Malibu Stealth 14 and Stealth 12 out for a test ride? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

lamb · 01-15-2009, 02:04 AM

Hell yeah.

Brent calls me all stoked… Malibu Stealth 12 and Stealth 14 prototypes arrived in the shop. He has them all rigged up, bait tanks wired up and all.

Gameplan: take them out for a ride in the Big Bay and fish for halibut. We were going to try Rick Da Masta Goose’s bounce ball rigs (more on that later), fire up the live wells, check out how they do, go to the bait barge and load up on some live bait. Look for the flat kind and see how the new yaks feel.

Beautiful calm day in San Diego Bay.

We got to sniff around Stealth 12 and Stealth 14 on the beach, checking out all the features.

Stealth 14 seems like XFactor hull with radically redesigned deck, especially the space right in front of you.

Stealth 12 is very similar - Stealth 14 minus the back hatch and 2 ft shorter.

Both kayaks have the new bait tank / livewell built right in the hull, in the space front of the seat. It’s great to see fishing kayak manufacturers designing their boats with live bait on their mind.

OEX guys did great job plumbing it; they threw in water intake control valve. Killer, it lets you adjust how much water flows in. You can adjust the flow for different bait and different load.

The new deck layout on both boats has got to get your attention…

Left hatch opens up to give you access under the hood, to your live-well pump and all the plumbing.

The hull is designed with recessed area for bait pump installation, so the surface of the pump is flush with the bottom of the kayak. That reduces the drag and protects the pump. There's a screen on the pump that ought to keep the kelp and eelgrass out.

Right hatch is a tackle box – pretty cool and handy. I stored my pliers, hooks, line and picked out a bunch of lures to play with.

Another nice touch – both seat scupper holes now have the drain plugs, giving you option to keep them open or close them completely. I can see that being handy for fishing in different type waters.

Two very pretty kayaks, no doubt.

Gator hatch, rod holders, cup holder, the standard stuff...

Bow and stern are similar to xFactor, at least it seemed to me. Keep in mind, I’m an eXtreme guy.

Brent brought to my attention that lower end of the back hatch has been raised up a bit, to keep it above the water level for bigger bodies on board.

Not surprisingly, both Stealth 12 and Stealth 14 felt very stable.

They paddled easily through the glassy bay.

Comfortable fishing platforms.

I started dragging Rick’s bounce ball rig with 1lbs ball. 5 mins into it, a little halibut hangs himself on a hootchie:

Stoked!

Not that Masta DaGoose’s halibut rigs needed any proof that they work, what we were not sure was whether they could be fished with from a kayak. Rick has got halibut rigs figured out, and he recently started www.bestofbiggame.com where he makes his rigs available. We’re happy that OEX & www.kayakfishingsupplies.com will be carrying Rick’s bounce ball rigs in stock as well! They are slightly modified specifically for kayak fishermen. For all of you that may not know him - Rick DaGoose is one of the best SoCal halibut fisherman and awesome guy. His rigs are the first class quality craftsmanship, and the best part – THEY WORK! If you’re serious about halibut fishing, give these bounce ball rigs a try.

We made it to the barge and loaded up on some sardines.

They seemed pretty happy.

Bait tank hatch was easy to open and close. The seal worked pretty good. The water was draining smoothly right down the scupper holes. Adjustable intake valve was pretty handy to control the level of water flowing in.

A clear 6” screw-on round hatch in the middle makes it easy to keep an eye on the bait. It enables you to reach for the bait without popping the whole main big hatch open:

All in all, I think I liked the built in tank!

Dropped a healthy sardine down to the bottom while I was taking the pictures of the tank.

The tip of my rod soon starts bouncing…

Keeper (or almost a keeper?) halibut sings in.

Let her go in exchange for a promise that she will find me fishing at La Jolla in WCW season 2029, and make whatever I offer that day her last meal.

Picked up another short halibut on a bounce ball on my way back; it shook off the hook before I got to take a pic.

Fun day on the water trying out some new yaks from the Malibu house.

dorf · 01-15-2009, 05:44 AM

Very nice!
Question:
How do the hatches (Left andf right) work out that are under your legs?
Based on the pictures you attached the tackel box on the right might not be in the best location.
Other than that they look great.
Thanks for sharing.

j mo · 01-15-2009, 06:54 AM

you said "all in all" i liked the bait tank. can you give a comparison vs. the kayatank and traditional 5 gal model?

thx

Matt · 01-15-2009, 07:39 AM

Can't wait to try one, those things look bad ass!!!

landwhale · 01-15-2009, 08:17 AM

Really looking forward to paddling one of the these also.

anjcomp · 01-15-2009, 08:19 AM

Look good, How about pricing

????

lamb · 01-15-2009, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dorf

Very nice!
Question:
How do the hatches (Left andf right) work out that are under your legs?
Based on the pictures you attached the tackel box on the right might not be in the best location.
Other than that they look great.
Thanks for sharing.

I didn't notice any difficulties. Those side hatches are small and pop open on the side - I don't think I even had to throw my legs over the sides to reach in... I probably just did it to take a cleaner picture.

Quote:

Originally Posted by j mo

you said "all in all" i liked the bait tank. can you give a comparison vs. the kayatank and traditional 5 gal model?

thx

I really dig the fact we're starting to see fishing kayaks with built in live-well. Personally, I like any tank that will keep my bait alive and healthy - this one passed that test. It seems well made, it's part of the hull - obvious advantage is you can never loose it or forget it (been there). If you're not using it, it doubles as a nice easily accessible extra storage. Even without plumbing/pump, you unscrew the drain plug and it will fill up with water up until 1/2 way, to the water level. I think guys on the East Coast will like that.

Disadvantage compared to KayakTank - I'd say this one is likely smaller (capacity wise). It is likely heavier too.

But hey, I'm a KayaTank guy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by anjcomp

Look good, How about pricing

????

Not sure about the S-12 - I see S-14 "pre-listed" on Kayak Fishing Supplies:

http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/...-dsh-14/Detail

I'd say give your local OEX a call.

Iceman · 01-15-2009, 09:09 AM

Very thorough Adi and looks like you took Brent's money that morning

I heard $999 on the Stealth 12..........but don't quote me on that.

OEX · 01-15-2009, 09:11 AM

Thanks for the report Adi.

Prices on the new Stealths are:

Stealth 12

999.00 Including Plumbing/ pump kit for live well. With installation and wiring.

Stealth 14

1299.00 Including Plumbing/ pump kit for live well. With installation and wiring.

OEX Point Loma currently has each model. Feel free to come down and take a look.

OEX Point Loma
1453 Rosecrans St
San Diego 92106
619-758-9531

Flyfisher70 · 01-15-2009, 09:12 AM

I was just about to purchase the X-13 and now I'm just going to have to hold off and get the Stealth-14. Looks like an awesome kayak. Malibu Kayaks has really done good with the Stealths. Thanks for sharing all the great information.

sdcityboy · 01-16-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamb

Hell yeah.
Gameplan: take them out for a ride in the Big Bay and fish for halibut., go to the bait barge and load up on some live bait.

baitbarge is selling to kayaks again? man, am i out of the loop!
Oh, and cool yaks!

riken19 · 01-16-2009, 09:44 PM

Went by OEX today to check the Stealth's out in person. From what I can tell the 14 looks like they took a cheese grader and took off the top deck of the x-factor and replaced it with their upgrades. (side hatches, roto molded livewell,etc) I especially liked the rear hatch now that it has been raised up an inch or so. Should keep water seepage out for bigger guys like me. The angle was not changed just brought up so the drop in tank still fits. Wow two livewell options! The 12 is nice as well but I put my deposit down on a Blue 14.

fishinfanatic · 02-22-2009, 10:36 PM

Does anyone know how many gallons the bait tank is? Also from the pictures it looks like they are smooth now instead of the textured feel like the other malibu's. Is this correct or do my eyes decive me?

Siebler · 02-23-2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishinfanatic

Does anyone know how many gallons the bait tank is? Also from the pictures it looks like they are smooth now instead of the textured feel like the other malibu's. Is this correct or do my eyes decive me?

The boats are still textured however they now have a small area aft of the cockpit that is smooth so you can put on stickers.

Ill work on getting that Bait Tank capacity for you, Unless Iceman knows already?????

Iceman · 02-23-2009, 09:03 AM

The Stealth 14 is a 5 gallon tank,(to the top) 4 gallon is what most will actually set it up with out flow. The 12 is shallower by about 1.5 inches, operating with about 3 gallons.

fishinfanatic · 02-23-2009, 09:46 AM

thanks for the info

01-15-2009, 02:04 AM	#1
lamb Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 2,568	Malibu Stealth 14 and Stealth 12 out for a test ride? Hell yeah. Brent calls me all stoked… Malibu Stealth 12 and Stealth 14 prototypes arrived in the shop. He has them all rigged up, bait tanks wired up and all. Gameplan: take them out for a ride in the Big Bay and fish for halibut. We were going to try Rick Da Masta Goose’s bounce ball rigs (more on that later), fire up the live wells, check out how they do, go to the bait barge and load up on some live bait. Look for the flat kind and see how the new yaks feel. Beautiful calm day in San Diego Bay. We got to sniff around Stealth 12 and Stealth 14 on the beach, checking out all the features. Stealth 14 seems like XFactor hull with radically redesigned deck, especially the space right in front of you. Stealth 12 is very similar - Stealth 14 minus the back hatch and 2 ft shorter. Both kayaks have the new bait tank / livewell built right in the hull, in the space front of the seat. It’s great to see fishing kayak manufacturers designing their boats with live bait on their mind. OEX guys did great job plumbing it; they threw in water intake control valve. Killer, it lets you adjust how much water flows in. You can adjust the flow for different bait and different load. The new deck layout on both boats has got to get your attention… Left hatch opens up to give you access under the hood, to your live-well pump and all the plumbing. The hull is designed with recessed area for bait pump installation, so the surface of the pump is flush with the bottom of the kayak. That reduces the drag and protects the pump. There's a screen on the pump that ought to keep the kelp and eelgrass out. Right hatch is a tackle box – pretty cool and handy. I stored my pliers, hooks, line and picked out a bunch of lures to play with. Another nice touch – both seat scupper holes now have the drain plugs, giving you option to keep them open or close them completely. I can see that being handy for fishing in different type waters. Two very pretty kayaks, no doubt. Gator hatch, rod holders, cup holder, the standard stuff... Bow and stern are similar to xFactor, at least it seemed to me. Keep in mind, I’m an eXtreme guy. Brent brought to my attention that lower end of the back hatch has been raised up a bit, to keep it above the water level for bigger bodies on board. Not surprisingly, both Stealth 12 and Stealth 14 felt very stable. They paddled easily through the glassy bay. Comfortable fishing platforms. I started dragging Rick’s bounce ball rig with 1lbs ball. 5 mins into it, a little halibut hangs himself on a hootchie: Stoked! Not that Masta DaGoose’s halibut rigs needed any proof that they work, what we were not sure was whether they could be fished with from a kayak. Rick has got halibut rigs figured out, and he recently started www.bestofbiggame.com where he makes his rigs available. We’re happy that OEX & www.kayakfishingsupplies.com will be carrying Rick’s bounce ball rigs in stock as well! They are slightly modified specifically for kayak fishermen. For all of you that may not know him - Rick DaGoose is one of the best SoCal halibut fisherman and awesome guy. His rigs are the first class quality craftsmanship, and the best part – THEY WORK! If you’re serious about halibut fishing, give these bounce ball rigs a try. We made it to the barge and loaded up on some sardines. They seemed pretty happy. Bait tank hatch was easy to open and close. The seal worked pretty good. The water was draining smoothly right down the scupper holes. Adjustable intake valve was pretty handy to control the level of water flowing in. A clear 6” screw-on round hatch in the middle makes it easy to keep an eye on the bait. It enables you to reach for the bait without popping the whole main big hatch open: All in all, I think I liked the built in tank! Dropped a healthy sardine down to the bottom while I was taking the pictures of the tank. The tip of my rod soon starts bouncing… Keeper (or almost a keeper?) halibut sings in. Let her go in exchange for a promise that she will find me fishing at La Jolla in WCW season 2029, and make whatever I offer that day her last meal. Picked up another short halibut on a bounce ball on my way back; it shook off the hook before I got to take a pic. Fun day on the water trying out some new yaks from the Malibu house. __________________ [------------------------ <)))< ....b-a-a-a-a

01-15-2009, 05:44 AM	#2
dorf Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Diego Posts: 279	Very nice! Question: How do the hatches (Left andf right) work out that are under your legs? Based on the pictures you attached the tackel box on the right might not be in the best location. Other than that they look great. Thanks for sharing. __________________ Don't try to confuse me with facts! I hereby reject your reality and submit my own.

01-15-2009, 06:54 AM	#3
j mo Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Encinitas Posts: 600	Bait tank you said "all in all" i liked the bait tank. can you give a comparison vs. the kayatank and traditional 5 gal model? thx

01-15-2009, 07:39 AM	#4
Matt Support your local pangas Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lj Posts: 976	Can't wait to try one, those things look bad ass!!! __________________ Thanks Matt F.

01-15-2009, 08:17 AM	#5
landwhale Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach Posts: 506	Really looking forward to paddling one of the these also. __________________

01-15-2009, 08:19 AM	#6
anjcomp Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 32	Look good, How about pricing????

01-15-2009, 09:09 AM	#8
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	Very thorough Adi and looks like you took Brent's money that morning I heard $999 on the Stealth 12..........but don't quote me on that. __________________

01-15-2009, 09:11 AM	#9
OEX Administrator Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 210	Thanks for the report Adi. Prices on the new Stealths are: Stealth 12 999.00 Including Plumbing/ pump kit for live well. With installation and wiring. Stealth 14 1299.00 Including Plumbing/ pump kit for live well. With installation and wiring. OEX Point Loma currently has each model. Feel free to come down and take a look. OEX Point Loma 1453 Rosecrans St San Diego 92106 619-758-9531

01-15-2009, 09:12 AM	#10
Flyfisher70 Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 69	I was just about to purchase the X-13 and now I'm just going to have to hold off and get the Stealth-14. Looks like an awesome kayak. Malibu Kayaks has really done good with the Stealths. Thanks for sharing all the great information.

01-16-2009, 09:44 PM	#12
riken19 Junior Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 5	Went by OEX today to check the Stealth's out in person. From what I can tell the 14 looks like they took a cheese grader and took off the top deck of the x-factor and replaced it with their upgrades. (side hatches, roto molded livewell,etc) I especially liked the rear hatch now that it has been raised up an inch or so. Should keep water seepage out for bigger guys like me. The angle was not changed just brought up so the drop in tank still fits. Wow two livewell options! The 12 is nice as well but I put my deposit down on a Blue 14.

02-22-2009, 10:36 PM	#13
fishinfanatic Junior Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 3	Does anyone know how many gallons the bait tank is? Also from the pictures it looks like they are smooth now instead of the textured feel like the other malibu's. Is this correct or do my eyes decive me?

02-23-2009, 09:03 AM	#15
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,948	The Stealth 14 is a 5 gallon tank,(to the top) 4 gallon is what most will actually set it up with out flow. The 12 is shallower by about 1.5 inches, operating with about 3 gallons. __________________

02-23-2009, 09:46 AM	#16
fishinfanatic Junior Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 3	thanks for the info