what kayak to buy - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

PACIFICPUNISHER · 10-30-2013, 01:33 PM

The biggest concern i have with purchasing the stealth 12 is all the negative reviews with the kayak taking in water and alot of people suggesting the kayak is not made for heavy surf. I went to oex to see them and take one for a ride but using the kayak in the bay does no justice. I may just pick up another cobra FnD.

ccacher1 · 10-30-2013, 02:58 PM

I guess it comes down to would you use that baittank/livewell and storage compartments? Or are you planning on putting your own bait tank on it and if you got the cobra would you add storage?

As far as not being a good kayak for in and past the surf...I'll say that I've taken my s-9 out of La Jolla and its been fine. If I sink because I take on too much water then maybe I'll write a different review... lol

alanw · 10-30-2013, 03:48 PM

It does take on water but it's not enough to worry about sinking. I've drained out maybe a half gallon after 7-8 hours on the water in normal conditions.

That might sound like a lot but it's not even enough to be able to use a hand pump.

Since then I've gooped the hatch-to-hull gaskets and it seems better. Next I will find better fitting hatch lid seals and I think it will stay pretty dry inside.

I've taken it out in "rough" waters (5-6 foot swells with short timing and multiple direction smaller cross swells) but I was uncomfortable being out there long before I would consider the yak unsafe. But that's just my inexperience I'm sure. There was water coming over the bow and the sides. I bet if I strapped a crash dummy on the yak, it would have a bunch of water in it but it would have still been floating the next day

Overall, the features of the yak out-weigh the hatch problem.

BTW, there is the blem sale going on this weekend where you can buy one for a good price and give it a real try. That way it should resell for about what you paid for it if you change your mind.

Siebler · 10-30-2013, 04:24 PM

The Stealth hatches have been reworked a few times and the S-12 bow hatch was very recently remodeled as well.

Also the Ride series is a great boat that will offer similar stability and feel as your FnD however it will handle rough conditions better and is a more efficient hull than either the FnD (by a long shot) or the Malibus.

PACIFICPUNISHER · 10-31-2013, 11:14 AM

Well im going to give the stealth 12 a shot. Picking it up today and helpfully take it out Sat. Review to come. Thanks for all the input

10-30-2013, 02:58 PM	#2
ccacher1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 157	I guess it comes down to would you use that baittank/livewell and storage compartments? Or are you planning on putting your own bait tank on it and if you got the cobra would you add storage? As far as not being a good kayak for in and past the surf...I'll say that I've taken my s-9 out of La Jolla and its been fine. If I sink because I take on too much water then maybe I'll write a different review... lol __________________ fish forever, work whenever

10-30-2013, 03:48 PM	#3
alanw Made in U.S.A. Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dana Point Posts: 1,625	It does take on water but it's not enough to worry about sinking. I've drained out maybe a half gallon after 7-8 hours on the water in normal conditions. That might sound like a lot but it's not even enough to be able to use a hand pump. Since then I've gooped the hatch-to-hull gaskets and it seems better. Next I will find better fitting hatch lid seals and I think it will stay pretty dry inside. I've taken it out in "rough" waters (5-6 foot swells with short timing and multiple direction smaller cross swells) but I was uncomfortable being out there long before I would consider the yak unsafe. But that's just my inexperience I'm sure. There was water coming over the bow and the sides. I bet if I strapped a crash dummy on the yak, it would have a bunch of water in it but it would have still been floating the next day Overall, the features of the yak out-weigh the hatch problem. BTW, there is the blem sale going on this weekend where you can buy one for a good price and give it a real try. That way it should resell for about what you paid for it if you change your mind. __________________ Hobie PA 14 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Jackson Kraken ¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu X-Factor ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu Stealth-12 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Its not a spelling B its a fishing B ~yakjoe Last edited by alanw; 10-30-2013 at 03:59 PM.

10-30-2013, 04:24 PM	#4
Siebler Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Richland Oregon Posts: 1,547	The Stealth hatches have been reworked a few times and the S-12 bow hatch was very recently remodeled as well. Also the Ride series is a great boat that will offer similar stability and feel as your FnD however it will handle rough conditions better and is a more efficient hull than either the FnD (by a long shot) or the Malibus. __________________ CJ Siebler

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10-30-2013, 01:33 PM	#1
PACIFICPUNISHER Junior Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Diamond Bar Ca Posts: 8	The biggest concern i have with purchasing the stealth 12 is all the negative reviews with the kayak taking in water and alot of people suggesting the kayak is not made for heavy surf. I went to oex to see them and take one for a ride but using the kayak in the bay does no justice. I may just pick up another cobra FnD.

10-31-2013, 11:14 AM	#5
PACIFICPUNISHER Junior Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Diamond Bar Ca Posts: 8	Well im going to give the stealth 12 a shot. Picking it up today and helpfully take it out Sat. Review to come. Thanks for all the input