water tight compartments is pretty awesome!! I am making a vittles vault hobie style diy live well is in the making.. I have included photos on that as well..

I'm sure I'm missing others.. Oh the seat is the most amazing seat I've owned and I'd suggest you give one a shot for the price and features...

-crack of dawn Paddlesports spider angler seat 2" thick memory foam with a 18" high back for ultimate comfort.. Not to mention, it has two rod holders (I put my fish bat and pliers here), a tackle or storage bag, drink holder, vhf holder, etc...

I'm typing on my phone so I'll update this when I get the YouTube video up, but I had some people asking me about it, glad to say it's finally here!!

And not to mention THIS THING IS BADASS!!

Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: OnTheReel on June 13, 2016, 07:56:15 PM
Some photos because my original post only did one?
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: CptSloppywood on June 13, 2016, 07:57:33 PM
SEXY :smt007
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: OnTheReel on June 13, 2016, 08:03:06 PM
More pics
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: OnTheReel on June 13, 2016, 08:16:01 PM
SEXY :smt007

Thanks :) got me a matching XFactor and Stealth12 too :) can't wait to build the 12 and lake test it!
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: sebast on June 13, 2016, 08:45:17 PM
Congrats, looks great!
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: beerhunter on June 13, 2016, 11:19:53 PM
Nice looking boat.  :smt004 :smt006
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: agoodhi on June 13, 2016, 11:33:33 PM
sweet looking yak... and only 65lbs!
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: OnTheReel on June 15, 2016, 09:20:29 PM
Thanks guys!!! Paddled it in 5-6 ft swells and it blasted through the waves and surfed one in with ease.. Super stoked on the stability and manuerverability of the stealth over my xfactor, the top deck has tremendous amounts of storage and openness. My xfactor has the same but almost too much storage (It is now moving to my lake / camping yak)...

Watch out XFactor, the Stealth14 is taking over as my fish slayer 😜

sweet looking yak... and only 65lbs!
Nice looking boat.  :smt004 :smt006
Congrats, looks great!
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: Pompano120 on June 15, 2016, 09:43:20 PM
that's awesome. love the color too!!
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: LoletaEric on June 16, 2016, 07:34:30 AM
Love it, Austin!  I might have to get one.  Nice work.  :smt001
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: ReelKnots on June 16, 2016, 07:53:15 AM
Nice yak!!


-Kiel
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: OnTheReel on June 16, 2016, 08:11:07 AM
Love it, Austin!  I might have to get one.  Nice work.  :smt001

Thanks Eric! I'm headed back up that way soon, let's get some fishin in!! Honestly your Xfactor is pretty similar to the design of the Stealth, the problem I had with my new XFactor was that it's front hatch (the live well hatch) is too much in the way of my legs and movement, the stealths cockpit makes me feel like the boat is almost half the size, which I really liked about it!! Same hull design so you don't have to worry about losing your speed / tracking / wave punching capability 🤓

Nice yak!!


-Kiel

Thanks Kiel!! See you at Albion this year?
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: Live2Fish on June 16, 2016, 08:57:38 AM
Awesome review. Love my xfactor for saltwater and big lakes.  Been looking at the smaller stealth for smaller water. Looking forward to ur stealth 12 review!   Nice fish too!
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: Norcal duffman on June 16, 2016, 09:43:48 AM
Awesome yak and lightweight with a large load capacity. I think I need to go check one out. The center hatch area seems realy tight does it rub on your legs or get in the way at all?
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: OnTheReel on June 30, 2016, 09:07:12 PM
Awesome yak and lightweight with a large load capacity. I think I need to go check one out. The center hatch area seems realy tight does it rub on your legs or get in the way at all?

Nope not one bit, my xfactor had that problem this one solved and cured it!!! So psyched on it I don't know if I'll paddle my xfactor again unless I go on a camping excursion 😜 Honestly I've had em all, Malibu in my opinion for the stability, tracking and speed, I won't go anywhere else from now on..
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: ljparton on June 30, 2016, 10:32:39 PM
I've always wanted to try one of these out. Maybe we can fish some time, I'll buy bait and beer after?

Cheers,
Logan
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: OnTheReel on August 18, 2016, 09:09:22 PM
I've always wanted to try one of these out. Maybe we can fish some time, I'll buy bait and beer after?

Cheers,
Logan

Just saw this, of course you can I have an extra!!
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: TFM on August 19, 2016, 12:46:42 PM
Nice boat! By the looks of it wouldn't think it was 65lbs.
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: OnTheReel on August 19, 2016, 04:16:38 PM
Nice boat! By the looks of it wouldn't think it was 65lbs.

Yeah for as wide as they are, kinda crazy thinking they are this light, of course this is the stripped down weight (not including hatch, or any gear / seat, etc).. Super happy with it so far though! Thanks!
Title: Re: 2016 Malibu Stealth14 Build
Post by: SlackedTide on August 19, 2016, 09:57:19 PM
I really am impressed with your kayak.