Need new kayak- maybe Stealth

I need a new yak. I've only ever used a paddle kayak (Trident ultra 4.7) I either want a powered kayak or a lighter paddle kayak like the Stealth line. But what is the difference in the Stealth line? The website doesn't even list prices, let alone a compare yak option. The Fusion is heaviest, why? What is the difference between the Fisha and ProFisha? A 60 lb kayak sounds awesome. Where do we buy Stealth kayaks?

The Fisha kayaks are about 2” wider so they are  more stable than the Profisha. The Fusion is rotomolded plastic like your trident. You can order any of them from the factory but expect a long wait time before delivery. If you order from the factory you can choose materials (fiberglass, Carbon, Kevlar), and colors. Ruben Ledesma [email protected] in Santa Rosa is the importer/dealer in the United States, and typically has quite a few in stock.

As I age, and wither away I can only manage lighter kayaks. I have an Eddyline Caribbean 14’ which is 50lbs, and the Stealth Elite Carbon/Glass which is about 50lbs as well. The Eddyline is fantastic for local lakes, bay, and ocean. The Stealth is more ocean oriented due to the limited gear capacity. Also, it has a huge onboard fish hatch, where rods and gear can be stashed for surf launches.

Prices new for the high end Stealths are similar to the powered kayak you are considering but I think the Stealths are a much safer platform on the ocean than the short powered or peddle/powered heavy kayak.

I bought the older/heavier Stealth Evolution used about seven years ago and haven't touched either of my two paddle kayaks since. Lightly damaged or used older models pop up occasionally for a $1,000 to $1,500.

I'm also in Oakland if you like we can meet up at the estuary, ARW or Berkeley marina sometime and you could take my older Evolution for a paddle to see if you can deal with the tight quarters and limited leg movement.

If you launch through the surf, the big central hatch is awesome. Depending on the model, you can put a 7 foot or longer rod in there without breaking it down. All your reels stay dry and free of sand.

Stealths are super minimalist. If you like a big fishfinder and lots of gear and deck space, I would look elsewhere. I don’t even bring a large landing net on my stealth and use a gaff instead. A pedal kayak makes trolling and holding position so much easier.

You should also test one out to see if it’s comfortable enough for you. It takes a lot of core and back strength to avoid slouching after a few hours if you aren’t using a seat or back band, and if you do use a back band it limits your ability to pivot and use leg drive for the paddle stroke. My back has been hurting after outings on the stealth recently.

Come on now!  Go Stealth or go home!  IMHO.  The new ones are bomb and I cannot say I wish I waited but ....bigger live well...more stability...transducer mount accesss...

Profisha 475.  3 colors, back suppor,t extra rudder that I haven't needed after 3+ years beating on it, 3800$. Not sure about inflation or tariffs...

I couldn't agree more with Eddie and Krishna hit it on the head. I don't have any issues with back pain though and I don't use a backband or seat. In fact, my Hobie hurts my back much more. But I don't think Stealths are everyone and is minimalist setup for sure. If you are seriously interested I would watch their Youtube videos and do your research. There is a big difference between a Fisha and an Elite, and just because an Elite is the newest model doesn't make it the best. Each line is designed for certain applications. I personally like the Profisha line and rock a 525 due to my size and requirements. Ruben(FishKraft) is super helpful and easy to work with as well as Brett from Stealth

Also, I would recommend getting white or at least a white hull. Having worked on and repaired mine, the big pain in the butt was not working with fiberglass, but trying to match the gelcoat. My next boat will be white for sure

Also, I would recommend getting white or at least a white hull. Having worked on and repaired mine, the big pain in the butt was not working with fiberglass, but trying to match the gelcoat. My next boat will be white for sure

What kind of work are you talking about? I was just figuring out a color scheme I like, lol

And where do you mount a fish finder and transducer?

The newer models have a indentation on the bottom of the hull for a transducer, and a tube to run the wiring into the fish hatch. The indentation is pretty small so it took some modification of the cover to use a larger transducer. I am using a 7' fish finder. You can see the full setup here: https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=102952.0

I ABSOLUTELY love the fish hatch on the fusion but what I love just as much is the self circulating bait well. I never really enjoyed fishing with live bait because it's pain in the butt to keep them live/lively. With the stealth I enjoy fishing with the live bait without any additional gear.

I ABSOLUTELY love the fish hatch on the fusion but what I love just as much is the self circulating bait well. I never really enjoyed fishing with live bait because it's pain in the butt to keep them live/lively. With the stealth I enjoy fishing with the live bait without any additional gear.

What made you go with the Fusion? I've been looking at the Fisha and ProFisha, should I consider the Fusion too? I've been emailing Ruben, he says it'll take 4-6 months for a custom yak to get here!! My current yak is unusable, what am I supposed to do until then? I think I want the Profisha 525, or Fisha 500, but he has a 555 in stock, maybe I just buy that one?? I don't know...

I ABSOLUTELY love the fish hatch on the fusion but what I love just as much is the self circulating bait well. I never really enjoyed fishing with live bait because it's pain in the butt to keep them live/lively. With the stealth I enjoy fishing with the live bait without any additional gear.

What made you go with the Fusion? I've been looking at the Fisha and ProFisha, should I consider the Fusion too? I've been emailing Ruben, he says it'll take 4-6 months for a custom yak to get here!! My current yak is unusable, what am I supposed to do until then? I think I want the Profisha 525, or Fisha 500, but he has a 555 in stock, maybe I just buy that one?? I don't know...

The cost and the durability were the reasons. I know fiberglass is pretty durable but I think everyone can agree that plastic kayaks are more durable. I tend to abuse my kayaks  However, I would probably get a fiberglass one if I were to get another Stealth.

I would give this a look if I was in your shoes given that you were looking at some pedal/powered yaks too.

https://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=104450.msg1164036;topicseen#new

Cheers,
Brad