Five reasons I sold my Stealth Profisha kayak

[@2claverton]

Stealth is a kayak that was initially designed to launch through big surf conditions (like in Durban, South Africa where it is made), look for video's taken from the KwaZulu-Natal coast off South Africa and Mozambique and you'll see what I mean. I'm not a Stealth fanboy, I'm not loyal to any brand. However the ProFisha 575 is still the fastest fishing kayak that we are able to get in South Africa so I will keep using it because it works best for the type of fishing that I do, big surf launches out of Clansthal, long paddles to get out to Aliwal Shoal (5km offshore) and a day spent fishing in hard conditions, often windy, choppy, big swell and fast currents, chasing small bonito to pin as live baits. Stealth's fiberglass models are not tough kayaks, none of the current fiberglass brands stand up to a pounding in the surf or on the rocks. Vortex 560 was a great kayak, I heard of one that washed up on the rocks and had a few scratches and no cracks but I'm 6'5 so it was not long enough for my legs. My advice is to try out a few kayaks before you buy, work out what you want to do with your kayak and buy what suits your fishing style, fitness level and paddling skills. Buy a used kayak before you buy a new one, that way you don't loose money, you just sell it on, get your money back, buy and try again. When you find the kayak that fits you, go buy your new one. Finally...YOUR KAYAK IS A FISHING TOOL TO GET YOU OUT TO THE FISH AND BACK, it's not a sports car that needs to be polished and look great, you're taking it out into the ocean not for a cruise along the promenade. It just needs to be structurally sound and in good working order. I see so many guys with pretty kayaks crying after a repair job...and they never match the colors right. IT'S JUST A TOOL FOR SMASHING FISH...FFS!

[@paultaylor3856]

Hey mate, Stealth is a specialised kayak and it’s strength lies in getting in and out through the surf. Hobies aren’t so effective in the surf zone but on anything else they excel. So as they say, horses for courses so that’s why I have each one.

[@Beyondthebreakers]

Yes, I agree. Hobie is not good in the surf and that is why I try to stay at home on windy days. I just did not how fragile Stealth is and it takes lot of space. But it looks great and probably one of the best paddling fishing kayak on the market. P.S. Prowler goes through the surf pretty well too and it is indestructible.

[@alishabab3]

@@Beyondthebreakers Look at a Viking kayak.. I got a reload. Not used it in surf yet but I seen allot people use them. I've been offshore through surf on Hobie revo 13, stealth profisha 525. The Hobie wasnt too hard going through surf just annoying.. The stealth was great but crap inshore due to the rudder. Viking so far has been great and the default rod holders on it is heaps on it compared to hobie or stealth

[@makeawishkid131]

@@alishabab3 can you elaborate on the stealths drawbacks inshore? I'm looking for a kayak in that faster range (

[@jeffraia7068]

@@alishabab3 I have a FeelFree Moken 12.5 v2 and a Viking ProFish Reload. The Moken 12.5 has it's uses, especially for my nephew and women and small people. The wheel in the keel, how rugged and simple it is, and the sonar pod make it a great throw and go do anything in skinny water kayak. The Viking is a beast and has a great tackle management system. The Reload goes offshore in Central California and the weather in Central California is typically rough, rocky, windy, foggy, choppy, and in the winter heavy thick surf. The Reload does really well except for the fact that your gear is largely exposed. This means that I only use harbors because I know that the cost of replacing lost gear is more than I am willing to deal with. So as an experienced Viking offshore user I can say the only drawback to the Reload is that surf launching is forbidden unless you have no exposed gear. I have yet to figure out how to do anything with my Penn rods and reels (they are HUGE) except attach a rod leash and hope for the best. Also putting fish in the bag in the rear tank well in rough conditions is scary. Though I have not capsized yet, every time I turn around, I do so as fast and as carefully as is possible. It is scary. I am going to buy a Stealth for offshore fishing. The fish box and the way it allows you to surf launch is exactly my dream. I also want a light kayak. So, I am going to figure out how to get my hands on one of the Stealth's. Not sure what model yet. The Stealth will be my offshore war machine. The Viking can do offshore duty easily, but will require the use of a harbor. The Viking also does really great on lakes/rivers in freshwater, and because it is rotomolded thick plastic you can rock bash without fear. The Viking will be my freshwater war machine and can double as an offshore boat for a friend in need on an outing. The Moken is always going to be a fun throw around kayak and my 14 year old nephew loves it. The comfy seat and the stability far outweigh the lack of performance. Also the wheel in the keel is the only reason he can move the yak around. Women also love the Moken for the same reasons. I also am thinking of a touring kayak instead of a Stealth. There is no rush and I am thinking carefully. You say you have a profisha 525. Do you like it? Would you prefer a Necky or an Eddyline or a Delta or something like that?

[@thinusscheepers5821]

I agree. You are comparing a horse to cow!

[@Joshua-dw8wu]

Good points. Thank you

[@chazbickel4518]

A good pair would be the Revo 13 and the stealth pro fisha. They are made for different conditions but both are awesome kayaks.

[@FLman]

1) it is longer, but lighter than a plastic kayak so it will be different to put on the roof 2) the seat definitely works your core, it isn't a lawn chair 3) put 4-6 frozen gatorade bottles of water, you will be fine. yes, you need to clean it when you are done if there were fish, as you would a fish bag. It is no more cleaning than using a bag. there is more storage on an outback, but do you want to take all that through the surf? 4) you certainly have to use the paddle, if you like pedals this isn't for you. the live well is fine for a few baits 5) it is fiberglass, and you cannot crank down on it with ratchets like you do a plastic kayak. plastic is better if you drop it on the concrete or run across oysters For me, the main disadvantage is that I cannot stand up... that is what i miss from having a wide sit on top. you are right, i do have to be more careful about dropping it and oysters. What i love is the simplicity. there is nothing sticking off my boat when i launch, and even when I am fishing, i only have the rods and the fish finder sticking off it. Less is more. The idea of 150lb hobie with a livewell, crate, huge fishbag, etc you may as well buy a jon boat for inshore fishing. and if you have all that stuff on it you need to be super careful in the surf.

[@Beyondthebreakers]

Thank you for your opinion, and I agree with you. Stealth is a great kayak, just did not work for me. Actually, I really like Prowler from Ocean Kayak in case I need to go "light". I try not to go through the surf. Usually, if the surf is high in Florida, the fishing is not going to be very enjoyable and potentially dangerous. I like my hands fee. So far Revo works just fine for my, but I understand disadvantages of sticking rods, live well, etc. There is no perfect solution for everyone.

[@FLman]

@@Beyondthebreakers nothing you said is untrue :D

[@HN_DE]

You mentioned another kayak you bought. What was the name again? I am looking for an alternative to stealth, since they are out of stock in Europe since many months. Thx

[@Beyondthebreakers]

In my opinion, the best paddle kayak - Prowler 13. Cheap, undestructible, light and fast. The best pedal kayak - hobie Revo or Outback.

[@HN_DE]

@@Beyondthebreakers thank you sir

[@jeffraia7068]

try a Viking Reload or Gt... they are cheap, tough, light, and great performance boats... only drawback is they do not like to surf launch as they have nowhere to place the rods in the hull...

[@travis6923]

Thanks for this video these were all the questions I had about the stealth

[@paulgarcia1147]

Yeah I’m trying to decide if I should spend the money on a Stealth 460. I like everything about it but I’m afraid of spending that much and it turn out to damage easily. Like you I don’t want to have to “baby” my fishing kayak. I wish I could find used ones here in South Texas but I’ve never had any luck…

[@Beyondthebreakers]

If you want paddling kayak, buy Prowler 13, it is bullet proof, cheap and fast. If you want pedal kayak, buy Hobie Revo or Outback.

[@Beyondthebreakers]

@drop stix in Florida, I am pretty happy with Hobie (Revo or outback). Often you need to fight a big fish and current, it is much easier to do when my hands are free. It is also very durable. Easy to put in the truck bed. For many, Hobie has way more advantages.

[@reddienst3441]

I understand your problem but so the better choice would have to buy a ... Stealth Fusion 480. The Fusion is a plastic kayak which keeps the main qualities of the Profisha 525 except the loss of a little speed. It is a sturdy kayak because of the plastic and it is also a beautiful kayak with the lines of the Stealth brand and not a barge like some fishing kayak. The weight is also contained and their is no great difference to carry a Profisha 525 or a Fusion 480. I am well placed to compare them because I owe the 2 (among many other brands and models). For me the Fusion 480 is a better allrounder.It doesn't make a great difference on water but it does when I go ashore on coast other than sandy. Otherway the Profisha 525 is a fantastic kayak and it is a pleasure to use such a splendid model and to exploit its speed. Its drawback is effectively that the user must be more careful when using it near a coast, especially when there are stones in shallow water.

[@pieterkruger4134]

I assume you dont do any surf launces lol. your plasic kayak wont survive. didn't you look at the spec sheet before buying it lol

[@Beyondthebreakers]

I do surf launches, but if surf is too high I prefer to stay home. I know some heroes with broken neck. Also, in South Florida the current is ripping, you will be 10 miles away in your stealth in just 2-3 hours.

[@МусаБероев]

Wow. You put the pillow back in place !! With a beard, you are like a seasoned traveler

[@hanoitripper1809]

I tht about that too, stealth is expensive but so easily damaged!

[@Beyondthebreakers]

It is good looking kayak, but not very practical. Hard to transport, hard to store and very fragile. Also, I like to have my hands free, so outback or revo are my favorite kayaks so far.

[@hanoitripper1809]

@@Beyondthebreakers what do u think of the white underbelly on kayaks? Do u think it can possibly attract sharks with the white color?

[@Beyondthebreakers]

@@hanoitripper1809 No, I don't this so. In fact, I just swam with the sharks and they were fine.

[@hanoitripper1809]

@@Beyondthebreakers swam? What kind of sharks? We’re u spearfishing?

[@Beyondthebreakers]

@@hanoitripper1809 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKeyZmOFo7Vmh7s

[@AKCrazyRussian]

Nice! 👍