New yak decision help

Looking for a new yak for fishing and diving the Sonoma/Mendo coast. Any suggestions?  Really like the Malibu stealth 14. If anyone has experience with this boat please review.
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I currently have a hobie quest 13. It's a good boat but it's time for a new one

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Check out this thread:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=43667.0

You may want to shoot Rob102 or Fishingforthecure a PM and ask their advice on the Malibu Stealth as well.

Good luck!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

I have the stealth 12.  I like the fact that it has a lot of storage.  It's super stable.  I use it for diving.

The downside:
1. The front hatch is far too close to the tip of the bow.  When you open it and slide forward to get something out there is only a couple inches of freeboard and any little wave can wash over and swamp you.
2. The little side hatches aren't water tight so I always get at least 2 gallons of water in the yak.
3. It so wide you will be sure to be the last one to the spot, everytime.  It's slow.
4. The front hatch isn't especially water tight.

I was swamped once by a wave while pulling up to the beach.  The yak was so heavy from the water inside that it took two of us to get it out of the water.  It was at least a third full of water.  After that I have always had my doubts about it staying afloat if the sea picks up.


I think it's a good fishing kayak for flat water (lakes, not the river, it's too slow to go upstream), that's what it was made for.  If you want to try mine on a lake your welcome to it.  If you are looking for a dive platform, I think you will end up replacing it, like I am.

Good luck with you decision