Malibu Pro Explorer

Any thoughts on the pro ex as a first yak.  I'm 5-8 200 lbs, some paddling experience, plan to fish primarily in lakes and some in SF bay.  Also do any of you know if the gator hatch is a cover for the front hatch or an actual hatch cover.  Would the rod holders on the gator hatch be of any use for trolling rods, they look like they may be too far forward to easily reach.

Brgds,
Ron

I am totally biased...not because I sell them...but because a Pro-E was my first "real" fishing kayak.  I logged a lot of hours in that boat, and loved every minute of it.  My good friend still has that boat, and it makes me a little homesick every time I see it. 

IMHO the Pro E is one of the best beginner boats ever.  Stable, easy to handle, and can handle a wide variety of uses.  I took mine down the lowere Russian River, through the surf, and all over Lake Mendo.  My old Pro-E was with us on our recent "dark day" at Elk, and it handled the water with ease.  I still find this boat to be very comfortable, and well thought out.

The downsides are its relatively slow (hard to avoid in a stable 12 foot platform),its a little noisy through big wind chop, and a crate won't fit.

The gator will fit on this boat, but its starting to push the weight capacity if your 200#s and your going to put a highly-positioned kid in the bow.  The Pro-E works well with the two stock flush mounts and a Scotty on the console.

Hello Scwafish,

     Thx for the feedback.  The threads I've read on quality/hassle free warranty vs others has me sold on Malibu.  Maybe I should bite the bullet, save a few more duckets and spring for an X-Factor.  I've seen the "strippy" X-Factor for $749, and the factory installed components don't look too difficult to install.  (You gotta love newbies allways tryin to save a dime.  Like maybe I'll buy a new car W/O tires and add them latter).  Anyways maybe I'll consider an upgrade before I buy. 

Thanks,

Ron      

If your going to try and get a stripped X, I would HIGHLY recommend at least getting the front hatch from the factory.  Its a real PITA to install at home.  Sometimes you can save a little more cash and get a cosmetic blem, sometimes we are able to get them for around $50-80 less.

If you are going to buy a Malibu you should get from scwafish. He will get you a good deal and treat you right.

I have a Pro Explorer and an X-Factor and I love them both.  I let my friends and my girlfriend use the Pro Explorer and it has worked well for them.  It may not be fast but the stability is great for a 12 foot kayak and I love those malibu center hatches.  I wouldn't screw around with installing the hatches and flushmounts yourself.  Just order it the way you want it, you will have plenty of other stuff to install later.  You can try out my Pro Explorer some time if you would like.  See Scwafish, I bought both of mine from him and I couldn't be happier.

Awesome offer Travis,

Let me check my work schedule and I'll let you know when I have a day that might work with your schedule.  I may have a couple days during the holiday season.  If not maybe in Jan. I'll send you a P.M. w/some dates. 

P.S. I'm in Patterson,  about 80 mi south of Sac

                                                                                                                                     

Thanks again,
Ron
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