Malibu or OK?

[Redfish12]

I recently sold my Heritage Redfish 12 with the idea of getting a longer faster boat with more weight capacity. I was considering a Hobie, but after some unfortunate events this past weekend I just don't think I'll be able to put that much money in at this point.

So it's come down to the OK Trident 13 and the Malibu X-13. I think the OK Trident 15 and the eXtreme are too big, so I'm trying to compromise with the 13-14 foot models.

Has anyone had any experience with either of these two boats? How do they paddle? Room for fishing? Stable...?

Any general opinions would be much appreciated!!!

[Grilled]

i really haven't had any experience with either boat but I really like the way the malibu is set up. does the ok trident come with a rudder? how much do they go for?

if you call around, you might be able to get a good deal on a 09 hobie. I paid around $1,500 for mine including the hobie kart.

[jffoley]

I would have went with a Trident 13 but found a good deal on a complete "starter kit"... A used Ocean Kayak Drifter all set up with a fish finder, anchor trolley, rod holders, Scotty mounts in front and rear (for a light pole), a good PFD only used four times and a carbon shaft paddle.

Before finding that I did see a Trident 13 on Craigslist locally. (VA) It's a while back but if you check around you'll find a good deal.

After looking for a while I settled on OK. These are stable boats for sure. Have you seen Kayak Kevin's DVD trailer? That's some rough looking water down there. Most of those are all Ocean Kayak's. I did research Malibu and Hobie as well. Real good boats also but found them to be a lot more expensive than OK's.

Good luck on your search!

[jet]

i havent used either, but i do know Ocean Kayaks are good boats and will most likely be my next yak, when i add to the fleet.

[Redfish12]

Thanks for the input guys. I found a deal on a new OK Trident for my price range, so I will probably go with that.

I saw the Kayak Kevin DVD, pretty intense stuff! I'm pretty sure he still fishes a drifter and he paddles all the way out to the islands at the CBBT. Granted, he paddles a lot more than me, but must be a good boat for him to keep it for so long.

I was talking to a guy at a shop in Richmond last night and he said that hands down the OK was better than the Malibu- faster, lighter, more durable, more stable, etc... I was surprised! I thought the Malibu's were designed by fishermen on the West Coast that launch from La Jolla and other SOCAL surf areas.

Anyone have some shots of a rigged Trident 13?

[Redfish12]

I found a REVO and an Outback for roughly $1300 a piece if anyone wants that information.

[jffoley]

Redfish12,
Here's a couple from kayakfishingstuff forums. If you search around on there you'll get plenty of ideas:

http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/com...ad.php?t=76987

http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/com...ad.php?t=72428

And another:

http://smallwater.wordpress.com/2010...rigging-plans/

[Redfish12]

JFFoley,

Thanks for the links, sounds like I'm not the only one with those two boats on their mind!

Looks like I'll be getting the Trident from Appomattox River Co in Richmond and picking up on Friday. They are going to give me a great deal!

[Redfish12]

[jffoley]

Sweet! Looks like a real nice ride. Congrats.

Any particular rigging plans? Gonna add the rod pod on your own or skipping that altogether?

Gotta admit... a little envious!

[Grilled]

nice..congrats on the new ride

[Dallison]

I live in Richmond...

JFFoley,

Thanks for the links, sounds like I'm not the only one with those two boats on their mind!

Looks like I'll be getting the Trident from Appomattox River Co in Richmond and picking up on Friday. They are going to give me a great deal!

I hope you are not paying any shipping if you are picking it up.

[Redfish12]

I have a new scotty that I negotiated with my last boat but didn't end up needing... so planning for that some where. I guess I'll be getting a hummingbird fishfinder so I can use the transducer scupper hole. I plan on installing the rod pod for sure, but I am thinking about trying to make my own hatch first... $70 bucks is a lot for a piece of plastic in my opinion.

I am not sure about a forward rod holder yet, looks like there are slim choices for them in places that would not affect my paddling but still be reachable. I'm planning on testing some configurations in Roach's run this week to see how they would work out.

I'm very excited about this boat!!! I wanted something bigger and faster than my redfish and I can't wait to break it in.