Malibu

[RobM]

Hi again Rob,

 

The P13 is the most popular Yak because it is probably the best compromise in terms of price, capacity and paddling efficiency and I do not think that you could go too far wrong if this was your choice. But, as Karl K has said our priorities vary and certainly best bet is to try before you buy and get to a meet to do this. You may want to have a go in a Scupper Pro too as I think that would fit you.

 

Moonyaker

Thanks for the advice,I thought I had decided on the the P13 until I checked out the X Factor and liked the flat footwell and all the storage space but like you say there is a compromise.I live on the East coast on the edge of the Wash and the only Kayaks in stock in this area is a limited range of OK's so the chance of me being able to try other makes are slim because Ihave not heard of anyone Kayak fishing in this area.

 

Thanks again Rob.

[rrstj]

Just been on the Malibu web site, looks so good I just ordered one myself. I am 6ft 4 and 14stone, as you are only very short and just 12stone????? have you considered the yak board

 

See you in the morning

[Starvinmarvin]

Hi RobM,

 

Have had the pleasure of paddling both the Malibu X-Factor and Prowler 13, both are very different kayaks. Both will handle large seas and high winds when used by an experienced paddler.

 

You might be interested in the following review that I wrote.

 

http://www.anglersafloat.co.uk/Review_MalibuX-Factor.html

 

I've said this many times before, but I believe the Prowler 13 to be the best all round fishing kayak available at present, this has nothing to do with build quality or dryness of ride, this is down to comfort, stability and fish ability, there are things I don't like about it, the side carrying handles, the forward cup holder, and a few minor details that I would like to change, all minor things. My Prowler 13 has had 2 hard years and is bearing up admirally, and all though I have several other kayaks in the garage, and have had the opportunity to add to the flotilla, I still choose the Prowler nine times out of every 10. As for being able to take the kids out for a paddle, you can do that with a Caper and certainly do it with a Prowler, but I would never go far with them anyway, besides it's a lot more fun on a 3 seater with them paddling.

 

At the end of a long day your going to wish your kayak was lighter, what ever model you choose.

[Simon Everett]

Stability is a funny thig - and not at all dependent upon the width of the kayak. That is a complete myth. It is the centre of gravity, centre of buoyancy and centre of action which dictates how a kayak will behave and its stability.

 

A high seated kayak HAS TO BE wider to have any kind of stability. The Scupper Pro is just as stable, not due to beam, but low seat height. If the main weight in the kayak (YOU) is low down, then the centre of gravity is lower and if you can get it to the waterline then you have a very stable kayak - but one which is also very responsive (newcomers will confuse responsiveness with instability - a bicycle leans round corners, but that is not regarded as unstable, just how it works).

 

A high seated kayak catches the wind greatly - I tested the X-Factor out in Sardinia - (the pictures from that trip are on here somewhere - someone who knows how to sort it out please put them up) In strong wind I found it very, very difficult to swing the bow through the wind - she leecocked with determination. That is not a good thing if home is to windward.....it took me 18 serious sweep strokes to get the bow round. A better handling kayak would do it in 3 or 4 in the same conditions - in this case a P15 was the other option. The difference amazed those that I was doing the demos for.

 

Another consideration of the high, wide kayak is your paddling position - sat so high up the water is a long reach down and the paddle has to be swung wide from your body. Compare one of these wider kayaks - then get straight into a slimmer. lower model and feel the difference. You won't fall out. The strain of the paddle position from the big baby is not good for paddle technique and strains muscles and joints that the low seat doesn't - because the water is right beside you and the gunwale doesn't get in the way of the paddle blade. That also makes using the paddle more efficient in manoevering strokes - I would love to see someone scull one of those X-factors sideways - in a wind. You say - so what do I want to do that for? To perform a rescue for someone else perhaps, in a hurry.........to get your kayak away from rock awash that you are drifting down on........to collect somethng that has fallen overboard, or you dropped........There is more to it than just sitting with a fishing rod. Performing manoevering strokes - the big, wide kayak prevents the main part of the stroke - even forward paddling, the first third of the stroke is where the main efficiency and power is created. If the kayak shape is such that you cannot get the blade in the water close to your toes, you are losing most of your effort.

 

I would also suggest that if you are going to try a kayak - don't do it on a flat calm, windless day. Try them on a windy, rough day, so you can actually see how they behave in adverse conditions. It won't always be perfect out there. Oh, and as a parting shot - if slim kayaks are so unstable how come the various eskimo tribes can use kayaks 22" and 23" wide for fishing, hunting seals etc...? Without the benefit of our specialised, waterproof clothing.

[Clouser]

Simon , your help/guidance would be most appreciated for my dilema.

I am a newcomer to the sport, i have a FeelFree Gemini two seater, it seems ideal for me at the moment as i can take the wife or Grandson for a paddle round the bay and it seems a fairly safe choice for my needs at the moment.

However i can see it is not ideal for fishing or offshore work,. it was a compromise to get us out on the water.

 

Right , i now am thinking about up-grading this year to something that would cope with fishing, in shore or possibly further out and longer round trips.

I'm 6' 16.5 stone and am not sure i could squeeze into a Scupper pro, so others on the list include Elite, Dorado, Pelican or as it is popular in Aus the Perception Freedom(swing), would they all fit the bill? I had thought of an X factor or a Cobra XF. but your comments on height/stability have me thinking.

 

My skills are limited at present, but would like one that could grow with me as i learn.

 

Sorry for hijacking your thread RobM

 

Dave

Edited February 2, 2007 by Clouser

[upbury]

Simon , your help/guidance would be most appreciated for my dilema.

I am a newcomer to the sport, i have a FeelFree Gemini two seater, it seems ideal for me at the moment as i can take the wife or Grandson for a paddle round the bay and it seems a fairly safe choice for my needs at the moment.

However i can see it is not ideal for fishing or offshore work,. it was a compromise to get us out on the water.

 

Right , i now am thinking about up-grading this year to something that would cope with fishing, in shore or possibly further out and longer round trips.

I'm 6' 16.5 stone and am not sure i could squeeze into a Scupper pro, so others on the list include Elite, Dorado, Pelican or as it is popular in Aus the Perception Freedom(swing), would they all fit the bill?

 

My skills are limited at present, but would like one that could grow with me as i learn.

 

Sorry for hijacking your thread RobM

 

Dave

 

Similar apologies from me for hijacking post. Seriously considering Scupper Pro just worried if I will fit!! Six foot tall 13 stone.

 

Thanks

 

Len

[Tpw]

Stability is a funny thig - and not at all dependent upon the width of the kayak. That is a complete myth. It is the centre of gravity, centre of buoyancy and centre of action which dictates how a kayak will behave and its stability.

 

A high seated kayak HAS TO BE wider to have any kind of stability. The Scupper Pro is just as stable, not due to beam, but low seat height. If the main weight in the kayak (YOU) is low down, then the centre of gravity is lower and if you can get it to the waterline then you have a very stable kayak - but one which is also very responsive (newcomers will confuse responsiveness with instability - a bicycle leans round corners, but that is not regarded as unstable, just how it works).

 

A high seated kayak catches the wind greatly - I tested the X-Factor out in Sardinia - (the pictures from that trip are on here somewhere - someone who knows how to sort it out please put them up) In strong wind I found it very, very difficult to swing the bow through the wind - she leecocked with determination. That is not a good thing if home is to windward.....it took me 18 serious sweep strokes to get the bow round. A better handling kayak would do it in 3 or 4 in the same conditions - in this case a P15 was the other option. The difference amazed those that I was doing the demos for.

 

Another consideration of the high, wide kayak is your paddling position - sat so high up the water is a long reach down and the paddle has to be swung wide from your body. Compare one of these wider kayaks - then get straight into a slimmer. lower model and feel the difference. You won't fall out. The strain of the paddle position from the big baby is not good for paddle technique and strains muscles and joints that the low seat doesn't - because the water is right beside you and the gunwale doesn't get in the way of the paddle blade. That also makes using the paddle more efficient in manoevering strokes - I would love to see someone scull one of those X-factors sideways - in a wind. You say - so what do I want to do that for? To perform a rescue for someone else perhaps, in a hurry.........to get your kayak away from rock awash that you are drifting down on........to collect somethng that has fallen overboard, or you dropped........There is more to it than just sitting with a fishing rod. Performing manoevering strokes - the big, wide kayak prevents the main part of the stroke - even forward paddling, the first third of the stroke is where the main efficiency and power is created. If the kayak shape is such that you cannot get the blade in the water close to your toes, you are losing most of your effort.

 

I would also suggest that if you are going to try a kayak - don't do it on a flat calm, windless day. Try them on a windy, rough day, so you can actually see how they behave in adverse conditions. It won't always be perfect out there. Oh, and as a parting shot - if slim kayaks are so unstable how come the various eskimo tribes can use kayaks 22" and 23" wide for fishing, hunting seals etc...? Without the benefit of our specialised, waterproof clothing.

 

Good informative post Simon :clap:

 

ATB

 

Tom

[SpeciMan]

Hi Len

 

I'm similar a height /weight - you should be ok if you are not overweight. I have one notch left on the footwell when I am paddling with my knees bent - when I am fishing I have my legs fully extended with my feet on the final notch.. Aim to try one before ordering though. I keep looking at the other models available and for what I do/where I paddle its probably the best one for me - its also one of the cheapest. A few nights ago I brought her indoors to tweak my setup and loaded up the front hatch with camping gear I may use for this season. It swallowed it up, with room for my C-tug trolley and a water container which holds a few gallons. The Scupper Pro is one of the earlier designs which helped Ocean Kayak make its name.

[upbury]

Hi Len

 

I'm similar a height /weight - you should be ok if you are not overweight. I have one notch left on the footwell when I am paddling with my knees bent - when I am fishing I have my legs fully extended with my feet on the final notch.. Aim to try one before ordering though. I keep looking at the other models available and for what I do/where I paddle its probably the best one for me - its also one of the cheapest. A few nights ago I brought her indoors to tweak my setup and loaded up the front hatch with camping gear I may use for this season. It swallowed it up, with room for my C-tug trolley and a water container which holds a few gallons. The Scupper Pro is one of the earlier designs which helped Ocean Kayak make its name.

 

That's the answer I was hoping for! Many thanks.

 

Len

[niko]

well i own an x-factor to give you an idea what i think read my thread intitled -x-factor first outing report