Malibu X-13 Options

[Grego]

http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/581/grego_x13.jpg

Before anyone gets their panties in a bunch, "YES" I am sponsored by MK and have been for a number of years.

I'm going to start this thread now and continue to add as I configure my new X-13 with different rigging options. I've done several already, but I'm just going to add one or two at a time and whenever I feel like typing a post. My goal for this yak was to outfit the yak with all my needs, however maintain the use of the front hatch for its original intent. Andy "Iceman" already demonstrated that the hatch could effectively be removed if need be and so I didn't need to reinforce that or prove that it could be done, master has already done that:notworthy:. Feel free to add to the post if you have something unique that you have done to your X-13. When a new model comes out it's always nice to see what others have done and maybe it will work for you also.

I've continued my preference for a "white" yak and hope the sharks think it's the belly of a GWSlol and because it looks cool. After a white pro2 tandem, a white pro eXplorer, and two white eXtremes...I thereby knighted it Nemo V :luxhello: .

My first addition was a new NemoTank. I really like the 'kayatank' and the use of a thru-hull pump for what it was intended for and wanted to install one for this yak but I just couldn't give up my front center hatch, I pack to much food and crap to give that up. I liked my current tank that has been bullet proof for a few years but wanted to get away from having to prime, and I definitely didn't want to go back to dragging a bilge pump through the water.

After much thought a light bulb switched on and told me to go back to the basics. So like almost every fishing boat out there I decided to use a thru-hull pump to go through the hull and out to an external bait tank. I made a very little change to Nemotank III for the input fittings and kept everything else the same. I ended up with a clean, simple, and effective design. This concept will probably work on a variety of kayaks with little modifications. It runs off a 6V 7Amp battery. I present to you NemoTank IV. (Don't mind the circular hatch, that's something else:doh:)

[aguachico]

Greg;

nice looking rig.

My panties stopped bunching when I switch to the thong type. Trying to get a good pic of them now, but I can't seem to get a good angle.:D

I miss my thru-hull pump and plan going back to it on my trident. Even with the external deck it's really nice not dragging the pump around. My old cabo had a thru hull and an external tank.

[Dennis]

SICK set up, Grego. Love my white X. Anymore pictures?

[Corey]

I like the way you plumbed your tank, Grego. If I get the X-13, I think I'll do the same.

[RubiconAg]

More! More! The pics are great, do you have any of the bottom side of the hull? What is the extra circular thing for? Any overall pics of the boat?

I shuld be taking delivery of mine tomorrow with the x-wing and rudder package. I will be posting up some of my mods as well.

[steveooo]

Thats pretty cool Grego,
Very clean install. Is that a 3 gallon bucket?

[Iceman]

Very cool Grego, since talking to ya I have been thinking that I have to do the same. Through hull and 3.5 tank is perfect for the X 13.

What is the extra circular thing for?

The other idea looks pretty cool too. X M radio ya baby!:D

[Grego]

Greg;

...My panties stopped bunching when I switch to the thong type. Trying to get a good pic of them now, but I can't seem to get a good angle.:D


:drool5: Art, that's HOT!!

Yes, 3.5 has been my preference....lower center of gravity, bait last as long as a 5 and just looks way cooler. I'll try and get some more pics. Andy, the XM Radio didn't work out exactly right. The dang mold of the seat makes it difficult. It's still doable but I turned it into something else and am waiting for option B to arrive.

My next option I'll show my front hatch seal modification, it really turned out and works well.

[Zed]

Option "B":
http://www.theworldbyroad.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Image/beer%20tap.jpg

[Grego]

Here's some requested photos for the "looky loos"...nothing exciting

The pump intake...just a lot of 3M goop and a mesh netting to keep debris out. Battery Box that I just slide forward/back (glued some foam underneath to give it traction). And the body shot...that STS seat is the most comfortable I've sat on but pricey to buy. I have a really bad lower back and need all the cushion I can get, can't skimp out there no matter the price. Thanks to hook1 for hook'n me up with that:cheers1:. Humminbird 563c w/internal gps, decided to upgrade but don't ask me about "reviews" cuz I only used it twice for an hour and the first time I had a bad ducer install lol

[Grego]

Ok here's an option for the front hatch. First I hated that top clip, didn't look clean so I removed it and welded plastic into the holes. Instead I have a 'dummy' cord attached to the inside lip of the cover and secured to the yak. The function of that clip was so you don't lose the hatch on the water.

Second, I added this rubber marine seal stuff from home depot. It comes stuck together but easily splices into a single strip. Sand, acetone, heat and applied. Also added goop to the inside and outside to ensure it doesn't come off. This strip of rubber seal seems like it was custom fit to be put on the hatch seal. I tested with a garden hose and submerged 1/4 of the front hatch underwater while dropping off a dock into the harbor and to my surprise I had a bone dry inside. I wasn't expecting that, and so either this is a great solution or I got lucky with my install. Either way, I'm not complaining. Of course, only a series of knarly surf launches will really be the only true test. I also added this spray-on rubber stuff like bed liner stuff to the hatch so I had that "rubber to rubber" gripping going on. Zed - get your mind out of the gutter ....

Third I added this rubber plug from home depot to keep it plugged. This thing fits like a glove and again to my surprise absolutely no water came in. It's not permanent, just plugged up there and stays put. For some reason it plugs perfect from the bottom but not the top. I think because during the molding it's always different how the scupper holes come out. I added a string and something to keep from losing it down the hole when I push down to unplug it. I might want to let water in or out and then plug it back up by pulling up on the string for whatever reason.

[lamb]

:you_rock:

Very nice job Grego!

What a humble and gentle opening line... lol

[cabojohn]

You have really done a nice job Grego. :notworthy:
As always, you have over thought your mods for function no doubt.

X-13 might be in my future...(hot pink of course, since you already have the virgin white NEMO V already. People gotta be able to tell us apart)! :farmer:

Your Surf to Summit seat GTS PRO seat/ fighting chair- I agree its hands down it is the most comfortible seat I have ever used!!!!. If there was a more comfy cozy seat / Fighting Chair, I would use it. What ever the cost it, its worth every penny! Being comfortible is priceless.


Q. I have no skillz or time to when it comes to buy or mod my stuff...are you / Malibu going to sell this as a kit, or should I go to www.hook1kayakfishinggear.com (http://www.hook1kayakfishinggear.com) for all my kayak fishing goodies as always?:)

[forefrazier]

Can you post some photos of what you are using setup wise for water exiting the bait tank?

[Grego]

Can you post some photos of what you are using setup wise for water exiting the bait tank?

Never had that asked before....but here's some photos. This was a highly technical calculated tasks...I drilled some holes. Just mess'n, just make sure they're big enough to let sardine scales out. I've seen and am previously guilty of using some elaborate stuff.......foot long hoses over the side, tubing straight down the scupper, dual tubes to make it symmetrical, and bathtub strainers but I don't think any of that is needed unless the rear well that the tank is sitting in doesn't have scupper holes in it or they're plugged up. So moral of the story is do whatever you like, I kept it simple, clean, and effective.:sifone:

[Tman]

Nice looking job there Grego...you're hired, get ready to rig mine up soon.

Now go get some blood on the yak...:y:

[herbo]

Grego, that's one slick boat, great mods especially the thru hulls for the bait tank.......:cool: H

[forefrazier]

Grego:

Thanks for posting the very technical exit holes! I currently have a large hose going over the side. Is there any advantage or disadvantage to having the water just run into the back of the 'yak just using the holes? How fast does it drain out?

I have an X-Factor bait tank now but am not happy with the over the side tubing for the bilge pump and drain. Tried the pump thru the scupper hole before but priming issue were a pain.

[Grego]

The two scupper holes are large enough to drain the water, there's always a 1/8" of water floating around in the well back there because it doesn't flow perfectly down the hole. If that bothers you then keep the tube hanging out. It doesn't bother me because it's suppose to be wet back there anyhow from launching, water coming up the scuppers, the unexpected side swells, etc....

[deeberdave]

Grego,
Great post I'm new to the sport,been fishing this year in fresh water and just started to hit harbors and bays. Noticed most kayak fisherman are fishing live bait,so I started checking out their setups.I really like your
bait tank rigging clean functional, really cool.I also like your "marine supply" sources, I've found good stuff for my boat at Home Depot,K Mart
and even Ralphs.
Anyway, question is with the through hull pump mounting,is the vibration when the pump is on sending a resonace through the boat into the water and doe's it alarm/spook the fish?Also do you have any pump prime problems?
Thanks again for the great info
Dave:you_rock:

[Grego]

Grego,
Great post I'm new to the sport,been fishing this year in fresh water and just started to hit harbors and bays. Noticed most kayak fisherman are fishing live bait,so I started checking out their setups.I really like your
bait tank rigging clean functional, really cool.I also like your "marine supply" sources, I've found good stuff for my boat at Home Depot,K Mart
and even Ralphs.
Anyway, question is with the through hull pump mounting,is the vibration when the pump is on sending a resonace through the boat into the water and doe's it alarm/spook the fish?Also do you have any pump prime problems?
Thanks again for the great info
Dave

No priming needed.

The vibration or resonance....I'm no expert but I had no problem catching bait, some bass, and shortie butts the last time I took it out. Ummm..all the boats use them. You could ask the guys who use the kayatank to see if that's a problem, but from what I've seen they haven't seemed to slow down catching the right kind. When you install in a garage and you turn it on dry it's going to "hummmmm", but it's not like that on the water, I can't hear it at all. I don't think the vibration is any worse then having a bilge pump directly submerged in the water.

[lamb]

On pump noise/vibration... No doubt certain species are more sensitive to noise... Kayakers versus boaters on WSB counts is a strong testament.

But despite reading about it a lot on boards (people suggesting to turn off the pump when after WSB and what not), I'm not convinced that the constant buzzing of a bait-tank pump makes any difference.

This picture was taken a couple of years ago on our Baja trip... The school of 6-7 40+ lbs WSB strolled right under our kayaks to check us out. They were only 2-3 ft under our yaks, turning on their side to give us a look. At the time, I had an external pump that was pretty noisy. They didn't seem to care.

http://www.kayakfishingsupplies.com/templates/images/wsb.JPG

[TheSherThang]

Really sweet install Grego! Now where is the disco ball and hydraulics?

[deeberdave]

Thanks Guys,
I always try to be as quiet on the water as I can be, thats why I'm lovin' kayaks compared to the Merc powered rockets I used to fish in!
Guess I'll start collecting the parts for a thru-hull!
Tight Lines
Dave

[DB]

Where did you get that 3 1/2 bucket and lid?

Bob

[Grego]

Where did you get that 3 1/2 bucket and lid?

Bob

I had ordered the buckets 4 or 5 at one time from an online store some years ago, it's not worth buying only 1 because of the shipping. Andy at OEX said he was going to start stocking them and my sponsor Hook1 might also carry them.

The Gamma Seal Lids are made in SD, just do a google search and you'll find plenty of places selling them. I ordered in bulk years ago and it was something like $8 per lid with shipping. I've made a lot of tanks and surf fishing buckets with them for people so I needed a lot. Again, check with Hook1 or OEX they might carry them in stock. Also, I think a year or so ago they began making dog food containers with the same lids that I see a lot of guys using as livewells or large bait tanks.

[Grego]

No priming needed.

The vibration or resonance....I'm no expert but I had no problem catching bait, some bass, and shortie butts the last time I took it out. Ummm..all the boats use them. You could ask the guys who use the kayatank to see if that's a problem, but from what I've seen they haven't seemed to slow down catching the right kind. When you install in a garage and you turn it on dry it's going to "hummmmm", but it's not like that on the water, I can't hear it at all. I don't think the vibration is any worse then having a bilge pump directly submerged in the water.

EDIT: I can now say I caught a nice legal butt with the pump running:luxhello:

[forefrazier]

Greg:

When installing the thru hull pump, did you have to hack-saw off the end of the threads in order to make it level with the nut? I was thinking of just adding a 90 elbow so that the water would be coming straight in as I was paddling?? Thoughts?

[Grego]

Greg:

When installing the thru hull pump, did you have to hack-saw off the end of the threads in order to make it level with the nut? I was thinking of just adding a 90 elbow so that the water would be coming straight in as I was paddling?? Thoughts?

Yes, I have a pvc cutter, but same thing just made it flush. Elbow attachment, sure you can do that, I don't think it will make a functional difference since the pump is strong enough as it is and doesn't need any extra priming. The concern I foresee is the elbow sticking out farther and it might get knocked off during loading or something. Heck, maybe if you paddled enough you wouldn't even need a motor to get water flowing into the tank, but you couldn't stop or drift for very long though.

[Iceman]

West Coast Mod...........100# fish hold:D

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d151/Iceman619/IMG_0941.jpg

[deeberdave]

Wow, Where's the Coronas.:luxhello: Is that the X13 you cut the liner out of?

[Grego]

It almost fit....!

[cabojohn]

That's not a bad problem to have.:)

[wiseguy]

Great Post Grego! I've just finished my install :cheers1: and will put it in the pool first to test for leaks.

[keljad]

mate, thanks for the very informative post. I have just takien delivery of my new X13 and am keen to read any ideas on the fitout of this new kayak.

A few questions if I may;

where did you install your transducer? I have had a brief look at the inside of the hull, and the centre does not appear wide enough for a transducer.

Where and how did you fit your battery for the sounder? I am used to the Xfactors seemingly unlimited in hull access, and am struggling to get used to the lessor space

How did you get the Hook 1 sticker to adhere to the Malibu rough surface?? I have some sponsors, but have struggled to stick logo's to the rough surface

Can the 3M goop be shipped internationally?? I have looked everywhere for the stuff in Australia but cant find it

[dgax65]

James

I've used both 3M 5200 and Sikaflex and have found them to be very similar in performance (and mess created when applied).

3M 5200 (http://products3.3m.com/catalog/au/en005/auto_marine/-/node_GS77R8JLT2be/root_D58K9TX3VWgv/vroot_64GBZCLS10ge/gvel_PJ2QXH1ZGJgl/theme_au_automarine_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html)
Sikaflex (http://www.sikaindustry.com/ipd-ma-products.htm)

No 3M distributors in Australia. You can order 3M products from their website
Shop 3M (http://www.shop3m.com/marine-sealants.html)
If you can't find the 3M 5200, the Sikaflex will work just as well. Just make sure to get the type that is made for below the waterline applications. They sell Sikaflex at Whitworth's (http://www.whitworths.com.au/main_itemdetail.asp?cat=174&item=63826&intAbsolutePage=1)

[keljad]

thanks again doug for your help. So 3M marine goop is simialr to sikflex?? I thought it must be something very different which sets harder. To date I have used selly's all clear for the fixture of transducers and the like without incident, but if you guys reccomend 3M or sikaflex, then i will give it a go on the next fitting.

Thanks again

[dgax65]

James
I only use 3M 5200 on major hull penetrations, such of the thru-hulls for my bait tank intake and outlet. I prefer Marine Goop (similar to Selly's All Clear) for all other applications. 5200 is a mess and I can't seem to use it without getting the crap all over my yak and myself. Maybe that's just my problemlol Marine Goop is much easier to work with and it cleans up better.

[keljad]

i will need something suitable for major hull penetrations eventually. i am just trying to build up the nerve to slice holes in the bottom of my kayak.;)

i have another xfactor ordered, and this one will be getting the royal treatment and a water intake for a live tank.

not sure if i will put one in the x13 yet or just keep it as my bass boat:)

[Grego]

Here's my ducer and box that holds the battery. For the decals, I sanded it down, used alcohol, put the decal down and used a mini-torch to heat it up (careful not to burn) before peeling the paper off, then I used this marine/uv protectant satin gloss spray can stuff made by cobalt? I tried a few other types of stuff and either it didn't work at all or they krinkled up the sticker.

[keljad]

thanks for that grego. I was looking at placing the transducer out on the wings as you have done, but wasny sure how it would go.

Nice battery box also..........I am presuming the 7a/h battery is lying on its side inside??? Does this damage the battery??

[SteveK]

This was on KFS's site, another Bassyaks X-13
http://www.bassyaks.com/images/x-13.jpg

That live well is GREAT!!

When mounting your transducer "Flame treat" the hull before you do anything that's a very important step that beginners neglect to do.

tightlines Steve

[YakAss]

I don't have much room to speak since I'm still looking at buying a kayak, but what is that thing? looks like my son's Transformer came to lifelol.

[mattyoga]

Could you elaborate a little on flame treating the hull? :sifone: Is this too smooth it out?

Also if you mount the xducer on the side, does it effect the readnig much as its now on an angle rather than horizontal?

Cheers
Matt

[Grego]

Could you elaborate a little on flame treating the hull?

Not sure what you mean? After sanding it helps burn off those little hairs of plastic and also helps the adhesive of whatever your putting on stick a little better.

When I worked at MK we would flame treat the hull if there was a dent on the bottom to pop it back out, and we would flame treat the red kayaks because it made that particular color come out looking a lot brighter.

For the other post, I haven't had a problem with the batteries laying on the side.

[fyr4efect]

Hey Greg,

Saw your X-13 modes..very kool.I am a newbie and have a X-13 on the way.I am mainly going to use it for lake bass fishing.At 250# 6 ft.I have been told it might be too small and unstable.Any opinion?

Mike

[Grego]

Hey Greg,

Saw your X-13 modes..very kool.I am a newbie and have a X-13 on the way.I am mainly going to use it for lake bass fishing.At 250# 6 ft.I have been told it might be too small and unstable.Any opinion? Mike

Mike, I don't have an opinion, my experience is only with my own weight (165lbs). Perhaps Andy "Iceman" can give you an opinion based on feedback from his customer base?

[cabojohn]

I paddled a X-13 today...went to Sunset OEX and talked with Andy.
He let me test paddle one of his rentals. I will be adding a X13 to my fleet. What I like best about the X-13 is that I can put TRIPLE flush mount rod holders on the rear of the kayak!!!:)
The kayak paddled like a dream! After a quick paddle I realized that I NEED ONE in my fleet. This just might be my primary kayak.
It's a little different from anything I have paddled before. I would say its something in between my Tarpon 160i & Prowler 13. (I love both of these kayaks) The deck layout is great too. Although I paddled the kayak with no extra weight, the X13 feels well balanced and I wouldn't hesitate to use a x13 on a long distance paddle or go throug any surf! I know the X13 surfs good too, I watch Tman ride a really big wave at Sano at the last surf club day.:kayak-surfer: AWESOME!
I have / had many many differnt fishing kayaks...if I had to pick just one kayak for me, it would probably be the X13. :stoned:
I just cant decide which color? Hot Pink???:D

***anyone looking for a good all around fishing kayak should test paddle the X13.

$.02
cabo j


PS- Thanks Grego for showing me how I want mine set up.

[Iceman]

Saw your X-13 modes..very kool.I am a newbie and have a X-13 on the way.I am mainly going to use it for lake bass fishing.At 250# 6 ft.I have been told it might be too small and unstable.Any opinion? Mike

That same day at San O, before T Man caught a wave, a 250 pound (Land Whale) rode an impressive wave in on my X 13.

The X 13 is plenty stable and will work for you, doing mainly freshwater I assume you won't be adding an extra 100 pounds of bait tank and gear.

I just brought in the 3 gallon bucket tanks as I think keeping the load as light as possible retain the benefits that this kayak offers in ease of paddling.

Thanks for the rave review John.......the price is still the price:D

[Kansas Tree Rat]

Hi Guys
Thanks for the great info on the X13. I plan to order one soon. The one thing that I have been thinking is that the large BLACK hatch would draw a lot of unnecessary heat. I think the first thing I will do is paint it. Was thinking maybe just primer grey. Any thoughts on this?

[Flyfisher70]

Very nice and clean looking kayak.
Thanks for sharing all the cool ideas.

[jaywo]

You look like you've done this before so I intend on copying you a lot. I have an x13 that I have yet to drill a whole in. Part of being new to this and a pansy I guess. Can you tell me specifically how you put the plug together for the bow scupper, specifically the screw type and how you attached the cord. I also wanted to get your thoughts on putting a 4 inch hatch in the bow well to access the inside of the hull. I want to put my FF at the end of one of the footwells to keep it off the center bridge, but can't do it without inner hull access from the inside of the live well. Thanks

[Grego]

You look like you've done this before so I intend on copying you a lot. I have an x13 that I have yet to drill a whole in. Part of being new to this and a pansy I guess. Can you tell me specifically how you put the plug together for the bow scupper, specifically the screw type and how you attached the cord. I also wanted to get your thoughts on putting a 4 inch hatch in the bow well to access the inside of the hull. I want to put my FF at the end of one of the footwells to keep it off the center bridge, but can't do it without inner hull access from the inside of the live well. Thanks

I'll put some pics up of the plug tomorrow, it's real simple. Andy "Iceman" did that hatch there already...maybe he'll respond or give him a call at the oex sunset beach store. I would do it another way if all I wanted to do was put a fish finder there. I would've used those plastic thing-a-ma-jigs that you pound into a hole and then when you screw the screw it "stars" out. They rate for like 125lbs of pressure. Then tape the power and ducer wire ends to a straightened out clothes hanger and feed the wire up the hole to the FF. Use the same plug type to make that hole water tight.

[Grego]

Here's the plug....how i put a string on it isn't key to anything....just do whatever works with what you got. You can figure out how i did it from the photo.
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f38/locogrego/DSC01255.jpg