Vibe Shearwater 125 Kayak Review - On the Water First Impressions
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- In this video, I review the Vibe Shearwater 125 kayak during my first fishing trip with it on the water. I review the Vibe Shearwater stability, tracking and features and manage to get a little fishing in too. Drop a comment with your thoughts on the Vibe Shearwater 125. Like and subscribe for updates on this kayak!
Glad your enjoying the Yak! Nice review!
In the market, and this video definitely helped. Thank you much!
I have the the red one just like you. The kayak is not a good paddle kayak, but I use the hobie 180 drive and it is much much better. It doesn't turn very sharp but still much prefer it over my last kayak. I will never stand on the side perches, so I added internal rod holders on both sides.
Great video, thanks for sharing your experience. It helps me make a decision on picking the right kayak. Enjoy
Really happy to hear that! Be sure to subscribe as I have other videos coming out to highlight improvements I've made. Here's another video that may help you make a decision. Cheers!
ruclips.net/video/_4D5sBMBqJo/видео.html
The 180 made all the difference for me. Also the SAI Super Rudder was a game changer.
I appreciate the input. I've used the boat a few more times and man the foot controls for the rudder are stiff! I have to pull one pedal forward just so I can push the desired pedal forward and move the rudder. I didn't install the rudder as I bought it used but I have tried to troubleshoot it and can't figure out what is going on. Any ideas? I'll definitely check out the SAI.
@@fincenzofishing7963 I did feel they are stiff. I don't use them but maybe a little vaseline?
if you wanna shoot me an email I will send you some pics of the mods I did. rogerleopardi.com will get you email link
Gotta get that nice White I-Pilot bow mount trolling Motor. Beautiful vessel. Love my trolling motor. 46lb thrust fitted where my PDL drive goes. I usually store my pdl into my bow storage, and fits perfect in the hull. In case I have a electrical problem or motor issue. But my kayak does 5mph, easily. Probably because this is my 1st year off the bank, carry approx 80lbs of all fishing gear, battery, accessories. And I'm 5ft 7" 151 lbs. She cuts through nicely. But I fish a 1600 acre fresh water lake. 🙏🎣🤟
Appreciate the review! This kayak seems like a beast amongst other kayaks. I was learning towards a Jackson Yupik, but now I’m considering this one. Wonder how the two compare!
Thanks for that! I have no experience with Jackson kayaks but I have spoken with people who are happy with them. If there is anyway you can try before you buy, do it.
I noticed with your seat all the way back, you were actually behind the deck padding and stood up on the plastic. Do you know if there is a kit you can buy to extend the deck padding farther back? Also, is the rudder really necessary when paddling? I don't plan to get pedals initially and I'm not sure ever. A trolling motor for sure tho.
I know there are pad replacement kits but not sure if you can add more. Maybe reach out to Vibe or search for after market? I don't think the rudder is essential for steering but it helps. I currently mount a bixpy on it and I love it.
I know it's been a while since this video was made. Are you still in love with your Shearwater 125? I've had the Eagle Talon for 5 years and have been looking very closely at the Shearwater. I came across your site while watching reviews of the Shearwater before i pull the trigger on it. So, still no real major complaints or strikes against it?
Hey sorry I'm just getting back to you here. Still have the SW 125 and I love it! I've boated a ton of great catches with it. Did you buy one?
@@fincenzofishing7963 Yes I did buy one right at a year ago. I still have my Eagle Talon as a buddy kayak, but I love the Shearwater. It's stability, rigging capabilities and all. Granted, it weighs considerably more, but it's well worth it.
@@greggvankampen7051 it is a tank but I'm glad it's working for you!
Hey Fin Cenzo. I am not sure if you got the Hobie Mirage 180 pedals yet, but in case you haven't those are the ones I use in my Shearwater 125, and these are great. The Hobie pedals fit in the Vibe pod easily, no modification is needed. Be aware though, and the other guys that are considering adding the original Vibe pedals, that these have no reverse. Also, the pedal pod is not strong and the pedal locks on the original Vibe pod are very weak. For that reason, I replaced the original pedal Vibe pod for the ones that YakGadget manufactures for the Vibe Shearwater 125. The YakGadget pod is super strong and I really recommended it. I came across your video because last night I had a Livestream talking about the kayak and man, it is great! Enjoy your Shearwater 125.
Hey thank you! I appreciate the kind words and the recommendations. I became aware of the issues with the pod you mentioned after I made this video and ultimately decided to go with a bixpy. You can check my review of that setup here...
ruclips.net/video/_4D5sBMBqJo/видео.html
Good video man, looking to get one of these soon.
Thanks! Let me know if you do. I've used it a few more times. My main gripes are that its fairly heavy and the rudder needs improvement. It paddles fast and tracks well but since it is so wide and stable, it lacks some agility compared to say a Crescent. I will definitely be posting more videos of mods, whether I go pedal or motor drive and fishing of course.
@@fincenzofishing7963 Thanks man I really like your channel, I have one of my own that I have been neglecting due to work/covid, but will hopefully be uploading again soon. What other kayaks would you say can compete with this kayak in the same price range. I was between this and the sea ghost but this one seems to take the cake every time.
@@fishingwithrick674 I appreciate that! I'm fairly new to this so I'll take any encouragement I can get! I'll be sure to check out your channel as well. I'm really only truly familiar with the Crescent kayaks in addition to the Vibe. I love the Crescent boats but couldn't get past that the Shearwater has so many propulsion options, particularly pedals. I'm a nerd so I made an excel comparison before I pulled the trigger on the Vibe. I had a bunch of boats on there but the top three were the Vibe. the Crescent Lite Tackle, Bonafide RS 117 and the Old Town Topwater. Hope that helps!
4:48 great time to have that 180 with reverse. Lol.
Ha! Exactly what I was thinking!
Should I get this kayak or a Hobie Passport 12.0 for Bass Fishing? I want a pedal drive!
Man, that is such a personal decision. Generally speaking I think the build quality with the Passport is better but they all have their issues. The X drive for the SW can be problematic. If I were to do a pedal drive on the SW I would go for the hobie 180 drive and research the best after market pod. A plus with the SW is if you decide ultimately that you prefer the Bixpy, it integrates really easily. Hope that helps!
@@fincenzofishing7963 Thanks a lot!
Did you test the SW125 at sea? I have a red SW125!
Nice! I mainly fish inshore with it and have one video so far showing me fish saltwater on it. I'm hitting my favorite spot with it tomorrow though so I should have another video coming out soon documenting that.
ruclips.net/video/nG3N7WCs_0s/видео.html
Which is more stable shearwater or Crescent Crew? Thanks
That's a good question. I think they are both very stable and easy to stand in/cast from. However the Crescent needs to rock more for the secondary stability to kick in. It's hull is more rounded than the SW 125. Conversely, the SW 125 has a flatter hull and feels stable almost all the time yet my concern is that you may not be able to detect when that secondary stability has kicked in as easily and therefore not know when you're going past it.
Overall, I think the crescent is a better paddling boat that you can stand and fish from whereas the vibe is an all out fishing machine that is begging for a pedal or motor drive. Both are fine for standing imo. It's just about which boat matches up with your philosophy of use the most. Hope that helps and doesn't make your decision harder!
@@fincenzofishing7963 Thank you. Im a tournament fisherman & im looking for a quality paddle/power kayak to rig up. I really like the Crew. Do you think the Crew is xi3 front bow trolly power capable? & do you think the Crescent seat riser in a Crew would diminish the Crews overall stability. I know it will a little, but do you think Crew would still be stable enough . I'll be using it for solo only if that helps with the analogy. I'm 6" ft 230lbs too. Appreciate your feedback. Thank you.
I believe the crew can take the xi3 bow mounted. The guys at one objective are making a mounting plate for it. I strongly considered that myself. My main concern with bow mounting a motor on a kayak is the risk to the hull if you hit something. It could rip some large holes in your boat.
Not sure on the seat risers. The dealer I bought my Crew from told me that the seat risers don't really fit in the Crew correctly. You may want to verify that with Crescent if that's important to you. Yes sitting higher will likely change the stability for the worse. I added a 3" piece of cut milk crate to my old eagle talon sit on top and I noticed it felt less stable. I got used to it though. I recommend trying these systems out in person before you pull the trigger. Most dealers offer demo days.
I too am interested in kayak bass fishing tournaments. I ultimately settled on the vibe shearwater 125 with a bixpy motor as my primary solo kayak fishing machine. I have a video coming out where I cover the pros and cons of that setup as well as a day on the lake where I cought two 18" and a 19" bass on that rig. Needless to say, I'm pretty happy with it!
@@fincenzofishing7963 I appreciate your message. I like the paddle capability of Crew an what it's about but just not sure it's totally stable for my needs. Like you said I need to just try it. Also looking at Recon for $1,100 as I know it's stable but as a purist at heart im trying to find that middle ground but yet something with simple layout to rig my way for what im about in the industry. This is the fun part though, right. Decisions decisions, lol. Hey bro appreciate your honest reviews. Starting a new Superbait company this year an in process of looking for marketing anglers for collaboration. Top shelf product & I have patent pending product also in works. Keep me in mind as I look to get going 3 - 5 months. Great job on your reviews an I hope to see more. Tightlines bro.
@@danielmcnish6555 That all sounds great! Hit me up anytime.
Nice video! Did you get the pedal drive? am considering the same boat.
Thanks John! I haven't purchased the pedal drive yet. I just got the boat a few days ago, made this video and uploaded it immediately. I will definitely make another video detailing the pedal drive once I get it.
@@fincenzofishing7963 I would recommend the YakGadget pedal drive pod over the vibe one. much more sturdy and is made for the hobie drive
@@christophermcgrew9871 That's what I was thinking. Although, now I'm considering the bixpy motor as they are close to the same price. Any thoughts on that? I primarily fish flats and like to quickly cover as much structure and shoreline as possible. I appreciate the heads up on the pod!
@@fincenzofishing7963 I guess that personal preference. I don't own a bixby but ppl love them. Id prefer not to worry about a battery n' such and keep crap on my yak to a minimal. I'm still young (30) so I try to be physical, but they seem nice. I don't mind the workout, my main concern is being hands free to cast quickly when I see activity or quickly adjusting positions.