Tandem Rigging tips for OK Malibu Two XL - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Bluewater Jon · 07-16-2017, 06:32 PM

My teenagers want in on the sport, so it's tandem time. Before I plunk bigger $$$ down with a Hobie Oasis, I'm checking their commitment with an OK Malibu Two XL. I got a killer deal on one. First yak I've owned in many years, been out of the sport for a long time

I'd love to figure out a way to put a bait tank on there with both seats occupied; my mind conjures up images of mounting some type of leveled platform in the mini-tankwell where I could mount a bait tank.

I'd consider doing something in the middle area but that has been cutout for a hatch.

Any ideas? Anyone seen this done?

Thanks in advance. Here is a pic of one btw

TomGrande · 07-16-2017, 06:48 PM

I have a Malibu Two (not the XL version) and haven't been able to find a way to fit a bait tank when I have my son with me. I usually strap a crate on the back for extra storage and added some rod holders to the back of my seat. I tend to use a bait tube hooked to the side of the kayak to store some bait in. I've also tried a bait sled dragged behind the yak but found that it slowed me down too much.

I went with the Scotty tracks on both top rails and use those to mount my bait tray, fish finder and Scotty rod holders.

I've been very happy with it as I use it for kayaking with the family and fishing and the Scotty rails have made it so I can set it up in several different configurations.

Bluewater Jon · 07-16-2017, 09:45 PM

OK thanks, that's a great reference. I keep envisioning that if I take a cutting board in that tiny tank well area, and make it level with some shims or foam, that is a platform onto which would fit a bank tank. I see you've put some pipe underneath your create, what was your purpose?
Thanks,
Jon

Denis_Ruso · 07-17-2017, 10:48 AM

Anything sitting up high will give you a high center of gravity. 1 gallon water = 8 lbs.

You may consider a bait tube, it will be extra drag but you can keep 5-6 macs alive most of the day.

The other thing, not really sure how you feel cutting into the kayak but it may be possible to rig something like the live well hatch in the Malibu kayaks or something like this with a bigger compartment https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CG9N1U...a-315981559108

TomGrande · 07-17-2017, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluewater Jon

OK thanks, that's a great reference. I keep envisioning that if I take a cutting board in that tiny tank well area, and make it level with some shims or foam, that is a platform onto which would fit a bank tank. I see you've put some pipe underneath your create, what was your purpose?
Thanks,
Jon

That back area of the kayak has a slight curve to it so the flat bottom of the crate would only make contact in the center and would rock back and forth. This way it makes contact on both ends. I run the back webbing through the crate and added a bungee to one side to keep it from spinning even sliding too much.

Bluewater Jon · 07-17-2017, 04:07 PM

Thanks guys. I may purchase the KFS Ultimate Bait Tank System. It's smaller than I'm used to using (this one is 4.7 gal capacity, made from a 15lb Vittles Vault container) but I don't have much room so this might have to work. It's sweet. Yes, I could do it myself with parts, but with time I am not sure how much money I would save.I just hope I can keep a pack of macs alive in there for 4-5 hours.

07-16-2017, 06:32 PM	#1
Bluewater Jon Author & yakker Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 34	Tandem Rigging tips for OK Malibu Two XL My teenagers want in on the sport, so it's tandem time. Before I plunk bigger $$$ down with a Hobie Oasis, I'm checking their commitment with an OK Malibu Two XL. I got a killer deal on one. First yak I've owned in many years, been out of the sport for a long time I'd love to figure out a way to put a bait tank on there with both seats occupied; my mind conjures up images of mounting some type of leveled platform in the mini-tankwell where I could mount a bait tank. I'd consider doing something in the middle area but that has been cutout for a hatch. Any ideas? Anyone seen this done? Thanks in advance. Here is a pic of one btw

07-17-2017, 10:48 AM	#4
Denis_Ruso Senior Member Join Date: May 2015 Posts: 571	Anything sitting up high will give you a high center of gravity. 1 gallon water = 8 lbs. You may consider a bait tube, it will be extra drag but you can keep 5-6 macs alive most of the day. The other thing, not really sure how you feel cutting into the kayak but it may be possible to rig something like the live well hatch in the Malibu kayaks or something like this with a bigger compartment https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CG9N1U...a-315981559108 __________________ 2018 Hobie Outback 13 I do not fear the storm as it will teach me how to sail my ship.

07-16-2017, 06:48 PM	#2
TomGrande Junior Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 12	I have a Malibu Two (not the XL version) and haven't been able to find a way to fit a bait tank when I have my son with me. I usually strap a crate on the back for extra storage and added some rod holders to the back of my seat. I tend to use a bait tube hooked to the side of the kayak to store some bait in. I've also tried a bait sled dragged behind the yak but found that it slowed me down too much. I went with the Scotty tracks on both top rails and use those to mount my bait tray, fish finder and Scotty rod holders. I've been very happy with it as I use it for kayaking with the family and fishing and the Scotty rails have made it so I can set it up in several different configurations.

07-16-2017, 09:45 PM	#3
Bluewater Jon Author & yakker Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 34	OK thanks, that's a great reference. I keep envisioning that if I take a cutting board in that tiny tank well area, and make it level with some shims or foam, that is a platform onto which would fit a bank tank. I see you've put some pipe underneath your create, what was your purpose? Thanks, Jon

07-17-2017, 04:07 PM	#6
Bluewater Jon Author & yakker Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 34	Thanks guys. I may purchase the KFS Ultimate Bait Tank System. It's smaller than I'm used to using (this one is 4.7 gal capacity, made from a 15lb Vittles Vault container) but I don't have much room so this might have to work. It's sweet. Yes, I could do it myself with parts, but with time I am not sure how much money I would save.I just hope I can keep a pack of macs alive in there for 4-5 hours.