Malibu Kayaks X-13

Great kayak for fishing and exploring

On a whim I purchased the X-13 when Bass Pro had clearance sale on a 2012 model. I didn't have high expectations. To my delight the boat paddles fast, turns well, and is very stable for a fairly narrow fishing kayak. The boat is not a stand up in fishing kayak and I have not tried to stand in it. It has ample storage space and holds a ton of gear. It is well made. It also does not get pushed around in the wind. This kayak tracks so well I'm having a hard to convincing myself to install a rudder. The boat really does not need it. It cuts through waves well. Last weekend I was with a group of kayak fishermen and a couple of guys said we tried to follow you and there was no way, you are too fast. I like this boat a lot better than my Tarpon 160 which I found did not paddle as well as I would have liked and was very difficult to handle out of water. This is my fourth kayak and second fishing kayak. If you are looking for a fishing kayak that you can cover water in and don't want pushed around by the wind with ample storage I would suggest giving the X-13 a hard look.

I've been using my girlfriends X-13 and I think it is a good yak. It tracks well for those that may be a beginner paddler. Not as fast as my scupper pro but is very stable. Dry ride if that is important to you. The only things I don't like is lak of rocker, it's hard to turn and it is heavy. I'm gonna get the scales out. I'm not sure Malibu is right on the weight.

I purchased an X-Factor as a first kayak because I wanted the stability to keep a beginner right side up while learning how to catch fish and paddle at the same time. I also own property on Pamlico Sound so wanted a ship able to handle rough water. At 6' and 180lbs I'm on the small side for an X-factor guy. Here are my observations after a year and a half: First off the kayak is a brute. Balance is everything when cartopping or carting.It is also large once you are seated. I don't know that I would recommend it to someone much shorter than myself as it is a long way to rod holders and front hatches.I'm flexible and creative. (2)The rigging options are nearly limitless. (3)Tracks extremely well W/O rudder. I spend most of my time trolling(2 rods) and believe a rudder would be a waste of $.(4)Handles rough water extremely well. I've had it conditions that were sending small boats for cover without any issues.(5)A very dry ride even with 30 lbs of gear on board. 5 star big guy kayak
Reviewer: Bruce Burton from Tulsa Oklahoma

I consider it a rocket cause for a 13'10" length, it can hang with the longer boys quite well. Dig mine cause it's got a huge open hatch up front that allows you to stuff rods, seat, pfd, and paddle into it for transport like a suit case. It "punches" through chop and not so much over it. It sits low in the water so wind cocking is very minimum. Very manuverable also. Tracks extremely well due to the nice keel down the middle. I have mine ruddered cause of where I paddle, Lower Laguna Madre in Padre Island Texas area and the winds blow 10-20 mph pretty consistantly. The plastic is thick and tough. Very, very good yak to own if you want something a little shorter than the 15-16ft rockets on the bay these days.
Reviewer: Dave from Edinburg, TX

Hello, I have just purchased Malibu Kayak's X-13 and would like to post a brief review. Malibu have removed the forward fish well and scupper in their design and the hatch now opens to the interior of the Kayak. However, this alleviates the need to install a bulkhead hatch for equipment stowage. One of the selling points that prompted my decision to buy this Kayak was the forward fish well and to say the least I was a little disappointed. The base model comes without the flush-mount rod holders, however, if you are a little handy these are relatively easy to install. I did like the fact that it comes rigged forward and aft with bungees and the gator hatch have two additional straps (I have seen some with only two straps) on the sides standard. While there isn't a trolley system, this leaves the option of placing the system where you want it without excess holes from unwanted placement. Although, there is a modest amount of water leaking through the hatch, I feel that the X-13 is a solid and sexy Kayak and with the use of the seat scupper plugs provided, quite a dry ride. It tracks well, is very quick, and even for a novice such as myself, easy to turn. All in all, the X-13 is quite lovely and I recommend it to anyone looking for a good fishing Yak.
Reviewer: Richard Lowrey from Merritt Island, Florida