Ocean Kayak Malibu 11.5 Review

Old Town purchased the time-tested Ocean Kayak and released an updated version of the Malibu 11.5 in 2018. Since then, the only change to this tried-and-true sit-on-top kayak is an updated logo. This solo kayak measures 11 feet, 5 inches long, 32 inches wide, and weighs 59 pounds. It has a large rear storage well and a small sealed dry hatch compartment conveniently located just between your legs. The tri-form hull has scupper holes to drain water.

Glide and Tracking

At first glance, the Malibu 11.5 may look a bit bulky and sluggish. At almost 11 and a half feet long and weighing around 59 pounds, this kayak does resemble a large plastic barge at times. It's not until you sit in the cockpit and push off from shore that you start to feel the stability and smoothness in this kayak's tracking and glide. The overall length, combined with the long keel and pontoon-style tri-form hull, keeps this boat gliding fast and straight across the water, even in windy and wavy conditions.

The weight of this vessel has its share of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to glide. On the one hand, its 59 pounds helps to hold its heading and track better than a lighter boat. On the other hand, the heavier weight makes you work a bit harder to get it up to speed than a lighter boat in the same conditions. Overall, though, this boat offers decent tracking and glide.

Compared to other models, testers felt that this sit-on-top watercraft didn't track quite well due to its slightly flatter hull.

Stability

The length, width, and low seating position make this an exceptionally stable boat. We could even stand up on the deck and paddle it around, maneuvering it just like a paddleboard. If kids want to move around on a kayak, play games, load up toys, or generally mess around, this is a great option.

As the Malibu has six scupper holes carefully positioned in the hull, if you take on water, it is easily drained away and won't bother your overall stability and performance.

Maneuverability

Normally, boats with behemoth dimensions, like the Malibu 11.5, don't maneuver very well, but thanks to the tri-form hull, it's not that bad. Even though it has a very long pontoon-style hull and pronounced keel that would typically make turning harder, this kayak maneuvers surprisingly well, considering its size.

It's not until you lean the Malibu 11.5 over onto its side using the hull's secondary stability that you notice how balanced and competently it holds an edge. This helps it turn much more easily than other boats this size. This maneuverability works well in any condition, from fishing on a nice, calm pond to kayak surfing on ocean waves.

If you were to tip this kayak over, it would take effort to re-flip it, and this is a skill that kayakers should practice if they expect to leave sheltered conditions. Once you have got the kayak the correct way up, it is also a challenge to haul yourself back onto this craft over the high side rails. Once you have accomplished this task you can quickly continue on your way — thanks to the self-bailing holes that drain the boat with no additional effort. Overall, this is much easier to accomplish than in a sit-inside kayak.

Ease of Transport

What can we say? Many boats on the market are much easier to transport and carry than this one. The overall weight of the Malibu, combined with its 11-foot, 5-inch length, makes it challenging to wrangle on and off vehicles, as well as to and from water access points, and when portaging around obstacles.

Ocean Kayaks did their best to compensate for this by adding two molded-in plastic handles on the starboard and port sides right by the cockpit. There are also the standard handles you see on most boats at the bow and stern. This, combined with the replaceable stern skid plate, at least offers a couple more options for moving your kayak around.

Storing kayaks is no easy feat, especially if you have multiple of them. The Malibu is designed to nest on top of one another easily, so if you own a rental fleet or simply want multiple kayaks for the family, you can store these kayaks in a tidy stack.

Comfort

The low side walls and open nature of this kayak make it one of the easiest to get into. Once comfortably seated, this vessel's sheer length, width, and openness make you feel like you are on your floating island. Its seat pad and adjustable padded backrest provide a comfortable place to brace yourself when you press your feet into the molded-in footrests. These molded-in foot wells also give you several convenient options for the best foot placement, along with calf rests for added leg support.

In addition to the two bow and stern toggle handle grips, two sturdy molded-in handles on either side of the seat give you an added place to brace yourself when getting in and out of the boat. They also provide an alternative option for lifting and carrying the kayak. A conveniently located splash-resistant QuickStash dry hatch between your legs and three molded-in drink holders round out some of the Malibu 11.5 creature comforts.

Although the drain holes help keep the kayak drier in the long run, they do allow some water in, and you should expect to get your lower body a bit damp when paddling this kayak. As always, when recreating in water, dress appropriately. If you want to stay dry, consider a sit-on-top kayak with a raised seat.

Construction Quality

Everything about the thick plastic hull of the Malibu design speaks of long-lasting endurance, no matter how many rocky shores and sandy beaches are ahead. The seat pad, backrest, and adjustment straps all feel solid. The brightly colored tank well retention bungees appear to be tough and reliable. We also felt good about the material and design used in the water-resistant dry hatch. We've seen this popular rental kayak take some serious beatings over the years without breaking or failing.

Large wells on the bow and stern offer loads of storage space for anything you want to bring along on your adventures, including a kid or a furry friend. These have a durable bungee cord running over them, enabling you to easily lash down dry bags or other gear.

The Malibu features a patented YakLock locking bar on the stern bumper, providing a secure attachment point for locking your kayak. Using a cable lock or chain, you can secure your kayak to a fixed object, such as a dock, roof bars, or fence, to ensure that it doesn't disappear when left unattended.

Should You Buy the Ocean Kayak Malibu 11.5?

The Ocean Kayak Malibu 11.5 is the perfect family-friendly boat for hot summer days. It paddles exceptionally well in all conditions and makes for a great floating island for the kids. The long hull and ample storage make for a great long-distance day cruiser, and it could even be used for an overnight kayak trip. The Malibu 11.5 is one of the cheaper boats in our test fleet, but don't let the price fool you into thinking there are inferior manufacturing materials. This is a very strong, well-designed, and fun boat that will make you feel like you got your money's worth. Dollar for dollar, this is one of the best-valued boats on the water, which is probably why you see so many kayak rental companies using them in their fleets.

What Other Kayaks Should You Consider?

If you can't quite handle the 59-pound weight of the Malibu 11.5, you could opt for the shorter 9.5 model. The shorter length makes it a bit slower but also more maneuverable. If you are looking for the lightest and fastest on the market, consider the Delta Kayaks Delta 12.10 or Eddyline Skylark, both of which weigh considerably less and would smoke the Malibu in any race — but cost a lot more. For those wanting an inexpensive and lightweight option, the Quest Passage 100, Pelican Argo 100X EXO, and Sun Dolphin Aruba 10 are all budget-friendly kayaks worth exploring. They're not the best long-distance paddling experiences, but casual kayakers will still find plenty to appreciate in these simple boats.