Malibu Kayak Stealth 12

[walrus]

I have a Malibu Stealth 12. I'm very happy with it.

Nothing is perfect, no kayak is perfect and I' ve been around other brands that leak worse.

I don't mention the other brands or models because this isn't about bashing something or someone, it's about resolving an issue. Sharing factual information on a site like this it helps designers and manufacturers do a better job. It helps fisherman with that kayak idenitify an issue to correct it.

In the end fisherman will win if there is a choice of brands and designs. It also helps to keep the cost of a yak affortable.

So, other than buying the yak you like best what's the solution to this problem?

Thanks,

[frady]

Easy fix, I have the same Stealth 12 and took it out the first few times and noticed a ton of water in the hull. Now It is completely dry even after the biggest waves, and running the bait tank for hours.

Go to the hardware store and get a thin strip of rubber weather stripping. I believe I got a 1/4 of an inch or so. Run the weather stripping around the inside lip of each hatch. It may be a little snug at first when you close the lid, but it really keeps the water out.

A quick $6-10 fix.

[Jimmyz123]

In the boating world some say BOAT means Bust Out Another Thoughsand. Well anytime you are taking a Yak or a boat out on the water you want to be sure you are not going to sink.

I like the Malibus even though I have been told they are heavy, but I still like them. No matter what Kayak I end up getting I will be installing a bildge pump. It doesn't weigh much and the cost and peace of mind are worth it.

[j mo]

I used to have an x13. Front hatch leaked, 90% of the fiitings (pop rivets) leaked, one of the rod holderd leaked, tracked poorly and surfed even worse and I too sat low in the stern ( just wait till you put a decent fish back there),other than that it was great....

[bigbarrels]

Originally Posted by j mo

I used to have an x13. Front hatch leaked, 90% of the fiitings (pop rivets) leaked, one of the rod holderd leaked, tracked poorly and surfed even worse and I too sat low in the stern ( just wait till you put a decent fish back there),other than that it was great....

I think I remember seeing you on the beach last summer with Josh with a huge YT on the back of the yak and a ton of water in the YAk as well......shortly thereafter I think you switched to a Hobie

[dorado50]

I liked my mini x....

[steveooo]

I liked my extreme. Last time I was in Andy's shop he showed me some of the newer Malibu models. It looks like they are definately listening to the public on the leaky issues, and doing everything they can to eliminate through hull leaks by minimizing the amount of holes that actually go throught the yak. I think Hobie started the trend off right by molding in screw holes that do not actually pass through plastic. Other companies are getting smarter now too.

That vid is a little unrealistic. If I were to hit the center hatch on my hobie with a hose I'd end up with a little water in the hull too. Not a big deal, that is just part of the game.

I think most leak issues could be solved with a little marine sealant and an hour of time- Or you could buy a boat with no pad-eyes, hatches, or on-deck accessories....

[stairman]

Originally Posted by frady

Easy fix, I have the same Stealth 12 and took it out the first few times and noticed a ton of water in the hull. Now It is completely dry even after the biggest waves, and running the bait tank for hours.

Go to the hardware store and get a thin strip of rubber weather stripping. I believe I got a 1/4 of an inch or so. Run the weather stripping around the inside lip of each hatch. It may be a little snug at first when you close the lid, but it really keeps the water out.

A quick $6-10 fix.

x2

I had the same problem with the slanted rear hatch on my x factor and the weather stripping solved it.