Malibu Stealth 12 $900 (off the market)

[sanjuancapokayak]

Decided to keep it and work on fixing the issues instead

Package Deal Includes:
2012 Malibu Stealth Kayak 12'
Crack of Dawn Rudder Kit with foot pedal steering (Installed)
4" Rear Hatch (Installed)
OEX Bait Tank Pump and Plumbing Kit (Installed)
Lowrance Mark 4 GPS/Fishfinder Combo with Ram Mount.
OEX Battery Box Complete (Pelican waterproof case with 12V 10AMP Battery)
Ritchie Flush Mount x-21 Compass (Installed)
Crack of Dawn Apex 1 Seat with GEAR BAG
Crack of Dawn Heavy Duty Wheel Cart
Crack of Dawn Tsunami Paddle
Precision Pal Cratepak with West Marine Crate
(3) 6" Yak Attack Gear Tracks (Installed)
(2) OEX Rod Leashes (Not pictured)

Price: $900.00 Firm (just asking what I paid one week ago)
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Contact: Bryan Whitfield 949-370-8021 Call or Text (before 11pm)
Reason it's back on market: Was disappointed with how wet the ride was and
how much water got inside the side hatches. Great deal for someone who wants to put the time into sealing hatches, putting an automatic bilge pump inside, or does alot of fresh water fishing. Personally, this kayak is not going to work for me in the conditions I want to fish in this Fall and Winter. Was also disappointed where the bait tank empties on feet in front scuppers, plus none of the hatches sealed very well including the bait tank hatch. Just want to be upfront and disclose to the new owner some of the issues as to why I want out and selling it.

This kayak package cost the original owner $1700. (Back in March 2012) Was asking $1300 sold to 2nd owner for $1100. Second owner was asking $1000 Reduced to $950. Then sold to me for $900. Will not separate, want to sell as a package deal.

[alanw]

Yes the stealth hatches suck, none of them fit or seal right. It's always a wet ride but the bait tank just about makes it worth it.

I've been too lazy to make any real effort to fix the hatches. I just enjoy the yak and dump the water out at the end of the day.

Glad you're going to give it a shot before you sell it, let me know how it goes.

[Sdspeed]

Originally Posted by alanw

Yes the stealth hatches suck, none of them fit or seal right. It's always a wet ride but the bait tank just about makes it worth it.

I've been too lazy to make any real effort to fix the hatches. I just enjoy the yak and dump the water out at the end of the day.

Glad you're going to give it a shot before you sell it, let me know how it goes.

I like the stealth 12 especially because of the bait tank and I have limited storage space. i haven't bought yet due to shoulder issues. What's Malibu's
position on the leaks and hatch issues. I don't wanrt to buy a new Yak to have to start fixing it the same week i get it

[sanjuancapokayak]

it looks great. Stable and cool looking. I think the water leaking out the bait tank and into the side hatches was the biggest disapointment. And in the wintertime having the bait tank drain onto my feet is something I'm not looking forward to. I had so much water come in through the side hatches, that .... my fishfinder and baittank shorted out somewhere (any advise as to what happened?) . Saltwater I guess ruined the wiring, cause the battery was in the pelican case. Just flustrating when my homemade plywood yak and Trident 15 ride so dry and nice in the wintertime. I took one windwave in and was surprised at how wet that wave was. Sitting that low to the water is gonna be a new wet ride that I haven't yet experienced. And the conditions I were in weren't even that bad. Been in lots worse, and it kinda makes me nervous to think how I'd do with constant windwaves hitting my Stealth 12 one after another.

I've got my work cut out for me, trying to figure out how to make this my main ride. I know my getting use to the kayak has a little bit to do with the amount of water I found inside the kayak, sure. Also, had a dead cell phone, the side hatches are far from waterproof. My bad again though, on my other kayaks I have dry storage boxes that I put all the stuff in. You live and learn. And that is what I will try and do, I just hope I don't sink and die With the recent money spent, I can't afford to make too many big changes in the near future. Even will have to save up to purchase the auto bilge pump. I want an auto bilge pump install in this Kayak especially, but will have to use the hand bilge pump for now.

As for the hatches, I think Malibu is okay at best in replacing the hatches if there is a problem, but I've read some real bummer situations on this very subject as well. Something they know about and want to fix, but haven't yet. To me it seems, they probably know they have a serious issue on there hands and are working overtime to fix a.s.a.p. From what I've read they give you all the reasons you don't want to hear like...."well, your using your kayak in conditions that it wasn't intended to be used in." You know the Guy in the Tie that likes to Lie approach.

Agree big time on the main selling point being the bait tank. But, if you can't turn it on cause it leaks water all over and into the side hatches then ....it just doesn't make it worth it. And to have Fall and Winter water temps draining onto your feet, plain sucks. Makes me think, reaching over my back with a net just might be more appealing.

Again, this Kayak has potential to be great for someone, I'm just not sure it's for me. Still kicking myself for not doing more research before buying. In the future, I will read reviews on something I pay more than $500 for... cause usually the info of the pros and cons are out there in today's info world.

[Sdspeed]

Originally Posted by sanjuancapokayak

it looks great. Stable and cool looking. I think the water leaking out the bait tank and into the side hatches was the biggest disapointment. And in the wintertime have the bait tank drain on my feet is something I'm not looking forward to. I had so much water come in through the side hatches, that .... my fishfinder and baittank shorted out somewhere (any advise as to what happened?) . Saltwater I guess ruined the wiring, cause the battery was in the pelican case. Just flustrating when my homemade plywood yak and Trident 15 ride so dry and nice in the wintertime. I took one windwave in and was surprised at how wet that wave was. Sitting that low to the water is gonna be a new wet ride that I haven't yet experienced. And the conditions I were in weren't even that bad. Been in lots worse, and I kinda makes me nervous to think how I'd do with constant windwave hitting my Stealth 12.

I've got my work cut out for me, trying to figure out how to make this my main ride. I know my getting use to the kayak has a little bit to do with the amount of water I found inside the kayak, sure. Also, had a dead cell phone, the side hatches are far from waterproof. My bad again though, on my other kayaks I have dry storage boxes that I put all the stuff in. You live and learn. And that what I will try and do, I just hope I don't sink and die

Well from one of us who hasn't pulled the trigger yet I give ya big time kudos for your honesty and keeping us rookies in the loop
It's a great looking set-up!

[alanw]

If you have water leaking from the bait tank into the side hatches then something is wrong. Either you have way too much water flow into your bait tank (turn down the valve, run it on 6v battery) or you don't have the required drainage holes drilled in the black plugs. The water level in the bait tank should not overflow the top. Mine runs with the water at around 1-2 inches lower than the top of the bait tank.

The water should drain nicely from the bait tank into the footwell's rear scupper holes without flooding anything. A little bit of water in the footwell is to be expected.

[easyday]

Same problem on my x factor drilled a small hole drained well

[uberfish]

That's what I was going to do, wasn't sure if it was normal. Sounds like it is!

Thanks,

[stevejonny]

If you ever put back on market let me know!! Nice set up