Malibu Stealth 12 taking on water - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

tomahawk · 04-21-2014, 08:39 PM

I have a stealth 14 that leaks pretty bad. I propped the back end in air, removed the gator hatch, and ran the hose on low over every hatch and gasket. The results were interesting. The side hatch that gives access inside the hull leaked bad through the gasket between the lid and the frame. The side hatch into the "dry storage" leak really bad at the gasket between the frame and the hull. The rear hatch behind the seat leaked like no gasket was present. A close inspection showed the frame being wrapped by the hull so bad that when the when the hatch was in place a gap existed along all edges between the frame and lid. My lid is the old style with "dogs" in each corner. Tried the foam weather stripping on the rear and it helped some. I am going to try the "D" weather stripping next. The frames are riveted to the hull and drilling out the rivets is a pain in the butt.
Tom

Dannowar · 04-21-2014, 09:26 PM

i have a malibu stealth 12 as a backup that i mostly loan to friends. the thing takes on so much bloody water its ridiculous.

the front hatch is gigantic. more surface area=more places to leak.

the straps/bungees that are supposed to hold it down do not hold it down tight whatsoever. one wave on the nose and here comes the deluge.

the side hatches are a complete waste of space. why even put them in if NONE of them are watertight?

i think malibu really needs to do some redesigns for 2015

and just so this post isnt completely negative....

the stone color is cool

it tracks well

the drink holder is nice

should i ever buy another kayak, it will not be a stealth 12

ful-rac · 04-21-2014, 10:46 PM

If you have a stealth and it leaks alot... i think its probably best to install a bilge pump, because it seems these things leak no matter what. I loved mine when i had it but without the pump...it would be down right dangerous to use in open water.

Heres what i did with mine a few years back, and it worked pretty well. Its funny how this topic always comes back up every once in awhile...

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ric+bilge+pump

04-21-2014, 09:26 PM	#2
Dannowar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,823	i have a malibu stealth 12 as a backup that i mostly loan to friends. the thing takes on so much bloody water its ridiculous. the front hatch is gigantic. more surface area=more places to leak. the straps/bungees that are supposed to hold it down do not hold it down tight whatsoever. one wave on the nose and here comes the deluge. the side hatches are a complete waste of space. why even put them in if NONE of them are watertight? i think malibu really needs to do some redesigns for 2015 and just so this post isnt completely negative.... the stone color is cool it tracks well the drink holder is nice should i ever buy another kayak, it will not be a stealth 12 __________________ "Beware the lollipop of mediocrity; lick it once and you’ll suck forever." — Brian Wilson

04-21-2014, 10:46 PM	#3
ful-rac Emperor Join Date: May 2009 Location: Buena Park Posts: 3,649	Bilge pump If you have a stealth and it leaks alot... i think its probably best to install a bilge pump, because it seems these things leak no matter what. I loved mine when i had it but without the pump...it would be down right dangerous to use in open water. Heres what i did with mine a few years back, and it worked pretty well. Its funny how this topic always comes back up every once in awhile... http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ric+bilge+pump __________________ There's nothing colder than yesterday's hotdog.

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04-21-2014, 08:39 PM	#1
tomahawk Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 109	I have a stealth 14 that leaks pretty bad. I propped the back end in air, removed the gator hatch, and ran the hose on low over every hatch and gasket. The results were interesting. The side hatch that gives access inside the hull leaked bad through the gasket between the lid and the frame. The side hatch into the "dry storage" leak really bad at the gasket between the frame and the hull. The rear hatch behind the seat leaked like no gasket was present. A close inspection showed the frame being wrapped by the hull so bad that when the when the hatch was in place a gap existed along all edges between the frame and lid. My lid is the old style with "dogs" in each corner. Tried the foam weather stripping on the rear and it helped some. I am going to try the "D" weather stripping next. The frames are riveted to the hull and drilling out the rivets is a pain in the butt. Tom