Malibu X-Factor on the water

[Simon Everett]

Here are a few pictures from the time we had on the water on Saturday. Unfortunately it was flat calm, so no waves to play in! There was the odd bit of wash from passing boats, but nothing that would tell you anything about any kayak really.

[Simon Everett]

This is the very large forward hatch compartment - with the very nice trolley in situ. The hold is actually much larger, but if we stowed the trolley inside you wouldn't be able to see it:

[Simon Everett]

The hatch has a rubber seal all the way round which should ensure water is kept out pretty well. The lid closed tightly on it but as there was no surf to test it I cannot say.

[Starvinmarvin]

Told you Yakity, loose jaw.

 

SM

[Simon Everett]

The rudder system is very nicely done on the pedals. These are not toe control pedals, but the adjustment is a doddle. However, you cannot use the pedals as foot supports unless you ut even weight on both. The whole bar slides fore and aft to activate the rudder. On the Dorado the pedal is fixed solid and it activates the rudder by toe movement hinged around the pedal support which remains locked in position - so you can use the pedals as a foot brace.

[Simon Everett]

The seat is a high backed version with good adjustment and is well supported. The foam is firm and it sits neatly in the well.

[Simon Everett]

The big, square hatch gives access to the hull interior and the forward facing - well slightly angled forward rod holders are positioned forward enough to be out of the paddle stroke. For trolling or working rods at anchor they are a good idea and well placed. Sit back and watch your rod tips in comfort - or you can use the two on one side with the rods spread, one facing forward and one facing aft (angled away from each other.)

[Simon Everett]

This is the seat from a different angle. Now you can see the buckle on extra pocket with a choice of rod holders or bottles either side - in this case rod holders.

[Simon Everett]

The tank well is enoromous - the fact that their two seater is shorter than the X-Factor by about a foot will give you some idea of the size of this beast.

 

here is a closer picture of the pocket on the seat back, with the rods in the side rod holders.

[Simon Everett]

The rudder, although it works well enough on the water, is fixed to the transom of the kayak by a flimsy bracket and two screws - whether these are self tappers or whether they go into inserts I cannot say. Care will be needed when coming ashore. If the kayak broached close in and your rudder was down you could find the bracket easily bent, or worse pulled out. The actual rudder assembly is pretty good, it is just the attachemnt bracket that I felt was a bit wanting.