my X-13 review

Didn't make it to Westport this morn due to CHM's last report. But put a few more miles on the new hull, so here's what I think of her so far.

It was love at first site.  As soon she was unwrapped at the shipping hub to reveal all the detail that just doesn’t come though in pictures plus slick sexy lines, I knew I had made the right choice.  Swung by the house just long enough to load the bare fishing essentials, then off to meet Lee and 2ndfloor yak at Luhr Beach.
Loading and unloading unassisted was nice and easy. Malibu claims a 60lbs hull weight, and I would have to say its with-in 8-10lbs of that. With the placement of the side carry handles she feels nice and balanced, and I felt no fear of dropping her or getting bow or stern heavy.  The front handle although sturdy and well placed digs into your hand a little when on a cart or being carried. Not a major concern, but it was noticeable on the long wheel/carry that we experienced after we all returned to the launch today.
 
When I first sat in her I knew it wasn’t in the F ‘n’D. For just a split second I thought I was going to finally take my 1st huli. I had just become so accustom to the rock solid overall stability that comes with the F’n’D. After sitting in/rocking her back and forth a bit, I discovered that the primary stability is somewhat lacking, but the secondary though not enough to stop you from going the distance it is enough to help you recover.  After an hour or two of getting comfortable with her, I was able to stand and paddle a few yards before wakes from a passing boat almost made things exciting.  She feels great when I turn side saddle, and with proper weight transfer getting to and fro the side saddle position doesn’t come at the risk of getting wet.

The paddle is fast and efficient. She cuts the water like warm butter.  She feels stable, and tracks straight and true.  At 13’ 10” she doesn’t spin on a dime, but isn’t a chore to turn either. The ride isn’t very high on the water, so she tends to cut through chop and wakes as opposed to go over.  Although with the shape of the hull the water is pushed out to the sides instead of over the top and into your face or lap. I was a little concerned with just how dry the ride would really be with my 200lbs in the driver’s seat, but have been pleasantly surprised. Not as dry as my F’n’D, but not many are.

Malibu abandoned the original design of a tankwell with scupper under the bow hatch. I kind of had mixed feelings about this. Although having a fish store under the front hatch would have been pretty sweet to have, the hull access is equally as nice. The square hatch in the cockpit came with a “semi-dry” bag that is plenty large enough to carry a waterproof box for your pocket items along with a handful of snacks, tools, tackle, ect… The lid for this hatch is secured with a nice cam lock. This hatch is also my only real complaint. Although the placement is ideal, and the size of the hatch is great, it is a circus act to open when on the water. It is hinged on one side, and the seat extends over the unhinged side of the hatch. (Should make more sense when you see the pics) Fortunately for me Malibu used screws to install this hatch, so I can take it out and turn it around for easier access.
 
All in all I can’t be happier with this boat, and all my research paid off. I still believe if I could ever only own 1 boat it would be a Cobra Fish ‘n’ Dive, but damn I’m glad I can have two. This is a technical fish catching paddle machine, and a welcome addition to my lip ripping navy.

Nice kayak, I recently bought the Malibu Extreme. I like to carry lots of gear and go kayak camping so I went with the bigger Malibu, but I was very interested in the X-13. I wish I would have had a hinged hatch on mine but I ordered it just before they started installing those new hatches. 

I feel you on heavy payloads. That, the additional seat, and ridiculous stability is why I bought a Cobra Fish 'n' Dive for my first boat. I'm thoroughly impressed with Malibu so far. She seems to be built tough as nails.

The hinged hatch is pretty sweet since I turned it around. It was a royal pain with the hinges away from me though. My F'n'D has a huge unhinged hatch in front of the seat where I store extra poles and tackle. I always thought it would have been great to have it hinged on the long side. Only having to open one cam lock opposed to six is pretty convenient.