Tested a Maurader Last Weekend

So,I went to HMB Kayaks last weekendand tried out a Marauder. Not only was this my first time in that Kayak, but my first time in any kayak. It was a great experience and I'm definitely hooked (pardon the pun). I was wondering if anybody else has had an issue with their feet feeling squeezed in to the footrest by the center hatch. My feet are average size (10.5) and average width. I am just wondering if this a characteristic of these models or am I just being whiny. The Malibu X-Factor seems to be the ticket, because the footrests are the "sliding" type and appear to leave more room for your feet.

Any comments would be helpful. Looking forward to trying  out more this weekend.

BTW- Doug and Reed at HMBK were very helpful and nice people. I highly recommend anyone in the area that's looking to try out a Marauder to go there. The yaks are even set up with rod holders if you want to try to fish.

Thanks for your time,

Omar

The footwells are about the only weak point on the Marauder IMO.  I will say that they are quite a bit better in the current model than in the original model, but still a just a tad awkward.  My size 13's fit OK in dive booties or stockingfoot waders, but with footwear any bigger than that it's a squeeze. 

The X-factor is a nice boat also, but quite a bit heavier and a bit slower than the Marauder.  Both are very stable and seaworthy boats though.

Erik

Yep footwells are the only weak point, my size 10s fit nicely though.

The footwells were the only weakpoint in my opinion as well. I love the HUGE amount of storage on the Maurader. It seemed to be very stable yet fast and easy to control in the wind. I am going to purchase the Maurader XF, but I am a smaller guy with a size 8.5 foot. Yaking in a wetsuit and booties will help the foot situation. See you on the water!!
Good Luck

-Michael

Thanks to you guys for the replies. I was at Paddlefest and tested out just about everything that they would let me in. I tried the Marauder again, and was a bit more comfortable this time. I think that the rental seats at HMBK are a little uncomfortable. My feet did not feel nearly as cramped this time. I had all but decided, until I tried the OK Prowler Big Game. I knew, right off the bat that this is the boat for me. It felt EXTREMELY stable and fun. By far the most stable kayak for me. I was also seriously considering the Fish and Dive (which Mooch recommended). I paddled that one for a while and went back to the Big Game. Just like the  first time, it felt right from the second I sat in it.

Now I have to work on the WAF account. I discovered that if I offer to buy her clothes or shoes or whatever, she is more inclined to say yes to a major purchase.

Wish me luck,

Omar

Make sure you paddled a Gen II Marauder, they are fairly different in the legroom/footroom but its still snug in the  Gen II.  All around great boat, and tons of storage.

HMBK actually had both generations. The Gen 2 is the one that I paddled. I had an awesome time in it. I was just curious if anyone else had the foot squeeze issue.There was absolutely nothing wrong with the Marauder, I just got a better feeling in the Big Game. This is my first kayak, so I may not know exactly what I'm looking for, yet. The Marauder might be it, but I am thinking that the Big Game will probably get the nob.

Omar - just remember that the Big Game paddles like a barge (I paddled one at the Paddlefest) IMO: the Fish & Dive is a better choice if you want the most stable boat - yet tracks fairly good for a 12 footer. The Fish & Dive basically has the same hatches the Marauder has but the footwells are wider.

I hate to be in your place There are so many kayaks to choose from these days, it makes it really tough to decide on one. Almost all the manufacturers are getting into the race of building the super fishing kayak....unfortunately, they haven't nailed it yet 

My advice: take your time 

Mooch,

you are absolutely right about the Big Game, it does paddle like a barge. I think that's the reason it appeals to me. I have zero experience in big water and I am a little skittish being out there on something unstable. I was really hoping to try the X-Factor (which I am now seriously considering).

If anyone who currently owns a  Big Game who also tried an X-Factor  would like to comment on the differences, I'd love to hear what you liked and disliked about either. Scwafish, I would imagine that you would be the Malibu expert. I'd love to hear what you have to say about the X versus the Maurader.

Omar

I own a Big Game and have owned an XFactor.   

From what it seems like you're looking for, either will work for you ... it's just a matter of personal preference.

The XFactor is faster than the Big Game.
The Big Game is more stable than the XFactor, although both fall into the "very stable" camp.
The Big Game seems more thought out in terms of the cockpit arrangement.
I have a rudder on my Big Game, but I never use it.  It tracks just fine.  And without the rudder it still turns a bit better than the XFactor.
I've yet to take the Big Game in the surf, but it just looks to me like it will surf better than the XFactor.

-Allen

Polepole,

thanks for the comments. I think that the only way to decide is to try out the X-Factor, the Marauder, and the Fish and Dive, side by side. Speed is not a big factor for me, yet. I was impressed with the fact that I was able to stand up easily in the Big Game. That will come in handy for LMB fishing, which is what I'll spend most of my time doing. I have to keep reminding my self to buy the kayak that will best suit the majority of my fishing needs (what I'll actually be doing most of the time).

Have a good day,

Omar

Omar - don't count out the Hobie Quest - that's another Kayak that has a lot of stability yet quicker compared to the other wider yaks This yak seems to grow on me every time I paddle one. The foot rest on this particular yak is the most comfortable one's I've seen out there   

Sorry - didn't mean to "confuse" you even more

Polepole,

thanks for the comments. I think that the only way to decide is to try out the X-Factor, the Marauder, and the Fish and Dive, side by side. Speed is not a big factor for me, yet. I was impressed with the fact that I was able to stand up easily in the Big Game. That will come in handy for LMB fishing, which is what I'll spend most of my time doing. I have to keep reminding my self to buy the kayak that will best suit the majority of my fishing needs (what I'll actually be doing most of the time).

Have a good day,

Omar

Oh ... if you plan on standing a lot, then definitely the Big Game.  By far the best "standing" boat out there.  I've stood on the XFactor and the FnD, and the BG is much more stable in the standing position.  I have a friend who stands on the Wilderness Systems Ride and flyfishes off of it.  Yet another boat to add to you list of yaks to try.  I haven't tried to stand on a Maurader, but I recall some guys trying it at last years BAM.  IMO, I don't think that boat is made for standing! 

-Allen

Omar - don't count out the Hobie Quest - that's another Kayak that has a lot of stability yet quicker compared to the other wider yaks This yak seems to grow on me every time I paddle one. The foot rest on this particular yak is the most comfortable one's I've seen out there   

Sorry - didn't mean to "confuse" you even more

Thanks Mooch,

don't know whether to thank you or hate you. I think that my plate is full with choices at the moment. I am fairly certain that one or all of the choices will suit my needs. I  absolutely appreciate the recommendation though, thanks.

Polepole, I did demo the Ride at Paddlefest. All  of the Wilderness System boats that I tried (Tarpon 130. Ride, 160i) were amazingly fun boats. They all were the easiest to paddle (as far as I could tell), using the least amount of effort, and IMO, the fastest. They just were not what I was looking for. When testing the Marauder, I attempted to stand on it. I'm pretty sure it's possible, but I did not have much luck. Definitely my fault, not the kayaks. If you don't mind me asking, why did you choose the Big Game? Also, are you a taller/bigger kayaker? I'm about 5ft 8 and 190#. The shorter length of the kayak and the cockpit comfort and layout were the major selling points for me.

Thanks,

Omar

The Fish & Dive basically has the same hatches the Marauder has but the footwells are wider.

Sean it that correct I thought they were about the same, are the newer F&D footwells wider than the old?