Malibu gives you quality products that you can use both for your active sports activities or just for relaxation. You can use Malibu products like the Kayaks Pro 2 Tandem Recreation and the Stealth 9 for your recreational activities. Continue reading this review to find out more about what Malibu can offer for its products and as a brand.
The following products are the ten models that you can choose from so you can pick the kayak that will best suit your taste:
Table of Contents
The Top 10 Malibu Kayaks Reviewed
- Kayaks Mini-X Recreational Model Sit on Top by Malibu – Best Overall
- Kayaks Pro 2 Tandem Recreation Package Sit on Top by Malibu – Best Value
- Kayaks X-13 Fishing and Diving by Malibu – Editor’s Choice
- Kayaks 3.4 Recreation Package Sit on Top by Malibu
- Kayaks Express Speedy Fishing Kayak by Malibu
- Trio 11 Fishing Kayak by Malibu
- X-Factor Fishing Kayak by Malibu
- Stealth-9 Fishing Kayak by Malibu
- Stealth-14 Fishing Kayak by Malibu
- Stealth-12 Fishing Kayak by Malibu
1. Kayaks Mini-X Recreational Model Sit on Top by Malibu – Best Overall
The kayaks Mini-X Recreational Model is a sit-on-top type of kayak that you can use for recreational purposes so you can have a quality and relaxing time on the water. You can move this kayak around by paddling your way on the water so you can use it for fishing or just by touring the sides of the lake.
This product can provide you with a good stable balance while on water, so you will have no problem riding on a bumpy and rough water current. This mini kayak has measurements of 43.7 inches in length and 13.39 inches in width. This kayak is compact, so you can put it on top of your car and bring it around wherever you go on a water adventure with your friends and family.
2. Kayaks Pro 2 Tandem Recreation Package Sit on Top by Malibu – Best Value
You bring another friend with you with this Kayaks Pro 2 Tandem Recreation Package. This kayak has a sit-on-top type of chair and has a maximum capacity of 550 pounds so that it can accommodate you and your companion. This kayak has the following features that you will need while kayaking, such as a drain plug, a front, and rear bungee storage, a side bungee handle together with a holder for your paddle. It also has a molded footrest feature so you can comfortably rest your foot while kayaking. This kayak product is measured 13 feet in length and 33 inches in width.
You can use a paddle to move your kayak, and it can provide you good stability while on water. It is best used to have a fun and exciting kayaking adventure with your friend, family, or lover.
3. Kayaks X-13 Fishing and Diving by Malibu – Editor’s Choice
If you want to have a kayak that you can use while fishing on the sea, the Kayaks X-13 Fishing and Diving by Malibu is the perfect product for you. This version of the kayak is popular with divers and other fishers since it has an excellent storage feature to offer, and it can provide you stability on the water. This product has a measurement of 13.10 feet in length and 29 inches in width; it also has a maximum loading capacity of 450 pounds to accommodate you. The X-13 kayak model of Malibu is ideal for diving or fishing if you want to explore the sea since it can cut through the ocean waves. You can manually paddle to move the kayak on the water in the direction that you want.
The Kayaks X-13 Fishing and Diving has an adjustable footrest feature to set it in the position you are comfortable, and it has a cup holder so you can bring water while kayaking. It also offers you a bow and stern handle, a gator hatch v.3, rear rod holders, a side bungee handle together with its paddle holder, and many more features.
4. Kayaks 3.4 Recreation Package Sit on Top by Malibu
The Kayaks 3.4 Recreation Package Sit on Top model of Malibu has sleek and lightweight with a total weight of 36 pounds construction so you can easily transport it wherever you want. It is 11.4 feet in length and 26 inches in width measurement and has a maximum loading capacity of 230 pounds. This product has a bow and stern handle and drains plug feature that will come in handy while kayaking. It also has a molded footrest to relax your foot while kayaking comfortably, and it has a cup holder feature so you can stay hydrated while out in the sun.
You can use a paddle to move the kayak with ease, and it can provide you with the best performance as it cuts through the water. This product is perfect to use for kids, especially those who are trying to learn how to use a kayak.
5. Kayaks Express Speedy Fishing Kayak by Malibu
The Kayaks Express Speedy Fishing model of Malibu is best recommended for beginner users in kayaking. This product is designed to have a straight-line construction and also to be lightweight to use. The kayak is made from polyethylene and crisp aerodynamic lines, and it has a maximum loading capacity of 240 pounds, which only provides one passenger at a time. This kayak product provides you with a drain plug so you can keep the water out of the kayak, a rudder system inserts option, and a front and rectangular rear hatch where you can keep your items. It also provides you with a cup holder to bring your bottled water and a footrest that you can adjust according to your preference.
This kayak model has a measurement of 14.6 feet in length and 27 inches in width. You can use this model for surfing, fishing, or simple recreational paddling on the sea or still bodies of water.
6. Trio 11 Fishing Kayak by Malibu
The Trio 11 can accommodate three passengers on board with a 500 pounds maximum loading capacity while still providing you stability with the help of its hull. This kayak has 11.4 feet in length and 33 inches in width with a 13 inches depth so the water will not enter the kayak. It has a bow and stern handle, a standing platform to help you, especially while fishing, and trolling motor mount inserts. You can seat comfortably thanks to its adjustable footrest, a cup holder so you can drink water while staying under the sun, and a side bungee handle that comes together with a paddle holder. A person can sit on its rear molded seat area, and you can put your things on its rear bungee storage.
Trio 11 is suitable for fishing and diving activities with your friends and family. This kayak is perfect to use if you want your kids to participate, teach them kayaking, or have some quality time together while enjoying the scenic view of nature.
7. X-Factor Fishing Kayak by Malibu
The X-Factor provides you with a lot of features to offer compared to other models. It is perfect to use in rough currents since it can cut through and swell through the water. This kayak can accommodate one to two people on board, and it has 550 pounds for its maximum loading capacity. The X-Factor measures 14.4 feet in length, and 33 inches in width, and its tank has a capacity of 3.75 gallons. This kayak has a bow and stern handle feature, and it has a gator hatch v.3 where you can store your essential items to keep them clean and dry while you are on the water. It has front and rear holder features to put on your rod when it is not in use, and it provides you with a standing platform so you can keep your balance while fishing.
This kayak has a lot of storage room to offer, like its center and rectangular rear hatch and storage on its rear bungee to bring all the things you need while kayaking. This product has a sit-on-top type for its chair, and you can adjust its footrest according to your personal preference. The X-Factor kayak by Malibu has a total of 15 variety of colors for its design, so you can choose the look that will suit you.
8. Stealth-9 Fishing Kayak by Malibu
You can choose from the 15 varieties of colors and designs with Malibu’s Stealth-9 kayak product. This product can only accommodate one passenger, and it has a maximum loading capacity of 325 pounds. It has a 9.3 feet measurement in length, 33.5 inches in width, and a depth of 12 inches. This kayak’s tank capacity is 2.5 gallons, and it has a total weight of 59 pounds. This kayak has an improved center bait tank feature and a holder for your rod on its front and rear area to help you while you are fishing.
This Stealth-9 product has the following features to offer: rudder system inserts, a drain plug to keep the water out of the kayak, a transducer hull, and a standing platform. It has a side bungee handle feature with a holder for your paddle, an adjustable foot rear so you can be comfortable while sitting, and a bow and stern handle. It also has different stores where you can keep your things, such as its front round hatch, bungee storage in its rear area, and a side hatch option.
9. Stealth-14 Fishing Kayak by Malibu
If you have an angler, you can have this Stealth-14, a kayak best used for fishing activities. This version of Malibu’s kayak has improved features such as its center bait tank, gator hatch v.3 where you can keep your equipment, and a breathable seat on the top x-seat feature. This version can accommodate one to two people in the kayak, and it has a maximum loading capacity of 550 pounds. The kayak has 14.4 feet in length by 33 inches in its width, and 12 inches in depth. You can drive this kayak with a motor, and its tank has a capacity of 2.5 gallons.
It has a front and rear holder for your rod so you can put it when it is not in use or waiting for the fish to take the bait. It also provides storage for your equipment on its rear rectangular hatch and bungee storage so you can bring all the gears that you need while fishing.
10. Stealth-12 Fishing Kayak by Malibu
If you want a kayak that can handle strong water currents, you can choose Stealth-12 by Malibu. This version is mid-sized compared to the other kayak products of Malibu’s stealth series, which also equipped you with enhanced features like a center bait tank, gator hatch v.3, and its x-seat feature. This kayak has 450 pounds for its maximum capacity, and it can accommodate one to two people on board. It has a tank capacity of 2.5 gallons and is measured 12.4 feet in length and 33 inches in width. You can find features like a bow and stern handle, a side bungee handle, and a holder for your paddle when it is not in use.
It offers rod holders so you can put it there while waiting for your catch and storage rooms where you can keep your essential items. It also provides you with a footrest that you can adjust so you can sit comfortably while fishing.
Buyer’s Guide Section: What to know when buying kayaks by Malibu
The list below is the factors that you need to consider before purchasing a kayak for yourself:
Space
Space is an important factor, especially if you plan to fish using your kayak, and fishing requires you to bring a lot of equipment. It is better to look for a kayak model that is designed specifically for fishing since it will provide you with the necessary features that you will need for the activity. One feature that you will need is the storage and waterproof compartments to bring all the necessary gears that you need for fishing. It would also be better if it has enough room so you can strap a cooler on the back of your kayak.
Comfort
You have to consider your height and weight to determine which kayak will be suitable for you. Each kayak model has its dimensions; some products are wider and longer while others are more compact. Your size and the boat’s size that you will use should be compatible, so you can easily control and maneuver your kayak.
Weight Capacity
It is important to check your ideal kayak’s maximum loading capacity for you to know if it can accommodate your weight. You can check its product description to know how many gears you can bring with you without exceeding its maximum capacity. You also have to consider the weight capacity, especially if you plan to purchase a two-seater kayak, so you will know if it can carry you and the other person who will ride the kayak with you.
Length
Before deciding how long your kayak should be, you must first think about what kind of water body you intend to do your kayaking activity. Smaller types of kayaks that have not more than 11 ft. in length can give you a wide range of its maneuverability. Smaller types are ideal to use in areas such as creeks, small ponds, and backwaters. On the other hand, longer types of kayaks can give you more speed performance. Longer types are ideal to use in lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Width
The width of your kayak will determine your stable balance while on water. If you plan to use your kayak for fishing purposes, it would be best to opt for a model that has good coverage of width since it requires you to stand from time to time. On the other hand, if you want to use your kayak to cover long distances, opt for a kayak with narrow characteristics since it would be easier to paddle.
Safety
It is best to make sure that the kayak you will buy is a good fit for you and can easily handle your weight and stability on the water to avoid falling in the water. It is also essential to check the seat that it provides to ensure that you are comfortable to avoid getting any cramps while kayaking.
Portability
The advantage of using a kayak is that it is more portable compared to other boats. Find the right kayak that you can load on the roof of your car to bring with you during vacation or camping that involves fun water activities. You can check the kayak’s weight on its product description so you can know if you can carry its weight just by yourself. There are kayak products that are more inflatable models, and these are much easier to transport wherever you want.
Area of Use
There are kayak models that can be used on still waters while others are used in waters with strong currents like the ocean. Recreational types of kayaks are made for calm rivers and lakes. On the other hand, it is recommended to use specialized kayaks for the sea if you plan to kayak on the ocean or go fishing by sea. Recreational types of kayaks cannot withstand larger bodies’ dangerous currents, so it is recommended to use a kayak model appropriate for the area.
Malibu: History of Company
The two main principles of Malibu Kayak as a brand are to be innovative, provide its customers with quality products, and always aim for perfection. Malibu Kayaks started its business in 1999 as a retailer, and it is now making its way to being the manufacturer of their products. The first product released on the market is the Pro Explorer model which gained popularity nationwide. After the success of the Pro Explorer kayak model of Malibu, it continuously innovates its products to improve its quality and provide the necessary features that you can use for your kayaking. This brand aims to provide better quality and design for its kayak products and accessories to give you better performance on the water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Malibu Kayak is a competitive brand that continuously improves its products to provide you with an active and fun lifestyle for water activities. Malibu believes it is the kind of brand that believes that the product should be one that should adjust for the needs of its customers, not the other way around. This brand ensures that they manufacture different kayaks to provide you with the essential features you need for different activities. Malibu offers you a wide variety of kayak models specializing in diving, family, fishing, hunting, and recreation. All you need to do is choose one that will best suit the kayaking activity you will do.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the things that you need to bring while kayaking?
Is kayaking safe for children?
Do you need experience before trying to kayak?
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G’day, my name is Rach Taylor and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former Australian Olympic athlete and Australian representative surf sports athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of Australia’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home, Indonesia. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely coffee and rock climbing, and am also a regular rowing content contributor.
