Malibu X13
Posted: 25 Feb 2010, 21:23
Hi all, I am now onto my second Malibu X13, so I thought I would share my review on it.
Specs from the Manafacturer-
Length: 13'10" (3.96m)
Weight: 60 lbs (27.2kg)
Width: (at beam) 29” (73.7cm)
Depth:(from waterline)4" (10.2cm)
Footrests: Adjustable
Foot Track System
Max. load: 450 lbs. (204kg)
Price - $1699 includes 4 rod holders, rudder, large center hatch, low profile gator hatch (with child seat), bottle holder, bunjie strap front and rear, rudder, seat scuppers, moulded/threaded fittings and lifetime warranty
Above are the listed specs from the Manafacturer, but my personal opinion differs slightly from the listed specs. Firstly, let me start by saying that I have never officially challenged these specs, and my comments are just my opinion.
The weight of 27.2kg I believe is being quite conservative. Manufacturers use the weight of the powder used to make the kayak hull which does not include accessories and the like. While the X13 may be 27kg of powder, it definatley feels heavier than this with all the bits. At a guess, I would say 7kg more than stated with fittings. While this sounds wrong, I have found the same thing with many other brands of kayaks.
Max load is another spec that I would dispute. I am around 115kg, and the X13 is a low profile kayak. Although the X13 may be able to take this, I personally would not like to load mine with over 200kg of payload as I think this would see alot of water coming through the scuppers.
Now, as for my opinion on performance-
The X13 is a fast kayak, arguably faster than some of its competitors in the 13ft class, and it was designed with this purpose in mind. This does come at a cost however. With the X13, Malibu have sacrificed their renowned dry ride for speed. Although not as wet as the Prowler 13 (the X13s targeted rival), I do get water up through the foot scuppers when uderway which in choppey conditions makes its way into the seat area. At rest, this quickly drains away, and is only in choppey water. Flat water is no worries and remains dry.
Storage - as with all Malibu kayaks, there is more than you will ever need
Tracking - with a deep keel, the X13 tracks well and does not need a rudder
Steering - Good, although I find the Malibu rudder too thin. I like the Ocean kayaks rudder better as its thicker and bites deeper for a more responsive turn
Fishability - as with all Malibu's, a large open cockpit makes handling fish easy. Also, its pretty rare to encounter a kayak that is fast as well as stable - this is one that does both. Also, with its low profile, and angled sides, it catches almost no wind. This is a blessing for maintaining that perfect drift, and also makes light work of headwinds.
Hatches - great access into kayak hull, although i need to slide my bum back an inch or 2 to get to the center hatch on the water. Large gator hatch is great for in hull access or for camping gear. It is however not completley water tight in rough conditions, and you will need to keep everything in dry bags as a couple of cupfuls will get in. I have had several Malibu's now and have found that a hatch of this size is impossible to make watertight
My summary -
Pro's - fast, easy and effortless to paddle, agile, good fishability, excellent storage and access, new fittings are screw in and watertight, lifetime warranty
Cons - wet in chop, heavyish (but not overly), front hatch seal could be better, fittings on the new Malibus I dont think are as good good as the old style Malibu's
Overall view is that I love the speed and versatility of this kayak, and find it one of the best all round kayaks I have owned
Specs from the Manafacturer-
Length: 13'10" (3.96m)
Weight: 60 lbs (27.2kg)
Width: (at beam) 29” (73.7cm)
Depth:(from waterline)4" (10.2cm)
Footrests: Adjustable
Foot Track System
Max. load: 450 lbs. (204kg)
Price - $1699 includes 4 rod holders, rudder, large center hatch, low profile gator hatch (with child seat), bottle holder, bunjie strap front and rear, rudder, seat scuppers, moulded/threaded fittings and lifetime warranty
Above are the listed specs from the Manafacturer, but my personal opinion differs slightly from the listed specs. Firstly, let me start by saying that I have never officially challenged these specs, and my comments are just my opinion.
The weight of 27.2kg I believe is being quite conservative. Manufacturers use the weight of the powder used to make the kayak hull which does not include accessories and the like. While the X13 may be 27kg of powder, it definatley feels heavier than this with all the bits. At a guess, I would say 7kg more than stated with fittings. While this sounds wrong, I have found the same thing with many other brands of kayaks.
Max load is another spec that I would dispute. I am around 115kg, and the X13 is a low profile kayak. Although the X13 may be able to take this, I personally would not like to load mine with over 200kg of payload as I think this would see alot of water coming through the scuppers.
Now, as for my opinion on performance-
The X13 is a fast kayak, arguably faster than some of its competitors in the 13ft class, and it was designed with this purpose in mind. This does come at a cost however. With the X13, Malibu have sacrificed their renowned dry ride for speed. Although not as wet as the Prowler 13 (the X13s targeted rival), I do get water up through the foot scuppers when uderway which in choppey conditions makes its way into the seat area. At rest, this quickly drains away, and is only in choppey water. Flat water is no worries and remains dry.
Storage - as with all Malibu kayaks, there is more than you will ever need
Tracking - with a deep keel, the X13 tracks well and does not need a rudder
Steering - Good, although I find the Malibu rudder too thin. I like the Ocean kayaks rudder better as its thicker and bites deeper for a more responsive turn
Fishability - as with all Malibu's, a large open cockpit makes handling fish easy. Also, its pretty rare to encounter a kayak that is fast as well as stable - this is one that does both. Also, with its low profile, and angled sides, it catches almost no wind. This is a blessing for maintaining that perfect drift, and also makes light work of headwinds.
Hatches - great access into kayak hull, although i need to slide my bum back an inch or 2 to get to the center hatch on the water. Large gator hatch is great for in hull access or for camping gear. It is however not completley water tight in rough conditions, and you will need to keep everything in dry bags as a couple of cupfuls will get in. I have had several Malibu's now and have found that a hatch of this size is impossible to make watertight
My summary -
Pro's - fast, easy and effortless to paddle, agile, good fishability, excellent storage and access, new fittings are screw in and watertight, lifetime warranty
Cons - wet in chop, heavyish (but not overly), front hatch seal could be better, fittings on the new Malibus I dont think are as good good as the old style Malibu's
Overall view is that I love the speed and versatility of this kayak, and find it one of the best all round kayaks I have owned
