Pro Explorer

I took the new version of the Pro Explorer out for several test drives.  Malibu Kayaks has added a HUGE new front 38" hatch to accommodate all of the gear.  It's the largest hatch I've seen on a kayak.  I was able to stow 3 poles, spear gun and gaff with still much room to spare.  It was a synch stowing all the gear away.. Even with all that gear (plus large otter box, battery, cables, etc;), I could still have put a bunch more gear in there without having to line up every pole or piece of gear perfectly. I sort of just dumped it in.  There is also a center hatch located just in front of the seat. This is not a new idea to the kayak fishing community.  What a great utility hatch. Tackle, drinks, lunch, camera, etc; No scooting yourself up to the front hatch just to pull out your lunch.  There is a nice tank well in the back for stringing up your fish or stowing more gear topside.

There is plenty of deck space on the Pro Explorer.  If  you have paddled a 12-13ft tandem SOT kayak solo, and have noticed the amount of deck space when your paddling partner isn't there; this is a similar view.

I'm 6'2" and weigh about 205.  My feet didn't even come close to touching the last molded foot rest.  This kayak can handle a tall person no problem.  I was pleasantly surprised how long the cockpit was.  Though a shorter person should be fine as well.  

The kayak tracked extremely well. I took it out in the afternoon wind.  It handled the wind waves great, tracking well through 1-2 footers with white caps.  The ride was very dry as well.  Even with wind waves breaking over my bow, I still managed to stay dry. 

I personally haven't paddled a kayak that was more stable.  Though I have many more hours with the touring style of sit on tops than I have with these wider, shorter designs.  Today I managed to get on the beach without coming across some of the 2-3ft beach breaks that were regularly pounding the shoreline.  Though the other day, I did manage to successfully ride straight down the face of a small beach break wave without pearling the front end.  Thank the front splash guard for that.

I tried the kayak out with a low back seat the very first time I paddled it.  I felt uncomfortable with the low back seat in the Pro Explorer.  When sitting in the low back seat, it seemed like my rear end was lower than my legs or the footrests.  It put more strain on my lower back then I was use to.  Since I sat so low in the kayak, I kept bumping into the rear paddle clip with my elbow.

The next time I took the Pro Explorer out, I replaced the low back with a Surf to Summit tall back.  HUGE difference in comfort, control, etc; the tall back seat made a world of difference.  If you visit their web site, it's pictured with a tall back seat.  As well, once I made the switch to tall back, that rear paddle clip wasn't a factor anymore.  I was very pleased with the performance once the tall back was in place.  An alternative fix to the sunken seat (which can be fairly common with some sit on top style kayaks) would be to add some sort of supplemental seat pad or cushion.  This pad would be in addition to your kayak seat.  The pad would make it possible for those of you whom prefer low back seats to the 3/4 or tall back.

One thing to consider is transporting them.  If you are use to putting two kayaks on your roof top, you will have to measure the two kayaks against the surface area of your rooftop.  I could not have put 2 of these kayaks side to side on top of my Honda Accord or a small truck top.  Though kayak saddles, truck beds, larger roofs, etc; could manage two kayaks side by side.

This is not a fast kayak by any means.  It requires more energy per stroke than a touring style kayak.  If you wanted to put the Pro Explorer into a group of kayaks, you would most likely see the Cobra Navigator, Cobra Fish & Dive (larger than the Pro) and Ocean Kayak's Drifter (and maybe a few tandem kayaks).  None of which are known for having touring style attributes.  In other words, if you are planning to paddle several miles every time you headed out, this kayak would not be the one for you.  If you want a stable, well tracking kayak with plenty of above and below storage space, this is a great kayak that.  This kayak has been improved and re-modified to better suit the angler or diver.

Cheaper may not necessarily be better when purchasing kayaks, boats or just about anything.  In the case of Malibu Kayak's all new Pro Explorer, you DO NOT compromise quality because you are paying less than some of the larger manufactures for their sit on tops.  We consider this a good value.  It also comes with a lifetime warranty.

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