![]() Even if you only load the kayak to about 70 percent of its maximum capacity (which is recommended for better performance and a drier ride), you still have 300 lbs of available capacity, which is sufficient for most average-sized adults with a reasonable amount of fishing gear. The maximum capacity is 475 lbs (215 kg), which is more than decent, even for big guys and gals out there. At 82 lbs (37 kg), it is relatively lightweight for a fishing kayak of this size, and you should be able to cartop it if you use the right technique and the right kayak rack. It’s a big boat, but not to the extent of becoming unmanageable. I got it from Napa Valley Paddle they may still have some in stock, they can be sort of difficult to find, especially since Dicks doesn't carry them and they're the main Vibe national retailer.RELATED: 15 Best Pedal Kayaks for 2023: Reviewed and Rated + Buying Guide Size, Weight, Capacity I've usually got it on my roof 1-2 days a week so I can launch somewhere at lunch. I'm based out of Emeryville and Sebastopol, and I work in Napa. If anyone would ever like to take it out, don't hesitate to ask. Most of the reviews I found are in the panhandle region as I feel the Vibe presence is bigger down there, but there's a guy on Youtube up in Humboldt (I imagine he might be on this forum) that does a lot of offshore stuff and likes it They also have an Outback or Compass and he does some side to side comparisons that were really helpful. I wanted the option to swap drives between the two kayaks in case there was ever an issue, and knew we'd eventually get a Hobie. ![]() That was the other reason I went this route later this year we will upgrade her Yellowfin to a Hobie Outback as we'll have a lot more disposable income (I just went back to work after 3 years off). I am curious if it will last a good 10 years of abuse, the material seems a little more flexible than most of the Hobies I've tried (that could be good or bad, depending on the situation). If money is no object, I'd probably just get the appropriate Hobie, but I also like to be different. My other complaint is that the factory accessory rails on the front edges aren't very solid my GoPro boom easily flexes it quite a bit, and I question trolling from it with a rod holder or anchored in moving water.Īll that aside, I tried a ton of kayaks and did a crazy amount of research if you're on a budget like me, looking for something that can handle the Pacific but isn't too large for small lakes, and don't care about having a Hobie or as much aftermarket support, it's perfect. Keep in mind I'm only a 160-170 pounds and I run about 20-30 pounds of gear, so I'm wayyyyyy below the capacity rating, but I've seen plenty of videos of big dudes doing offshore stuff.īiggest complaints I have is that it's fairly heavy (it's over 80 pounds without pedals and without most of my gear, although pretty par for the course at 12.5 feet), and the mods and support available, but it's not like I'm missing anything. It's very easy to stand up and fish from in a lake, although I wouldn't do it in the ocean. It's also 34" wide and insanely stable, so it's really easy and comfortable for me to get out of the water. For me it's absolutely perfect because I do a lot of spearfishing and scuba diving, and it rides a couple inches lower in the water than most of the Hobies with less of a lip to get over. ![]() ![]() There are some things you'll want to immediately change, like some modifications to the rudder and the seat and such, but they're all dirt cheap DIY stuff you can do at home. It's also the cheapest yak that can be converted to pedals, plus I like the option to run the Hobie pedals via the yakgadget plate, and I have hopes the Vibe Xdrive will eventually improve and be a budget option. I love it, and the price and features can't be beat IMO. I recently got a Vibe Shearwater 125 as an upgrade from my Yellowfin 100. ![]()
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