Malibu 2 with loads of pictures !

[sarge]

Mark Sargent..... Get to end, lots of photo's.
I think that this is a good all round kayak. It is a bit big and cumbersome, but makes a very stable platform for fishing or just larking about. Mine has even been known to bring lobster pots ashore !

Malibu 2
This is what it looks like naked :

Stability : Very Stable, even when side on to the waves
Easy to lift : Good bow/stern/side handles
On and off the car : A bit heavy, but like many, I have perfected a technique.

To and from the water : Easy with the trolley, too heavy with all my gear on and no trolley

Fitting/build
Nuts : No Problems
Rivets : None installed
Bungee rope : Small bow section - not much use
The seat fixing and Hatches : Ocean seats are good, brass fittings, well thought out.
Rod holders : None as standard, I have wired mine into a crate
Tackle box : I use a crate behind me.

How does it feel on the water
Tracking : Very good as you would expect from such a big yak
Turning : Slow
Speed : Good due to its size, slow due to the paddler !
Does it cut through the waves or ride over the top of them
Hull slap: Cuts through the waves very well.

Seating
Is it dry or wet? Wet, but comfortable

Cargo area or well : Adequate
Storage how easy is it to get to : Very easy.

The Front Hatch Cover.
Empty, with just the mounting bracket


With the mesh bag installed (good for car keys/money etc)


With cover on :


Main Hatch Cover :


With plastic bag insert and an old plastic container full of tackle


Container inside bag in hatch


Hatch cover on. Easy access to fishing tackle


Alternate use - a snug fitting old bucket, handy for bait or bits n pieces.

Anchor set up.
No new holes in Yak, just used existing fittings
Bow view

Stern View


The 2 ends of the rope are linked with 2 bowline knots and the caribina goes through both, so if one fails, I shouldn't loose the anchor.


The complete anchor system

At the moment, my piece of rope is a bit too short, so the position is not perfect, ideally I will have the caribina and sheaves further towards the bow and stern.

Fishing set up.
Crate set up, note that the rod holders are wired onto the crate - I decided not to drill too many extra holes in the boat. Room for bait box, tackle, flares, food etc.


With anchor on board


Or the shopping basket version - no rod rest installed yet, but rods can be laid down at the side. Bungees or starps used to keep in on board


Ready for the water


Alternate rod rest
While out on the water, rods can be put under the carry handle and seat support - rod held in place by your leg as well.

[hatter3]

my hat go's off to you sarge this is how a report is should be done 10/10

[norm]

Hi Sarge, I enjoyed your report, thanks. My bro and I are learning all we can before taking the plunge and buying a kayak - seem to be lots of Malibu 2s on Ebay, so maybe this is the one.

Even though we live nowhere near N Wales, you have a really good forum - HELLO everybody, this is my first post!

Have you tried using your Malibu 2 for fishing when 2 of you are on it? Did one sit right at the back and one at front with tackle box in between?

Thanks, Norm

[ZEBRA]

hi norm sarge works away so may be away at the moment but i know he does fish from his kayak one in the front and the other at the back when fishing as a double one sits where sarge has his crate at the back and the other is just over half way by the round black hatch both anglers have a round black hatch i tront of them and plenty of room for the tackle .
where are you based norm? .we have members from all over .

[norm]

Including 540 ft underwater I see that we have members everywhere!! Thanks again Sarge for the great ideas you give me, I bought a Prowler 15 in the end and have ordered a hatch kit from Bornemouth canoes, so guess what I'm doing tomorrow!