NorCal Kayak Anglers
Kayak Zone => Kayaks => Malibu Kayaks => Topic started 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!!
-
Some photos because my original post only did one?
-
SEXY :smt007
-
More pics
-
SEXY :smt007
Thanks :) got me a matching XFactor and Stealth12 too :) can't wait to build the 12 and lake test it!
-
Congrats, looks great!
-
Nice looking boat. :smt004 :smt006
-
sweet looking yak... and only 65lbs!
-
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!
-
that's awesome. love the color too!!
-
Love it, Austin! I might have to get one. Nice work. :smt001
-
Nice yak!!
-Kiel
-
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?
-
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!
-
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?
-
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..
-
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
-
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!!
-
Nice boat! By the looks of it wouldn't think it was 65lbs.
-
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!
-
I really am impressed with your kayak.