Malibu X-13 Options

[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]

Very nice job Grego!

What a humble and gentle opening line... lol

[cabojohn]

You have really done a nice job Grego.
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)!

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 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]

Originally Posted by forefrazier

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.

[Tman]

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

Now go get some blood on the yak...

[herbo]

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

[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]

Originally Posted by 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

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.