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Choosing a new yak can be a big decision, especially when it comes to fishing vessels. But you may already have an idea of the features you want and the ones you can do without.
With the Malibu Kayaks Stealth 12 Fish & Dive kayak you could get all the features you’re looking for. But before you jump right in, take a look at our review of the main features to see if this one’s the right one for you.
- Length: 12 foot 4 inches
- Width: 33 inches
- Depth: 12 inches
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Weight Capacity: 450 pounds
Before You Buy A Malibu Stealth 12 Kayak
Being designed for fishing, there are a number of features on the Stealth 12 that you will find beneficial if you’re a keen angler. A fishing yak can be a great tool for helping you get to those difficult to access sections of the water, and can give you the upper hand when it comes to reeling in that prize catch.
The Stealth 12 could be an ideal choice of vessel if you’re planning to fish on lakes, rivers and intracoastal waterways or calm bays, allowing you to stand for better casting.
While there are plenty of features that are geared towards fishing, this craft could still be a good option for other activities too, such as recreation or camping. With a large 450 pound weight capacity and a small second seat, you can even take along one of your kids or your dog.
If you’re looking for stability, with enough storage options for an overnight trip, the Stealth might just be able to offer you what you need. It could be a good craft for both beginners and more experienced paddlers.
Top Features Of The Malibu Stealth 12
The Malibu Stealth 12 is a sit-on-top fishing kayak that promises stability and performance for a full day on the water.
Performance Hull
The hull is 12 foot 4 inches long and 33 inches wide, and benefits from molded channels running along the bottom of the hull. This can help to boost its stability and makes it easier for you to stand up while you’re fishing.
As well as stability, this vessel can be easy to maneuver whether you’re in a lake or a rocky river.
Storage Options
There is plenty of storage on this yak and with the maximum weight capacity of 450 pounds, you should be able to take everything you need for a day’s fishing trip.
The large tank well at the stern can hold up to a 5 gallon bait bucket. But it can also be great for storing a cooler or other larger items. There’s bungee cords to help secure it all.
At the front there’s the large Gator Hatch, where you can store items in a dry compartment and the whole tray can also lift out so you can access the hull, for even more storage where you could keep a spare paddle. The Gator Hatch also is rigged with bungee cords, so you can secure more gear to the top of it if you need to.
The center bait hatch can be ideal for holding your live bait or simply utilize it for holding smaller items.
Family Day Out
One of the neat features of this yak is that it has a seating area for a small second person or child. The Gator Hatch at the front of the yak doubles as the seat. The hatch has a lid that opens to access a dry storage compartment without needing to remove the entire hatch.
Fishing
There are as many as four flush mounted rod holders on this vessel; two at the front and two at the back, which can come in handy when you find that lucrative spot. Conveniently in the center, in front of the seat, there’s a bait tank, which is easy to access when you’re on the water and designed to hold your live bait.
To give you more comfort while you’re fishing and paddling, there are adjustable footrests that run on a track system, so you can easily slide them back and forth depending on your seating position. As with many fishing yaks, you can also customize it to your fishing style by adding your own accessories.
Look At This Malibu Stealth 12 Setup…
While you’re focusing on the prize at the end of your line, you can stow your paddle on either side of the deck in the bungee cord paddle holders.
Stealth 12 Fish & Dive Alternatives
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Angler
The Tarpon 120 Angler is a similar fishing yak, just an inch shorter than the Stealth 12 and 30 inches wide. It has a large tank well for storage at the stern, with bungee cords, and bow and center hatches offering dry storage for smaller items. It also features gear tracks for mounting accessories.
Vibe Yellowfin 130T
If you’d rather have more space for a second person, the Yellowfin 130T could be a good alternative. It’s 13 foot, 35 inches wide and has a capacity of 500 pounds. It comes with two seats and paddles and can also hold a small third person or dog.
It also features rod holders, two sealed hatches and you can even adjust the seat to be able to paddle on your own for solo fishing trips.
BCK UH-220 Angler
The Brooklyn Kayak Company UH-220 might be a good alternative if you’re after a shorter vessel. It’s 11 foot 6 inches long and benefits from three rod holders, three dry storage hatches and a large cargo area at the back for a cooler.
It includes a paddle and, for easier tracking, there’s a foot operated rudder system. It has a capacity of 450 pounds, so you can pack on lots of gear but there’s no seating area for a second passenger.
Conclusion
Pros
- Stability
- Good storage
- Large weight capacity
- Second seat
- Four rod holders
Cons
- Not compact
- Could be heavy for transporting
By now you’ve probably decided if the Stealth 12 is the right yak for you. It’s got plenty of room for you and all your gear, plus a little person if they’re up for the ride. It can also give you the stability that you want when you’re wrestling with your catch.
If you want to check the Malibu Stealth 12 out for yourself: click here. Let us know in the comments if you already have one or have anything to add. And don’t forget to share this article if you found it helpful.
