Malibu Stealth

Anyone have any paddle time/review on the Malibu Stealth?

Its an x-factor with a different deck.  The deck is layed out with standing to sight cast as a priority...it was designed with the TKF crowd in mind.

Its an x-factor with a different deck.

I thought that yak looked familiar. Still a great hull design and nice idea for stand-up sight fishing. I'd like to see how that center hatch thing works.

Z

Its an x-factor with a different deck.

I thought that yak looked familiar. Still a great hull design and nice idea for stand-up sight fishing. I'd like to see how that center hatch thing works.

It's a freakin bait well!

I think running it as a bait tank is an option, but it is designed to accomodate a tank.  You can do the same thing with a regular X and a kayaktank if you wanted to...I just don't like the idea of pumping water into my hull.  If you have an issue, it could go sideways fast.

I just don't like the idea of pumping water into my hull...

 

From the picture it looks like it is molded into the deck, possibly pumped up through a scupper. And in the comments on that website some Malibu rep said something about a plumbing kit and just "flip the switch and you have a self-draining, circulating bait tank system". I can't imagine they're pumping water into the hull but it sure would be interesting to see exactly how that thing is wired/plumbed.

Like a Kayatank you are pumpimg water into the boat.  When things go right it is getting pumped into the well...if things go wrong it'll be filling your hull.

what's up with the hatch behind the seat?  that seems like it would be difficult to access on the water.

what's up with the hatch behind the seat?  that seems like it would be difficult to access on the water.

It's actually a really great feature. It's angled so really easy to stash rods and while it's not the easiest to access if you sit side saddle it's not that hard either.

Z

But the entire thing is mute if there is a bait tank in the way half way up the yak.

But the entire thing is mute if there is a bait tank in the way half way up the yak.

Well I was talking about the hatch in particular. But yeah, you're right. If there's bait tankthere you're gonna need some really short/bendy rods to fit easily.

Z

i like the malibu's cuz of the child seat up front without having a tandem but the rect hatch in my marauder is a pain enough to open in front of me, so I would think behind me would be even more of an issue.