Malibu X-13 Options

[Grego]

Before anyone gets their panties in a bunch, "YES" I am sponsored by MK and have been for a number of years.

I'm going to start this thread now and continue to add as I configure my new X-13 with different rigging options. I've done several already, but I'm just going to add one or two at a time and whenever I feel like typing a post. My goal for this yak was to outfit the yak with all my needs, however maintain the use of the front hatch for its original intent. Andy "Iceman" already demonstrated that the hatch could effectively be removed if need be and so I didn't need to reinforce that or prove that it could be done, master has already done that. Feel free to add to the post if you have something unique that you have done to your X-13. When a new model comes out it's always nice to see what others have done and maybe it will work for you also.

I've continued my preference for a "white" yak and hope the sharks think it's the belly of a GWSlol and because it looks cool. After a white pro2 tandem, a white pro eXplorer, and two white eXtremes...I thereby knighted it Nemo V .

My first addition was a new NemoTank. I really like the 'kayatank' and the use of a thru-hull pump for what it was intended for and wanted to install one for this yak but I just couldn't give up my front center hatch, I pack to much food and crap to give that up. I liked my current tank that has been bullet proof for a few years but wanted to get away from having to prime, and I definitely didn't want to go back to dragging a bilge pump through the water.

After much thought a light bulb switched on and told me to go back to the basics. So like almost every fishing boat out there I decided to use a thru-hull pump to go through the hull and out to an external bait tank. I made a very little change to Nemotank III for the input fittings and kept everything else the same. I ended up with a clean, simple, and effective design. This concept will probably work on a variety of kayaks with little modifications. It runs off a 6V 7Amp battery. I present to you NemoTank IV. (Don't mind the circular hatch, that's something else)

[aguachico]

Greg;

nice looking rig.

My panties stopped bunching when I switch to the thong type. Trying to get a good pic of them now, but I can't seem to get a good angle.

I miss my thru-hull pump and plan going back to it on my trident. Even with the external deck it's really nice not dragging the pump around. My old cabo had a thru hull and an external tank.

[Dennis]

SICK set up, Grego. Love my white X. Anymore pictures?

[Corey]

I like the way you plumbed your tank, Grego. If I get the X-13, I think I'll do the same.

[RubiconAg]

More! More! The pics are great, do you have any of the bottom side of the hull? What is the extra circular thing for? Any overall pics of the boat?

I shuld be taking delivery of mine tomorrow with the x-wing and rudder package. I will be posting up some of my mods as well.

[steveooo]

Thats pretty cool Grego,
Very clean install. Is that a 3 gallon bucket?

[Grego]

Originally Posted by aguachico

Greg;

...My panties stopped bunching when I switch to the thong type. Trying to get a good pic of them now, but I can't seem to get a good angle.

Art, that's HOT!!

Yes, 3.5 has been my preference....lower center of gravity, bait last as long as a 5 and just looks way cooler. I'll try and get some more pics. Andy, the XM Radio didn't work out exactly right. The dang mold of the seat makes it difficult. It's still doable but I turned it into something else and am waiting for option B to arrive.

My next option I'll show my front hatch seal modification, it really turned out and works well.

[Zed]

Option "B":

[Grego]

Here's some requested photos for the "looky loos"...nothing exciting

The pump intake...just a lot of 3M goop and a mesh netting to keep debris out. Battery Box that I just slide forward/back (glued some foam underneath to give it traction). And the body shot...that STS seat is the most comfortable I've sat on but pricey to buy. I have a really bad lower back and need all the cushion I can get, can't skimp out there no matter the price. Thanks to hook1 for hook'n me up with that. Humminbird 563c w/internal gps, decided to upgrade but don't ask me about "reviews" cuz I only used it twice for an hour and the first time I had a bad ducer install lol

[Grego]

Ok here's an option for the front hatch. First I hated that top clip, didn't look clean so I removed it and welded plastic into the holes. Instead I have a 'dummy' cord attached to the inside lip of the cover and secured to the yak. The function of that clip was so you don't lose the hatch on the water.

Second, I added this rubber marine seal stuff from home depot. It comes stuck together but easily splices into a single strip. Sand, acetone, heat and applied. Also added goop to the inside and outside to ensure it doesn't come off. This strip of rubber seal seems like it was custom fit to be put on the hatch seal. I tested with a garden hose and submerged 1/4 of the front hatch underwater while dropping off a dock into the harbor and to my surprise I had a bone dry inside. I wasn't expecting that, and so either this is a great solution or I got lucky with my install. Either way, I'm not complaining. Of course, only a series of knarly surf launches will really be the only true test. I also added this spray-on rubber stuff like bed liner stuff to the hatch so I had that "rubber to rubber" gripping going on. Zed - get your mind out of the gutter ....

Third I added this rubber plug from home depot to keep it plugged. This thing fits like a glove and again to my surprise absolutely no water came in. It's not permanent, just plugged up there and stays put. For some reason it plugs perfect from the bottom but not the top. I think because during the molding it's always different how the scupper holes come out. I added a string and something to keep from losing it down the hole when I push down to unplug it. I might want to let water in or out and then plug it back up by pulling up on the string for whatever reason.

[lamb]

Very nice job Grego!

What a humble and gentle opening line... lol

[cabojohn]

You have really done a nice job Grego.
As always, you have over thought your mods for function no doubt.

X-13 might be in my future...(hot pink of course, since you already have the virgin white NEMO V already. People gotta be able to tell us apart)!

Your Surf to Summit seat GTS PRO seat/ fighting chair- I agree its hands down it is the most comfortible seat I have ever used!!!!. If there was a more comfy cozy seat / Fighting Chair, I would use it. What ever the cost it, its worth every penny! Being comfortible is priceless.


Q. I have no skillz or time to when it comes to buy or mod my stuff...are you / Malibu going to sell this as a kit, or should I go to www.hook1kayakfishinggear.com for all my kayak fishing goodies as always?

[forefrazier]

Can you post some photos of what you are using setup wise for water exiting the bait tank?

[Grego]

Originally Posted by forefrazier

Can you post some photos of what you are using setup wise for water exiting the bait tank?

Never had that asked before....but here's some photos. This was a highly technical calculated tasks...I drilled some holes. Just mess'n, just make sure they're big enough to let sardine scales out. I've seen and am previously guilty of using some elaborate stuff.......foot long hoses over the side, tubing straight down the scupper, dual tubes to make it symmetrical, and bathtub strainers but I don't think any of that is needed unless the rear well that the tank is sitting in doesn't have scupper holes in it or they're plugged up. So moral of the story is do whatever you like, I kept it simple, clean, and effective.

[jaywo]

You look like you've done this before so I intend on copying you a lot. I have an x13 that I have yet to drill a whole in. Part of being new to this and a pansy I guess. Can you tell me specifically how you put the plug together for the bow scupper, specifically the screw type and how you attached the cord. I also wanted to get your thoughts on putting a 4 inch hatch in the bow well to access the inside of the hull. I want to put my FF at the end of one of the footwells to keep it off the center bridge, but can't do it without inner hull access from the inside of the live well. Thanks

[Grego]

Originally Posted by jaywo

You look like you've done this before so I intend on copying you a lot. I have an x13 that I have yet to drill a whole in. Part of being new to this and a pansy I guess. Can you tell me specifically how you put the plug together for the bow scupper, specifically the screw type and how you attached the cord. I also wanted to get your thoughts on putting a 4 inch hatch in the bow well to access the inside of the hull. I want to put my FF at the end of one of the footwells to keep it off the center bridge, but can't do it without inner hull access from the inside of the live well. Thanks

I'll put some pics up of the plug tomorrow, it's real simple. Andy "Iceman" did that hatch there already...maybe he'll respond or give him a call at the oex sunset beach store. I would do it another way if all I wanted to do was put a fish finder there. I would've used those plastic thing-a-ma-jigs that you pound into a hole and then when you screw the screw it "stars" out. They rate for like 125lbs of pressure. Then tape the power and ducer wire ends to a straightened out clothes hanger and feed the wire up the hole to the FF. Use the same plug type to make that hole water tight.

[Grego]

Here's the plug....how i put a string on it isn't key to anything....just do whatever works with what you got. You can figure out how i did it from the photo.

[fyr4efect]

Hey Greg,

Saw your X-13 modes..very kool.I am a newbie and have a X-13 on the way.I am mainly going to use it for lake bass fishing.At 250# 6 ft.I have been told it might be too small and unstable.Any opinion?

Mike

[Grego]

Originally Posted by fyr4efect

Hey Greg,

Saw your X-13 modes..very kool.I am a newbie and have a X-13 on the way.I am mainly going to use it for lake bass fishing.At 250# 6 ft.I have been told it might be too small and unstable.Any opinion? Mike

Mike, I don't have an opinion, my experience is only with my own weight (165lbs). Perhaps Andy "Iceman" can give you an opinion based on feedback from his customer base?

[cabojohn]

I paddled a X-13 today...went to Sunset OEX and talked with Andy.
He let me test paddle one of his rentals. I will be adding a X13 to my fleet. What I like best about the X-13 is that I can put TRIPLE flush mount rod holders on the rear of the kayak!!!
The kayak paddled like a dream! After a quick paddle I realized that I NEED ONE in my fleet. This just might be my primary kayak.
It's a little different from anything I have paddled before. I would say its something in between my Tarpon 160i & Prowler 13. (I love both of these kayaks) The deck layout is great too. Although I paddled the kayak with no extra weight, the X13 feels well balanced and I wouldn't hesitate to use a x13 on a long distance paddle or go throug any surf! I know the X13 surfs good too, I watch Tman ride a really big wave at Sano at the last surf club day. AWESOME!
I have / had many many differnt fishing kayaks...if I had to pick just one kayak for me, it would probably be the X13.
I just cant decide which color? Hot Pink???

***anyone looking for a good all around fishing kayak should test paddle the X13.

$.02
cabo j


PS- Thanks Grego for showing me how I want mine set up.