Malibu X13 review - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

piproto · 09-20-2009, 05:17 AM

Hello, I have just purchased Malibu Kayak's X-13 and would like to post a brief update to your review.

Malibu have removed the forward fish well and scupper in their design and the hatch now opens to the interior of the Kayak. However, this alleviates the need to install a bulkhead hatch for equipment stowage. One of the selling points that prompted my decision to buy this Kayak was the forward fish well and to say the least I was a little disappointed.

The base model comes without the flush-mount rod holders, however, if you are a little handy these are relatively easy to install. I did like the fact that it comes rigged forward and aft with bungees and the gator hatch have two additional straps (I have seen some with only two straps) on the sides standard.

While there isn't a trolley system, this leaves the option of placing the system where you want it without excess holes from unwanted placement.

Although, there is a modest amount of water leaking through the hatch, I feel that the X-13 is a solid and sexy Kayak and with the use of the seat scupper plugs provided, quite a dry ride. It tracks well, is very quick, and even for a novice such as myself, easy to turn.

All in all, the X-13 is quite lovely and I recommend it to anyone looking for a good fishing Yak.

Richard
Merritt Island, Florida

j mo · 09-21-2009, 11:31 AM

I've been on a x13 for over a year. It's as tipsy as David Hasslehoff and drinks water from nearly every rivet! The center hatch might as well not even have a cover on it as water finds it way through easily. I need to take it back in but haventt found the time.....

To be fair my center of gravity is a bit high. The second I get bit both feet go over the sides to prevent the dreaded dump, of which I had my fair share.

In retrospect I should have gone with x factor, Id give up the supposed speed of the x13 for stability any day.

keljad · 09-26-2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j mo

I've been on a x13 for over a year. It's as tipsy as David Hasslehoff and drinks water from nearly every rivet!

Tipsy?? Looking at your avtar photo says the complete opposite. sitting side saddle with a fish that size, If thats unstable, Id love to see what you consider stable...........an oil rig maybe?

j mo · 09-26-2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by keljad

Tipsy?? Looking at your avtar photo says the complete opposite. sitting side saddle with a fish that size, If thats unstable, Id love to see what you consider stable...........an oil rig maybe?

lol You cant see my feet braced against my buddies hobie. After we burned a few pics, my buddy said "does your stern always sit that low"

thanfully he had a bilge pump, nearly lost her to the kraken!

keljad · 09-29-2009, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by j mo

lol You cant see my feet braced against my buddies hobie. After we burned a few pics, my buddy said "does your stern always sit that low"

thanfully he had a bilge pump, nearly lost her to the kraken!

oh..ok, that makes sense, i thought she was sitting very even considering the size of that fish.

09-20-2009, 05:17 AM	#1
piproto Junior Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 1	Hello, I have just purchased Malibu Kayak's X-13 and would like to post a brief update to your review. Malibu have removed the forward fish well and scupper in their design and the hatch now opens to the interior of the Kayak. However, this alleviates the need to install a bulkhead hatch for equipment stowage. One of the selling points that prompted my decision to buy this Kayak was the forward fish well and to say the least I was a little disappointed. The base model comes without the flush-mount rod holders, however, if you are a little handy these are relatively easy to install. I did like the fact that it comes rigged forward and aft with bungees and the gator hatch have two additional straps (I have seen some with only two straps) on the sides standard. While there isn't a trolley system, this leaves the option of placing the system where you want it without excess holes from unwanted placement. Although, there is a modest amount of water leaking through the hatch, I feel that the X-13 is a solid and sexy Kayak and with the use of the seat scupper plugs provided, quite a dry ride. It tracks well, is very quick, and even for a novice such as myself, easy to turn. All in all, the X-13 is quite lovely and I recommend it to anyone looking for a good fishing Yak. Richard Merritt Island, Florida Last edited by piproto; 09-20-2009 at 02:04 PM.

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09-21-2009, 11:31 AM	#2
j mo Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Encinitas Posts: 600	I've been on a x13 for over a year. It's as tipsy as David Hasslehoff and drinks water from nearly every rivet! The center hatch might as well not even have a cover on it as water finds it way through easily. I need to take it back in but haventt found the time..... To be fair my center of gravity is a bit high. The second I get bit both feet go over the sides to prevent the dreaded dump, of which I had my fair share. In retrospect I should have gone with x factor, Id give up the supposed speed of the x13 for stability any day.