what kayak to buy - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

alanw · 10-30-2013, 03:48 PM

It does take on water but it's not enough to worry about sinking. I've drained out maybe a half gallon after 7-8 hours on the water in normal conditions.

That might sound like a lot but it's not even enough to be able to use a hand pump.

Since then I've gooped the hatch-to-hull gaskets and it seems better. Next I will find better fitting hatch lid seals and I think it will stay pretty dry inside.

I've taken it out in "rough" waters (5-6 foot swells with short timing and multiple direction smaller cross swells) but I was uncomfortable being out there long before I would consider the yak unsafe. But that's just my inexperience I'm sure. There was water coming over the bow and the sides. I bet if I strapped a crash dummy on the yak, it would have a bunch of water in it but it would have still been floating the next day

Overall, the features of the yak out-weigh the hatch problem.

BTW, there is the blem sale going on this weekend where you can buy one for a good price and give it a real try. That way it should resell for about what you paid for it if you change your mind.

Siebler · 10-30-2013, 04:24 PM

The Stealth hatches have been reworked a few times and the S-12 bow hatch was very recently remodeled as well.

Also the Ride series is a great boat that will offer similar stability and feel as your FnD however it will handle rough conditions better and is a more efficient hull than either the FnD (by a long shot) or the Malibus.

PACIFICPUNISHER · 10-31-2013, 11:14 AM

Well im going to give the stealth 12 a shot. Picking it up today and helpfully take it out Sat. Review to come. Thanks for all the input

10-30-2013, 03:48 PM	#1
alanw Made in U.S.A. Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dana Point Posts: 1,625	It does take on water but it's not enough to worry about sinking. I've drained out maybe a half gallon after 7-8 hours on the water in normal conditions. That might sound like a lot but it's not even enough to be able to use a hand pump. Since then I've gooped the hatch-to-hull gaskets and it seems better. Next I will find better fitting hatch lid seals and I think it will stay pretty dry inside. I've taken it out in "rough" waters (5-6 foot swells with short timing and multiple direction smaller cross swells) but I was uncomfortable being out there long before I would consider the yak unsafe. But that's just my inexperience I'm sure. There was water coming over the bow and the sides. I bet if I strapped a crash dummy on the yak, it would have a bunch of water in it but it would have still been floating the next day Overall, the features of the yak out-weigh the hatch problem. BTW, there is the blem sale going on this weekend where you can buy one for a good price and give it a real try. That way it should resell for about what you paid for it if you change your mind. __________________ Hobie PA 14 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Jackson Kraken ¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu X-Factor ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Malibu Stealth-12 ¸.·´¯`·.´¯`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸><(((º> Its not a spelling B its a fishing B ~yakjoe Last edited by alanw; 10-30-2013 at 03:59 PM.

10-30-2013, 04:24 PM	#2
Siebler Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Richland Oregon Posts: 1,547	The Stealth hatches have been reworked a few times and the S-12 bow hatch was very recently remodeled as well. Also the Ride series is a great boat that will offer similar stability and feel as your FnD however it will handle rough conditions better and is a more efficient hull than either the FnD (by a long shot) or the Malibus. __________________ CJ Siebler

10-31-2013, 11:14 AM	#3
PACIFICPUNISHER Junior Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Diamond Bar Ca Posts: 8	Well im going to give the stealth 12 a shot. Picking it up today and helpfully take it out Sat. Review to come. Thanks for all the input