VIBE SHEARWATER 125 REVIEW AFTER 6 MONTHS

[@johnmortimer1334]

I’ve been so undecided on which kayak to choose from. After this video, that was very detailed, I found this one to have the options I’m looking for. Thanks for taking the time to do this review

[@Palantinerock]

Man, thank for taking the time to put this together. I will probably upgrade my kayak this year and your video will definitely help me make an informed decision. Well done!

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Thanks. I'm glad it helped. Best of luck in your decision.

[@arkhamwhitt5546]

Great review. I haven’t seen any months later review yet and this is one of kayaks I’ve been looking to pick up for the2021 season. The pros and cons really helped.👍

[@JuanBottom]

I watched a lot of reviews and this is the best one.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Thanks!

[@benny_gebs_fishing]

I have been searching for a Kayak and was told to check out the Shearwater. Thank you for doing a review on it. Definitely helped me make my decision!

[@montemulherin7305]

Freaking awesome review. I currently have a Hobie Outback, but don’t care for the low seating position. I’ll be checking out one of these for sure. Thanks

[@jakelindquist5325]

Appreciate your thorough overview and comparisons at the end. Thank you for making the video.

[@bekirakkus9177]

Thanks for the nice explanation and honest opinion. I am buying Monday :) so excited !! i waited years to afford a kayak finally..

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Congrats on getting a kayak. This is miles better than the first one I ever bought. I am sure you will enjoy it.

[@erichgonzalez6685]

Dude must have spent the entire 6 months working on the kayak. Good vid

[@solidmc90]

thank you for doing this. really helped me decide between this and the seaghost

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback. Which did you decide on?

[@zacks5520]

@@kayakfishingworks1304 Yeah I am in the same "boat" on this decision!

[@solidmc90]

@@kayakfishingworks1304 ordered the shearwater. there are just so many options for it.

[@josephnewburgh8531]

FYI, I had a seaghost 130, and now a shearwater 12.5 get the 125 a lot more stable! Still fast enough, 130 was faster paddling but I'll take the stability!

[@jerry-381]

Thanks for the indepth review. The issues you've had and the number of mods you've done out of necessity is disappointing. Im sure the drive pod issue was frustrating to go through. Vibe obviously didn't do extensive testing before they released this model. Something you rarely see happen with the leading kayak manufacturers.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Thanks! You're welcome. Yeah, no matter what kayak you buy there is always going to be something that breaks or could work better. Would have been nice to have fewer items but also don't feel like I paid a premium price. Honestly, most fixes were not a big deal to me. Shoot even Hobie has upgraded rudders and drives over time, Boondox makes a larger rudder for the Titan, my Topwater drive which is pretty bullet proof had some issues, etc... but I am really disappointed in the x-pod. I still really like the Shearwater though so willing to put up with it.

[@th365thli]

Amazing and detailed review. Thank you so much

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Thanks, I appreciate the feedback. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jaynecobb5774]

Vibe needs to give you some love, you just sold a kayak for them

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Haha...thanks! I hope you enjoy your new yak!

[@dragonfly6243]

Fantastic video thank you. Awesome trailer too.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Thanks! And plan to make a video on the trailer this summer. It has been working out well.

[@MNCasaPro]

@25:02 Maybe you could add some plastic spacer material to the bottom of those recesses to keep the water out of the Plano boxes. How deep does the water get in there?

[@JamesJReid]

great review thank you

[@Chubbadubz]

Great video. Was very helpful as i am looking into getting this Kayak. Going over all your mods as well was very helpful. Will subscribe

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful.

[@uopaul]

So, big question. I am actually buying a Vibe Shearwater along with the 180 drive this Saturday. If you were buying today, would you still buy this same Kayak? This is going to be my first fishing kayak, and I do love tinkering with things so the idea of changing things does not bother me. I have some other people saying I am making a mistake and should buy an Oldtowne 120 PDL since the price is about the same.

[@CablesCodex]

Did you go for it?

[@uopaul]

@@CablesCodex I did, I have had it since mid April now. I have been very happy with it, I did end up getting the YakGadget pod and the hobie drive. I also got the Snipe Air rudder, YakHobby Big Swing rudder extensions, and steering handle. Really the only actual problem I had with it was that the Vibe steering handle kept coming loose. The other things I did were just performance upgrades that have made the kayak more maneuverable.

[@Praetorian775]

Awesome review! Thank you

[@geraldp3790]

great idea with the ridgid tool box as your black box and rod holder👍

[@777Yoni]

Kudos! this was exceptionally well done. I am in the market for something for fishing. This video definitely helped. Thank you.

[@bjaminf113]

Had a SG130 for years, would love a comparison video. Hadn't been able to talk myself out of the money yet. For hammock camping and such, the internal storage on the SG130 is awesome. Added batteries, front 3 hole console connections, fish finder,, and rear fish light connections. I've seen where you can access the inside of the shearwater. Have you run any wiring in it yet? Thanks for the vid.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Yeah, that is one of the disappointments of the Vibe when compared to the SG 130. More and more I miss having the internal storage. Super handy at times. No problems running wiring in the Vibe. Wired up lights and keep the battery installed in the front access area. I used a section of 1/2" pvc to push wire from the front access to the rear. The Hobie Outback is a good alternative with its internal storage but I like the seat and height of the Vibe seat so much better. Bonafide showed a pedal drive at Icast this year. That might be one to think about also. Although, it is a propeller drive and I really enjoy the mirage style drive better.

[@boulovard4303]

excellent review

[@MNCasaPro]

Wow, do you have a video on the wheels mod @1:36 ? That's really slick.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6GQo5Z-fLRjitE

[@MNCasaPro]

@@kayakfishingworks1304 Thank you!!!

[@bradwiebe5692]

Well said with out attacks on Vibe! No one thing will work for all people. Well spoken!

[@djvne]

just bought this kayak. so pumped to use it. thank you

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

You're welcome! Enjoy your new yak!

[@reinaldomoll]

Awesome video very informative! What do you think of this kayak versus the Bigwater 132 PDL? Still deciding which one to get.

[@yamama7836]

I had to get the pod from yak gadget because the x pod was sold out but now I’m glad I got the yak gadget one

[@tlow6941]

Great video

[@Dragonlord9]

Wow, very nice review! By the way, the x drives were bad or was it the mirage drive? Which drive you end up using? I am gonna buy this one

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Thanks! I went with the Hobie 180 drive with kick up fins. I had to find someone selling one on Ebay though as Hobie does not sell the kick up version yet unless you are buying one of their boats.

[@nate9007]

Excellent review. Thanks! Just ordered the red one.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Thanks! And congrats. I hope your Shearwater arrives soon.

[@therocktm2001]

Great video. Can you make more content showing g how you built the trolling g motor setup, etc. Thx

[@scottholweger5773]

I'm really interested to see more on the diy kayak cart

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6GQo5Z-fLRjitE

[@dmnguye69]

2k by the time you add their flipper drives in and all of the other not so solid design, I probably just pay a bit more and stick with the Hobie Outback. Great review. The rudder seems to be really weak looking.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

I really like the Outback but choose the Shearwater because I found the seat to be more comfortable for me and will position slightly higher. Plus, the Outback is over $3k. Although, since I got the yak gadget drive pod, added click and go locks, and a Hobie 180 w/kick up fins that put everything closer to $2700. Increased the size of the rudder blade but have not had an issue with it's durability but agree it looks weak. Although, since it sits on top of the boat I don't have to put it in the protective cradle for when I cartop like I would on the Outback. Anyhow, pros and cons. Thanks for watching. And enjoy the Outback it's a solid boat for sure.

[@RemayPesca]

Nice review. I see that you had issues with the X-Pod. I've just placed an order for the X-Pod since I will pedal on a Hobie Mirage 180 PDL. Could you please go deeper on what the issue was and how did you fixed it? Thank you.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

The new X-pods are supposed to be built more sturdy. The problem I and others have had with the originals are that where the front of the mirage drive rests on the x-pod will develop a crack. This will lead to the x-pod filling with water. Not the end of the world but sometimes that crack will worsen and the lip will break away rendering the x-pod unusable unless repaired or replaced. This is the issue I had with my first X-pod. The replacement X-pod was cast poorly only allowing for a very small surface at the front lip to support the front of the drive. Within 30 minutes the drive pitched forward, basically deforming the lip. This also resulted in the x-pod locks that hold the mirage drive to break. Hopefully the pod has been beefed up but unless they are making the locks out of a different material I think they are too weak. I plan on making a video on this soon. I am happy with my Yak-Gadget version of the X-pod and I added the click and go locks (from Lightning Kayaks) that are like the Hobie Locks. This system I am happy with and is much more robust.

[@RemayPesca]

@@kayakfishingworks1304 Thank you! I appreciate your prompt response and wait for the upcoming video.

[@RemayPesca]

​@@kayakfishingworks1304 Hi again. I got my Yak-Gadget version of the X-pod and it is tougher than the original X-pod. The situation I had last Saturday is that the lock at the front of the seat bent and the pod popped out when I was pedaling fast. In my opinion, the pod should have two locks in that section instead of one. I wrote to Yak-Gadget to see if they have better locks than the original ones. I hope they do, otherwise, I will have to work around it and build them myself.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

@@RemayPesca Hi, yeah I just had the same experience. I turned the lock another 90 degrees which worked for a few days and then the lock broke. I agree with you. Two locks or at least one that is much stronger. Fortunately I have a few extra of these locks as Vibe customer service sent me some by mistake but I am going to make something out of aluminum or thick HDPE.

[@lukehurstfishing]

Very helpful vid! Quick question tho, what rudder extension did you use for the rudder?

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Thanks. I made my own.

[@gabrielagomez8160]

Hello! what minimum size should the blades have to paddle have to paddle well on the SW125? Your video is excellent!

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

I leave the seat in the high position all the time. So for me at least 240.

[@jsmith7790]

great overview.

[@albertgavieres7852]

Curious why you would consider a pa14 if you already have a rigged up shearwater for tournaments?

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Great question. A lot of people swear by them so I was curious if I was really missing out. Even though I was very happy fishing tournaments with the Shearwater and wasn't really looking to change a fellow kayak club member offered me such a good deal on a PA14 that I decided to go for it. No way does it paddle as well as the Shearwater, which I still have and use when I cartop or go river fishing, but the PA is even more stable for standing, I like the rod storage a lot better, and actually use it as my tournament kayak now. Unless you find something used the Shearwater is still hard to beat though.

[@albertgavieres7852]

@@kayakfishingworks1304 makes sense. I have a 130t and a seaghost 110 and am trying to decide if I want to rig one of them up for tournaments, trade up for a shearwater, or another boat/kayak altogether

[@erfrench87]

This was really informative! Ive been looking at these for a few months now. Thanks for pointing out all of the cons as well. I wonder if they have upgraded the rudder and steering system now? I also like that yakgadget has an updated pod for the 180. Just wonder is coughing up the cash for a hobie is the overall way to go.

[@brandonhowes5364]

Vibe actually has addressed some of these issues. The pod is now on its 3rd revision, the pod retainer bolts have washers, the new rudder base slides better and also locks in place better if using a Bixpy in reverse. Overall the cons can be fixed, and in my opinion is still an overall good value. The steering system was changed, and is objectively better, however I went a different route putting bonafide foot braces on mine. I also changed the rudder to an SAI ultra rudder which makes a huge difference in water with current. I wish Vibe would make an extension for the existing rudder, but the fact is aftermarket options are available for most of the things you can complain about. I have aftermarket pod locks as well, if you are curious take a dip into the Facebook group to see what others are doing with theirs. I chose the Shearwater because it had lots of options at a reasonable price, and honestly the biggest con at this point is availability for both the yaks and parts, and this goes for a lot of other companies right now.

[@mrlordmagikarp7150]

Hey, by any chance, did you ever measure how large was the opening for the electronics pod? I am curious if the Lowrance 3-1 transducer would fit through it. Great video!

[@Jstephens2012]

So you had problems with the pod and not the actual X-drive? Can the x-drive be used with the yak gadget pod? For me, it's either this or the Pescador Pilot 12, so I'm trying to make a decision. Until seeing this, I had settled on this one due to the seat and the electronics pod. I'm not sure now.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

I can't speak for the x-drive as I dd not buy or use one. I have only used the shearwater with a Hobie 180 drive. But the x-drive will fit in a yak gadget pod. Personally, I would go with the Shearwater or a Topwater PDL over the Pescador. But not saying the Pescador is a bad boat. Seats are way better on both boats and have not been super impressed with perception drive vs a PDL or Mirage style drive. But that's just my opinion. Wish you well with your decision.

[@Jstephens2012]

@@kayakfishingworks1304 Thanks! I researched the Pescador further and am not crazy about it. So it will either be a Shearwater with yak gadget pod and modifications, a Topwater PDL 120, or a used Hobie with Mirage if one at the right price becomes available. I need to go demo some, but my options may be limited where I am. Thanks again.

[@davidtokla6326]

Great video who makes that storage box on the back of your kayak? Thx

[@gabrielagomez8160]

Good!!! I am very interested in the car theme for the shearwater 125 vibe. Is it the same that you used in your other kayak that you have on your KZbin channel? Thank you!

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Yes, exact same cart. I also found an extra thick pool noodle which helps the kayak sit up a little higher off the ground when your pulling it along.

[@charlespalmerii4299]

thanks for the Video, do you know if they did any updates for 2022?

[@ironkayaker5682]

Nice video great content just subbed 💪💪

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Awesome. Thanks for the feedback and for subscribing!

[@tunit8946]

Owner of a vibe sea ghost . It's a 2016 or 17 model. After about 3 months the cords going to the rudder broke. The rudder itself broke. The seat straps broke. I see pretty much the same mentioned equipment on the Sheer. Unbelievable all the parts that needed to be installed upon receipt. I contacted vibe about all of the issues with my kayak. They're only interested in selling replacement parts . Instead of standing behind their product.

[@ricardosandoval9034]

Just received mine today. What kind of fish finder and transducer are you using ?

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Congrats on the new yak! I am using a Garmin 93SV UHD. Garmin seems to run a special once a year when they are coming out with the new models. Last three years have been able to get the previous years versions for close to half off from BassPro then sell the used one on Ebay. Have been able to upgrade that way for almost no cost. Won't help you know as they usually only do it around Christmas but something to keep in mind.

[@Briar2002]

So I have been bouncing between 2 different yaks and ran across this one. I was curious because I went to the website and can't seem to find where you would purchase the motor or the peddle system. From my understanding it can accept either, right? Also, I barely caught it in your video, but the peddle drive system is the Hobie?

[@showautsuri2101]

compare the shearwater 125 with PDL 120, which one you feel is better yak for the money? which one go faster (pedal drive version)?

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Sorry, I don't have a PDL 120 to compare. But I heard from someone else who owns a 120 PDL and they commented on this video that the 120 is a drier boat than the 106 and faster as well. I don't think one is necessarily better than the other. I think they are both a great deal for the money. In my opinion, whether one is better or not is up to the type of lakes you are going to fish and what you need in a kayak.

[@mr.c5647]

It's kind of sad, that after all the money you have to spend for the kayak that you had to fix all the problems you had. You would think a company like vibe would have the links worked out before products go to market, thanks for the review. Was thinking about vibe sherewater going to go with old town sportsman 130 pdl.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Some of the mods I didn't mind doing and I figure it was a first edition so there might be some issues. Now there are some commercially available third party solutions for all of these mods (rudder attachment, larger rudder, seat clips, drive pod, etc..) The only problem I take real issue with is the X-Pod drive holder which has failed me multiple times. Vibe has made some improvement to theirs but I still don't trust it. The locks are not durable. But you do not need to order Vibes. I have found the YakGadget drive holder with Hobie or lightning kayak click-n-go drive locks has been bullet proof. I still really like the Shearwater though and did not feel like I paid a premium price so willing to put up with these mods that are issues no more. Yeah, the Sportsman 132 PDL is a solid yak. The drive is really smooth, strong, and in my opinion is probably the fastest pedal drive boat out there. I thought about getting a Predator, which is the same hull, but have known multiple people who have flipped theirs. Probably user error but gave me reason for concern. Enjoy your new yak!

[@mr.c5647]

@@kayakfishingworks1304 thank you for your feedback and video, I'm sorry that you had to go through all that, I hope that you get to finally enjoy it.

[@hmanone1063]

Great, honest review. Any chance you have a video of your fish finder mount?

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Thanks! Sorry, do not have any additional video on the finder mount. ( Video of it starts around 13:30). If you have any questions though happy to answer them.

[@kenmcadams3744]

Great video. Can you give me info on the fishing box in the well on the back?

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Its a 22" Ridgid Toolbox from Home Depot -

[@ryanlundy2519]

Is that a Rigid toolbox in back? Looking for something that size.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Yes, a Rigid toolbox. Only about $40. Does a great job keeping things dry.

[@bosery7724]

Hey I’m am looking to buy a pedal kayak for fishing, im debating between the Vibe Shearwater 125 and the Jackson Bite FD. I fish in pretty shallow and grassy waters, and am not too concerned about the speed or stability. Any suggestions?

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

I don't have any on water experience with the Jackson Bite FD but I know it comes with Jackson's newer generation of Flex Drive which was completely redesigned and is supposed to be quieter and smoother than the original drive. Also, it looks like with the location and size of the Jackson rudder the Bite should turn faster than the Shearwater unless you modify the Shearwater rudder. Because you will be in shallow water either the Jackson drive in the low water setting or the mirage style drive will both get you in pretty skinny water. But if you go the Shearwater route I would recommend trying to find a Hobie 180 Drive with kick up fins if the shallow water has a lot of underwater obstructions you might hit . This is going to make the whole package of the shearwater more expensive however. Regarding the grass, the Jackson drive makes it pretty easy to clean the prop but I almost never have to clean the mirage drive off and can just power through grass. The lake I fish the most is a grass lake and that is one of the main reasons that personally I stay with a mirage drive. Hope that helps. And good luck with your decision.

[@bosery7724]

Ok Thanks for the advice, much appreciated😁

[@christophermcvey3785]

the jackson would be a good choice. i would however go with a hobie compass or a hobie outback.

[@fishingwcp]

New sub here! I already have a Hobie but thinking about getting a river style kayak as well

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

That's funny. I just bought a used Pro Angler for more room, better horizontal rod storage, etc.. but am keeping the Shearwater for car topping, lighter weight, etc...

[@thomassanders1389]

I can basically follow how you installed the fish finder but where did you put the battery?

[@robertjackson8944]

Received my kayak was not home to when it came my stepson signed for it when i un packed it just to find it had been hit by a forklift contacted vibe just to be told the couldn't replace because it had been signed for 1400 down the drain

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

That is terrible to hear. Hopefully, you can get something out of the shipper or escalate it at Vibe for a replacement. If not, plastic welders are not very expensive, but still not what you want to be stuck doing on a new boat. Hope you can get a replacement worked out.

[@scottbricker5004]

Can u tell me we’re u get that bracket to hold your Trolling motor thanks

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

I made the piece that screws into the 4 mounting holes out of a piece of 1x6 pvc board (painted black), but you could also use wood and the mount itself is just the one half of the minn Kota trolling motor bracket that comes with your trolling motor. I cut the clamp off so you could just bolt it to the pvc board and use a removable pin. or bolt so you can remove the motor from the bracket easily.

[@scottbricker5004]

Thank u!

[@scottbricker5004]

How well did the Trolling motor work right there thanks

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

@@scottbricker5004 Works great. No issue being off center. I just use it for covering water so it is fixed straight and just use the rudder to steer. Also, I dismantled the locking attachment for the trolling motor mount so it just flips up if it hits an obstacle and can raise it completely and secure it out of the water by pulling on a rope.

[@scottbricker5004]

@@kayakfishingworks1304 thanks again I appreciate it mine plan also is to get The Mirage 180 and get that Yakattack pod for it I think it will be a great set up for me for trolling with pedal or motor if need to thanks again and have a great day

[@bradenhopkins8017]

what little wheel around system is that I hate the one I own its super inefficient. That one looks fantastic

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Here is a video on how to make this cart. I hope it helps you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6GQo5Z-fLRjitE

[@bradenhopkins8017]

@@kayakfishingworks1304 thank you!

[@bradhespe4629]

Very good video.

[@jlmmylm73]

Great review. But that thang sits to low to the water. Side rails need to be taller. Winter fishing would suck in that boat. In the ocean and big rivers with waves and boats flying by.

[@claytonvernon8793]

great trailer!

[@MrEpmonroe]

“Modified, modified, modified…” lol I hope Vibe is watching.

[@hculebro]

Can you show more on the wheel cart...looks great.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Hey Hugo, here is a video on how to make this cart. I hope it helps you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6GQo5Z-fLRjitE

[@hculebro]

@@kayakfishingworks1304 great..thank you..it will work for my vibe sw125

[@TacoSlayer154]

What kinda cart are you using?

[@spiltmilt]

So not a plug and play kayak. Yikes. That's a lot of mods to overcome design flaws.

[@aviatorblc]

Good job.

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Thanks!

[@Caughtitoutdoors]

Where did you get that Kayak Kushion?

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

www.kushionkompany.com

[@calebs.4659]

Would anyone recommend this kayak as a good beginner kayak?

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

This would make a great first kayak. It offers a lot more than the first kayaks a lot of us started out with. A lot of people would be glad to have this as a step up from their first kayak or even their 2nd kayak. Nothing complicated about this vs a $400-500 kayak but definitely a lot of upside. Super stable, paddles well, will track better than most cheaper kayaks, has a rudder, has a great seat. Also, with the option to put a pedal drive in it you don't need to buy a whole new boat if you decide to go that route in the future.

[@102Montana]

Sounds to me there’s way too many mods that are necessary.....think I’ll pass on the Vibe ...

[@burtgordon4796]

That’s a lot of problems and I think I’ll steer clear of that boat.

[@lonniehollifield133]

Does it have a reverse??

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

I did not buy the Vibe pedal drive as it is only one direction. You can pull the Vibe drive out and spin it around backwards and that will let you reverse but this a bit cumbersome. I actually use a Hobie 180 drive with kick up fins in the Shearwater. You pull on some cords and it reverses the operation of the drive. FYI-Hobie is the only manufacturer with a reverse for a flipper/mirage style drive as there patent on this is till in effect. (I bought my drive off of Ebay.)

[@yamama7836]

I ran my turning handle with copper wire 😂

[@mrpush2532]

Important mods (drive system issues)to an expensive kayak....no thanks....I'll look at something else.

[@dormie9]

I will never buy a vibe after seeing this.

[@Chris-zm7wh]

All the mods and repairs it sounds like that kayak is a total pos

[@kayakfishingworks1304]

Ha..not at all. If someone is buying it just for paddling or using with a bixby really no need to do any mods, including the seat clips. The issues come in if you want to use it as a pedal drive. Don't need to modify the rudder but glad I did because it turns tighter. But you definitely need to modify the seat clips (10 minutes) and unless Vibe beefs up their drive pod would not pay for theirs and just buy the Yakgadget one which is solid.

[@bobbyferguson22]

How did you make your kayak cart ?

[@Farcry-yh4mu]

where did you get the Hobie drive?