A Different Kayak

I have been considering whether to try to fix my Malibu Stealth 9’s hatch leak problem or get a different kayak.   Because I also want more load capacity to have a greater margin of safety in rough water I have decided that I will get a different kayak.  I want one that has a large central hatch like the Stealth but not that design.  The simplest choice would be the Malibu X-Factor because I could ask Malibu to take back the Stealth 9 due to its excessive leakage and put what I paid for it toward an X-Factor.  If they refuse to do this I can sell the Stealth 9 and look for a different kayak.  In that case I have narrowed the choices to the X-Factor and three Ocean Kayak models that also have large central hatches:  the Trident 11, the Trident 13, and the Big Game 2.  I don’t know how much leakage any of them have experienced.  I would appreciate advice on either the leakage or other factors concerning any of these models.

I have an Ocean Kayak15. Ive taken a safety course and practice self rescue. In doing so I had the boat upside down several times that day, and the inside of  the hull was dry. If you are going out on SF and SPB I would suggest getting a boat at least 12ft long. It will track better, move faster, and be better for you when conditions worsen. The OK 11 is a river boat, the OK 13 is everyones favorite, and the big game is slower more stable platform. There are a couple XFactor die-hards on here that love their boats. Each has its area where it shines. You should test em all out to see whats best for you. Outback Adventures (by Larkspur Landing)sells  Ocean Kayaks. 101 Surf Sports carries OKs. You can take out my OK15 for a test paddle. Send me a PM
 

The Trident 11 and 13 with the Mod Pod are solid when it comes to leaks.  If you get an older pod hatch, those had too much flex to them IMO, and water would find its way through, especially when you took a wave over the bow.

The first gen Big Game didn't have an opening to the inside of the hull, although I've seen some people cut one through.  I'm not sure what the Big Game 2 will ahve.

-Allen

If you want a water tight boat I would get an OK Prowler 13, WS 14.0 or Trident 13 without a rod pod. The P13 has been Fish Hunters ride for 7 years and yes, survived a white shark attack. The rod pod is nice for storing rods for surf launch but adds another place water can leak. I have a 2007 Trident 15 and upgraded the rod pod cover and it still leaks if the boat is upside down. The Prowler 13' is a good paddling kayak and does well in wind and swell. The P15 which they no longer make but you may be able to find used is one of the best paddling fishing kayaks ever made and very watertight. The general rule is the more hatches the more potential for leaking. The truth is is that the amount of time your yak is upside down should be short, less than 5 minutes even in a surf wipeout. So watertightness is a consideration but shouldn't be a major deciding factor. My T15 leaks but it is still my #1 yak for SOCAL surf launch when hunting yellowtail.

If I were to buy a yak to fish the bay, I would get a Hobie Revo or Adventure Island. The Mirage drive is great if you are bucking the wind or current and sailing is fun.

Yep, these guys laid it out straight.
Personally, i have a ride 135 as my primary boat.  My balance is no good and i like the space available.  I am in breaking conditions a lot and water only comes in a tiny bit, and mostly around the fishfinder wire bulkhead.
Once it filled with water, but that was because i put a hole in the stern after 7 years of dragging...

I have a 2007 Trident 15 and upgraded the rod pod cover and it still leaks if the boat is upside down.

is there a story here, or were you just practicing?  How much water over how much time upside down?

I'm going to have to add the "flip it upside down and see how much water leaks in" test to my list of things to do when demoing kayaks!

-Allen

I had a leak issue in one of my deck hatches and found that I really did not need this hatch so I used Goop to seal it and never have had an issue again. If you do not need the hatch open while fishing then seal it up and fill the hatch with pool noodles first to give you a better sense of security.

I'd try to swap the Stealth 9 for an X-factor first.
Lots of info about the leaky Stealth hatches on here: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=23551.msg250958#msg250958

Do you want the big center hatch for a specific reason--like to stash rods & gear because you do a lot of surf launches? Some yaks have hatches that open up to the inside of the hull, while others have a sealed compartment under the hatch...that doesn't open up to the inside of the hull. A few of the yaks that I have paddled w/open center hatches--that I would recommend--include the T13, the Jackson Cuda, WS Tarpon 140. I would only recommend the Big Game if you are over 220lbs.

Also, about the Trident hatch leaking--it all depends how tightly strapped you have the hatch cover. If you have gear directly under the hatch cover...and the kayak flips upside down, that gear is now pressed up against the hatch cover, which could potentially cause water to enter (it happened to a friend last year).

The X-factor is a solid kayak for sure, I know I loved mine when I had it. Having said that have you looked at the Jackson Cuda 14? For me the Cuda paddles way better then the X-factor and the seat is simply the greatest thing ever invented by anyone ever. The Center hatch is big enough to stow full size rods and theres a hatch liner that is standard on 2014 Cudas. There may be better kayaks for individual waters but as an all around Kayak for lakes, ocean, rivers, ect the Cuda is great. I would keep the 9 for small lakes and bass ponds, if you seal the hatches it would be a killer river kayak too.

I'd try to swap the Stealth 9 for an X-factor first.
Lots of info about the leaky Stealth hatches on here: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=23551.msg250958#msg250958

The X Factor owners that I know have had a really good experience with their yaks with no major problems, however there have been issues reported both with hull integrity as well as customer service.

http://www.kayaksportfishing.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=56732&sid=6b6fd95585df07b9b0e642c466cfe474

I'd try to swap the Stealth 9 for an X-factor first.
Lots of info about the leaky Stealth hatches on here: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=23551.msg250958#msg250958

The X Factor owners that I know have had a really good experience with their yaks with no major problems, however there have been issues reported both with hull integrity as well as customer service.

http://www.kayaksportfishing.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=56732&sid=6b6fd95585df07b9b0e642c466cfe474

FWIW, Sean Caples, who is mentioned multiple times in a number of those threads no longer works at Malibu Kayaks anymore.

-Allen

I have a 2007 Trident 15 and upgraded the rod pod cover and it still leaks if the boat is upside down.

is there a story here, or were you just practicing?  How much water over how much time upside down?

I'm going to have to add the "flip it upside down and see how much water leaks in" test to my list of things to do when demoing kayaks!

-Allen

I wiped out in the surf at La Jolla and it was upside down in the surf for about 5 minutes. I did have 4 rods and a 15 pound yellow tail in the pod so as PK mentioned the weight of the fish and tackle may have contributed to the leaking although the straps are as tight as I can get them. It took on about a gallon of water. not a big deal, but enough water and sand that I had to rebuild 2 of the reels. For big game, live bait surf launch, it is still my yak of choice.

I have a 2007 Trident 15 and upgraded the rod pod cover and it still leaks if the boat is upside down.

is there a story here, or were you just practicing?  How much water over how much time upside down?

I'm going to have to add the "flip it upside down and see how much water leaks in" test to my list of things to do when demoing kayaks!

-Allen

I wiped out in the surf at La Jolla and it was upside down in the surf for about 5 minutes. I did have 4 rods and a 15 pound yellow tail in the pod so as PK mentioned the weight of the fish and tackle may have contributed to the leaking although the straps are as tight as I can get them. It took on about a gallon of water. not a big deal, but enough water and sand that I had to rebuild 2 of the reels. For big game, live bait surf launch, it is still my yak of choice.

ONLY 1 gallon after being upside down in the surf?  I think that you're lucky that your kayak performed so well!!! I've seen many wipeouts in the surf in kayaks without rod/mod pods that have taken on way more than 1 gallon in way less time than 5 minutes in the surf.  That one gallon could have even come in through the front hatch and not the mod pod.

-Allen

Ive a T13 and a T15 you can try out. Im in Petaluma. Clavey has 20% off right now on new boats. PM for my number and we can talk about Ocean Kayak brand if you want. Ive been on some real rough water anchored and paddled. Very, very minimal water in the hull after repeated waves over the deck. Sometimes not at all. These two boats ride very well on anchor in rough conditions.

And if you're looking for a kayak with a big center hatch that has a sealed compartment (like the Stealths)...be sure to checkout the OK Ultra! The Ultra 4.7 is pretty fricken sweet. I love mine!