NorthWest Kayak Anglers
Kayak Fishing => The Kayak Shack => Topic started by: kaz on October 23, 2018, 04:41:17 PM
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I've been scanning the classifieds for these 2 yaks (T 140, Malibu X-13) , but so far, the sellers are all too distant. I've chosen these two yaks for: reasonable sea-worthiness and speed (13'-14' yaks) , light weight (68-57 lbs.), economy, and established reputation.
My only experience kayaking is with a homemade Cape Falcon F1 (using a Greenlander paddle) so I'm woefully inexperienced. Any recommendations would be helpful. I've searched thru and read the comments at NWKA.
Any suggestions would be welcome.
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I have a WS Tarpon 100 out in the garage and it weighs more than 68 pounds rigged (with the seat and hatch covers installed). Can't imagine how a kayak 4 feet longer could weigh less. Just saying.
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I have a couple of older T140s they paddle great, can carry lots of gear (I can easily load them up with three Danielson crab pots (one collapsed) and a crab ring each.) Easy to get on the top of the car. I really notice how light they are when I help other people carry their Hobies etc.
For comparison, I have a Perception Pescador 13' tandem. That is more like the wider fishing kayaks. When I paddle that solo it is like a barge. Way slower then my T140.
I have never paddled an X-13.
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I have a WS Tarpon 100 out in the garage and it weighs more than 68 pounds rigged (with the seat and hatch covers installed). Can't imagine how a kayak 4 feet longer could weigh less. Just saying.
Well Tinker, you are making a good point. On the web page of WS they list the weight of the T 140 as 68 lbs., but retailers have listed varying weights (as high as 75 lbs.). WS may be minimizing their specs by giving a bare-hull weight or it might be deception. Some retailers or reviews note that the manufacturers "claim" a particular weight.
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I have a couple of older T140s they paddle great, can carry lots of gear (I can easily load them up with three Danielson crab pots (one collapsed) and a crab ring each.) Easy to get on the top of the car. I really notice how light they are when I help other people carry their Hobies etc.
For comparison, I have a Perception Pescador 13' tandem. That is more like the wider fishing kayaks. When I paddle that solo it is like a barge. Way slower then my T140.
I have never paddled an X-13.
Hey jp52, thanks for your description/comparison of your T 140s. It seems that kayak companies are replacing their slimmer kayaks in favor of beamier more stable hulls. They are probably responding to a consumer that wants a stand-up fishing platform. Some of the 14' paddle yaks have beams of 33" or more. They gain stability, but increase the hull weight and sacrifice speed. When I was reading reviews of the T 140, some folks remarked that the yak was tippy.
I know that every yak design is compromise, but I would favor performance and light weight over rock-solid stability.
It seems that the X-13 has been discontinued, but it's available from West Marine. The X-13 rides low in the water with a hull height of less than 12" (hull height for T 140-14.5"). Both yaks can be had new for about $1000. I'm still hoping that I can find a used yak.
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I was in next adventure a week or two ago and looking at Tarpons to replace my ATAK potentially (since its a SUCH a beats at 93 lbs). Maybe its just the comparison to the ATAK but the T140 and 120 were very easy to move around and pick up. The external handles makes a big difference. I am completely average as far as strength goes for a 31 year old and I had no problem lifting a T140 over my head to put on my car.
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Thanks for the comparison, Shin09. I've also read about the ATAK, and they have an excellent reputation. I'm happy to hear that you can manhandle the T 140. For years I've trailered a 17' outboard to Neah Bay, and I've had truck, trailer, and boat/engine nightmares. On my last trip to NB (at 1:30 AM), I found myself with a blown-out truck tire, in a nasty wet ditch (3+ hours to put on a nearly flat spare). So you might understand that ease of handling is important to me.
It seems like the length, weight and slim hull of the T 140 might make it easier to handle. The T 140 also has a sit-in style seat. The low center-of-gravity should enhance the overall performance.
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They're fatter because the kayak bass fishing market is opening up, and those folks have different ideas about how to use a kayak and what they're willing to do to set one up for fishing. And what they're willing to pay.
Some manufacturers list the weight of an unrigged hull - Hobie and Wilderness Systems definitely do that.
I like/liked the Tarpon 100 but I liked the Trident ModPod when I bought a longer kayak.
Go test kayaks. What we think isn't worth the paper it's written on. :banjo:
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Actually, Hobie does list both the fitted hull weight and fully rigged hull weight for all of the Mirage kayak line.......example https://www.hobie.com/kayaks/mirage-outback/
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Good to hear, Doc. They weren't dong that in 2014 when I bought my Revo, but back then, the only added weight on a fully rigged hull was the weight of the Mirage drive and I don't know about anyone else, but I never had the drive in place when lifting it onto the racks. ;D
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They're fatter because the kayak bass fishing market is opening up, and those folks have different ideas about how to use a kayak and what they're willing to do to set one up for fishing. And what they're willing to pay.
Some manufacturers list the weight of an unrigged hull - Hobie and Wilderness Systems definitely do that.
I like/liked the Tarpon 100 but I liked the Trident ModPod when I bought a longer kayak.
Go test kayaks. What we think isn't worth the paper it's written on. :banjo:
I'd love to test the yaks, but I don't think any local shops sell the Mailbu line of yaks. However, I called my local REI and they might be able to let me test a T 140. The ModPods on the Trident look like an excellent feature.
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No experience with the Malibu X-13, but I paddle the Tarpon 140 pretty frequently.
There are a couple of design considerations that I feel like WS could improve on but the most important parts (hull shape, seat) are great. It's fast and I really like it on the ocean; I feel most comfortable in the ocean on it compared to my other boats. (I mean I'm not uncomfortable on my other boats, I just really like the way the Tarpon 140 cuts through waves and how it handles in rough conditions.) I also like it for stillwater bass fishing in all but the smallest waters (and even then you can manage). If you're going to do a bunch of trolling you'll want a rudder.
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Thanks for the review Captain. My only experience paddling yaks are with my homemade skin-on-frame yak (23" beam), and a few borrowed yaks. Therefore, it's impossible for me to compare/contrast yaks with any kind of objectivity. Your review of the T 140 is consistent with most of the reviews that I've read online, and I've read dozens of reviews. It seems like WS has designed a hull with reasonable sea-keeping ability.
I have experience fishing with a 17' outboard around Neah Bay (I'm always a wee bit nervous in those waters), but there are many near-shore areas that can be accessed with a seaworthy yak. T 140 owners must love their yaks. I've been all over the web, and very few are available for sale. Thanks again, kaz.