malibu X factor

Hi guys and gals, i am new at kayaking, I have been paddling around santa cruz harbor a few times in my buddies drifter, and it works good for me, but my question is if the malibu X factor is the right one for me, I am 6'1" and 240 lbs,
     The stability is much more important to me than speed or weight of the boat, and I do want to fish in the local kelp beds, and maybe the rocks close to Santa Cruz.
   Any input is much appreciated,
Thanks, Paul

Based on your size and weight, the X Factor should work well for you.  You will sacrafice speed, but you will have a stable boat that sits high on the water line.  This is a great boat IMO.

John

Yeah that boat should work well for you. If it is a deal I would jump on it or give Sean at Great White Kayak Company or the guys at Outback Adventures a call, they will set you up!

I have paddled a zillion hours in them, not the fastest but the best big guy boat around.  LOTS of fish have met their demise on mine!

thansk for all the info guys, the X factor sounds like the one for me, see you out on the water sometime,
Paul

I too am an X-Factor (couch) rider. It may be slow, but once you get there, you'll feel real comfortable and stable. You can sit for hours!

Good Luck.

CHEERS!

My next ride will be the "Caddiyak" (AKA X-Factor)

Z

Z, I thought you were angling for the xTreme.

Z, I thought you were angling for the xTreme.

Nope. Although that thing looks like it'll do awesome in flat water, I want to take my yaks thorough some surf and rough stuff too. I think the X-Factor it more of a well rounded yak that will take on all conditions with ease. I'm sure you could pull it off in an extreme but you gotta be an OG like Insaneduane.

Z

Weight-wise, it's almost as heavy as the Big Game.

i believe that heavier yaks are sturdier and longer lasting. the heavier the better.

I have an x-factor.  It is a dry ride, stable, lots of room to store stuff and lots of pole holders.  It is very slow, heavy, and if you want to surf launch with the factory bait tank, you better have a pump, cause, if you eat it, it will fill with water.  I have since adapted my bait tank so that it won't fall completely out. I would like more distance, speed, and safety during surf launches.  I like the boat.  One boat can't do it all.  My friend is 6'6" and weighs 260 and has a cobra fish and dive.  I can't keep up with him and he takes the surf better than me.  I never have to worry about flipping.  I always put noddles in for flotation.  I am very proud of my x-factor.  I can climb all over it and not worry at all.  I wish someone would make liners for the hatches and seals for the big hatches, then, I would feel very safe.  How hard would that be?  I haven't tried it yet, but cobra makes a long kayak with all button down hatches.  Also, I hear the tarpon 16 is the fastest sit on top on the water.  I have tried it and I do like it.  sundog

the t-160 is fast but i think the 16ft hobie pedal-yak is at least twice as fast.

The x-factor is great in the surf, but the factory tank is poorly designed and expensive, and would suggest not using one.  While not racer, it is definitely faster than a FND...you should be able to keep up no problem.

The T-160 is the best in class for plastic SOTs that you paddle.  The Hobie Adventure, especially with the turbo fins, is much faster than anything, but no where near twice as fast as a T-160.   T-160s are somewhere in the 5-6 mph range with a strong paddler, a Hobie A is 6-7.5 mph with the turbo fins.