NorCal Kayak Anglers
Kayak Zone => Kayaks => Topic started by: AlsHobieOutback on September 08, 2021, 11:41:05 AM
-
I've not given up on my X-Factor just yet, but was tempted to start looking for a replacement and am not really finding a lot of options that are comparable still to this day to the X-Factor. The weight, length, width, and capacity seem to be unmatched by other kayak manufacturers. Although I've lost now around 80lbs, I still feel more comfortable with a max capacity that is at least 100lbs more than me, as I've had that much gear and fish onboard at one time, and the feeling of the kayak was very unstable and not fun at all.
So I'm looking for recommendations on new and old SOT's that would fit the specs:
1) 13ft or longer standard SOT
2) Standard Seat (not a fan of raised seats)
3) ~ 400lb capacity rating
4) Total weight as close to 70LBS or less
I was very tempted to go for FT's T160I, although a little ways off from the weight, that's always been a favorite of mine.
The Eddyline Caribbean 14 is very tempting, although I need to loose another 50lbs to make the capacity difference be 100lbs.
The Stealth Profisha 525 and 555 looks great on specs, but I'm a bit hesitant as it just doesn't look like much in the way of rigging/storage or comfort.
Any others out there that are worth checking out?
-
Have you looked at the Vibe Sea Ghost 130? I have the 110 and have not had any problems with it for the last 3 years.
Dimensions and Specs
Length 13'
Width 33.5"
Capacity 550 pounds
Hull Weight 71 pounds
Fully Loaded Weight 92 pounds
-
Thank you, I'll check that one out! :smt006
-
Old Town Bigwater 132. Seat has 2 height positions.
-
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7OMkRiChFLQ&feature=emb_title
-
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7OMkRiChFLQ&feature=emb_title
Wow, that is definitely one that I will want to check out for sure! Impressive set of features and a well thought out design. Thanks ST! :smt006
-
Old Town Bigwater 132. Seat has 2 height positions.
Even with height positions, I feel like the raised seats are just too high compared to a standard seat. Specs are pretty good though, tad bit heavy, but looks really comfortable. Think they have them at MBK, i'll take a look at one soon. Thanks! :smt006
-
Hey Al,
I have a Buddy thats looking to sell his Ocean Kayak Ultra 4.7 Camo. I believed its for much bigger man in general ;) Let me know. Im sure I can convince him for a brotherly price.
-
It's not as flashy as the other recommendations, but since I happily paddled one for several years I have to give a shout out to the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem XL Angler. It's very easy to add additional gear tracks, although the stock features are quite a bit less than the other models you are considering. At ~71 lbs without the seat its much easier to handle than my Hobie Outback. It also has "useable weight capacity" of 427 lbs whatever that means.
The main downside for me was it sits a little high out of the water and can catch the wind. The main upside was flexibility to take out the kids as a tandem or set up in the middle seat for a very stable solo ride. I once took out another fairly large adult outside of Gerstle Cove and it was surprisingly stable with ~350lbs of dude on it.
https://oceankayak.johnsonoutdoors.com/kayaking/tandem/malibu-two-xl-angler
all the recent cove action inspired me to dig out this pic
-
Good luck with the search for a new kayak Al.
Man do i miss my old ocean scrambler. Lightweight, great load capacity and a ruder to boot. Wasn't fast but definitely a work horse. Don't think it would have taken much for a GWS bite to send it under though. Definitely a pool noodle yak.
-
You can borrow my 2010 Trident 4.7 anytime to see if that's the kind of boat you want!
Gonna keep it tho :smt044
-
OK Big Game. I'm 6'4" and approaching 270 and it's been perfect for me. Even when loaded with multiple crab pots, I've never felt tippy or unsafe. I can hang both feet over one side or reach back into the tank well for tackle without worry of shifting my COG and ending up in the water. It's a bit of a pig to paddle but I'll gladly take the extra stability in exchange.
-
Many years ago, I forget if it was Loleta Eric or Sincoast?... had a Cobra marauder tandem? alongside on the beach. I had thought my 16' Hobie adventure was big at first...When I looked over and spotted it, I remember saying "that kayak is HUGE" it was a massive ship. Or maybe it was a malibu2 or xfactor tandem. Was flabbergasted anyhow
-
Al-
You might like the regular OT Predator 13. The camp chair style seat sits right on the deck in the 'low' position. super super stable awhile remaining a pretty darn good paddler. I have a couple of the 11's. You're welcome to try out anytime. You are looking for paddle not pedal. right?
ps I have a 4.7 you can borrow as well, just like Ablone Johnny's.
Bushy
-
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7OMkRiChFLQ&feature=emb_title
Wow, that is definitely one that I will want to check out for sure! Impressive set of features and a well thought out design. Thanks ST! :smt006
Is that what Mark (eelkram) has which he won at SF3?
-
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7OMkRiChFLQ&feature=emb_title
Wow, that is definitely one that I will want to check out for sure! Impressive set of features and a well thought out design. Thanks ST! :smt006
Is that what Mark (eelkram) has which he won at SF3?
Idk, but I know dan @ headwaters was a dealer at one point. Great kayaks it’s too bad there’s not a big following.
-
Al-
You might like the regular OT Predator 13. The camp chair style seat sits right on the deck in the 'low' position. super super stable awhile remaining a pretty darn good paddler. I have a couple of the 11's. You're welcome to try out anytime. You are looking for paddle not pedal. right?
ps I have a 4.7 you can borrow as well, just like Ablone Johnny's.
Bushy
Thanks Bushy! I just might take you up on that! :smt003 Correct, looking for a good paddle yak, have plenty with pedals already :smt044 I like a standard kayak for most rockfishing and surf launching. The X-Factor has been great for that, but no longer for sale.
I've been hesitant on the camp chairs after I purchased a 2015 Hobie Outback with the new style chair, and was totally uncomfortable and it felt way less stable than my original Outback. Sold it, and kept my old one but basically only use it for freshwater now. A standard seat lets me feel more connected to the kayak and feels more stable. But I've not tried a lot of them, so I should still check it out and see what it's like.
-
You can borrow my 2010 Trident 4.7 anytime to see if that's the kind of boat you want!
Gonna keep it tho :smt044
Thanks Johnny! I've actually always wanted to try one out!
-
It's not as flashy as the other recommendations, but since I happily paddled one for several years I have to give a shout out to the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem XL Angler. It's very easy to add additional gear tracks, although the stock features are quite a bit less than the other models you are considering. At ~71 lbs without the seat its much easier to handle than my Hobie Outback. It also has "useable weight capacity" of 427 lbs whatever that means.
The main downside for me was it sits a little high out of the water and can catch the wind. The main upside was flexibility to take out the kids as a tandem or set up in the middle seat for a very stable solo ride. I once took out another fairly large adult outside of Gerstle Cove and it was surprisingly stable with ~350lbs of dude on it.
https://oceankayak.johnsonoutdoors.com/kayaking/tandem/malibu-two-xl-angler
all the recent cove action inspired me to dig out this pic
Thanks for the suggestion! It would be fun to play around with one and take kids out on otw but not exactly what i'm looking for at the moment.
-
Many years ago, I forget if it was Loleta Eric or Sincoast?... had a Cobra marauder tandem? alongside on the beach. I had thought my 16' Hobie adventure was big at first...When I looked over and spotted it, I remember saying "that kayak is HUGE" it was a massive ship. Or maybe it was a malibu2 or xfactor tandem. Was flabbergasted anyhow
I think Craig/Trianglelaguna still rocks some Cobra's. Not sure if they are still in production though.
-
+1. I'm 6'4 220 and I have really bonded with one of these. I use a 265 cm paddle for paddling in the center-back position. I'm able to average 2.5-3 mph easily and have launched and landed in the surf and have only capsized a couple of times on landings. Once past the break it's nearly impossible to tip. It can be a very long paddle in though when the wind kicks up which has affected my planning and how far out I'm willing to go on outings on particular days. There is also the occasional hull slap. With a small kid you can stay in the middle-back position and with another adult you slide all the way back and you can really move along. It's light enough to carry over my head for short walks to launch sites.
[/quote]It's not as flashy as the other recommendations, but since I happily paddled one for several years I have to give a shout out to the Ocean Kayak Malibu Two Tandem XL Angler. It's very easy to add additional gear tracks, although the stock features are quite a bit less than the other models you are considering. At ~71 lbs without the seat its much easier to handle than my Hobie Outback. It also has "useable weight capacity" of 427 lbs whatever that means.
The main downside for me was it sits a little high out of the water and can catch the wind. The main upside was flexibility to take out the kids as a tandem or set up in the middle seat for a very stable solo ride. I once took out another fairly large adult outside of Gerstle Cove and it was surprisingly stable with ~350lbs of dude on it.
https://oceankayak.johnsonoutdoors.com/kayaking/tandem/malibu-two-xl-angler
-
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7OMkRiChFLQ&feature=emb_title
Wow, that is definitely one that I will want to check out for sure! Impressive set of features and a well thought out design. Thanks ST! :smt006
Is that what Mark (eelkram) has which he won at SF3?
Yup. I love it and I'll never part with it. :smt003 I don't have the rudder for it, but it tracks straight and paddles nicely. It's a well thought out fishing kayak.
Al, if you wanna take it for a spin, let me know.
-
I have a thresheryou can use to try out. Was made for us big guys and the ocean. one of the best in my opinion.... https://www.wildernesssystems.com/us/thresher
The blue one in this vidio is my boat with Racinrob on it
-
I have a thresheryou can use to try out. Was made for us big guys and the ocean. one of the best in my opinion.... https://www.wildernesssystems.com/us/thresher
The blue one in this vidio is my boat with Racinrob on it
That video was great! Thanks for another good suggestion Ron, i'll check it out!
-
Dude just come over and pick up this Kraken. You can borrow it for however long you want it. Its rated for 350lbs but I bet it can do 400 easy. And the Jackson chair is the sturdiest/comfyest.
-
Aight, let me try out that Kraken :smt003 Can you bring it Saturday, or let me drop by and pick it up?