Malibu stealth 12 sunk at bay bridge

[Hardhed]

Glad you made it back safe... and you gotta admire the man who goes to the trouble to list "two packs of new ports" among his inventoried losses. The sea can be cruel.

[AbuMasgouf]

Thank God you are well. Thank you so much for writing about your experience for us to learn from bro. It gives us a lot to think about...

[reel-em-in]

When I was researching kayaks I was considering a stealth. I found some posts online about this very issue being a problem. I won't post links but if you google malibu stealth leaks, you can find some interesting stuff...

[jet]

Now it's almost dark I swim the rest of the way which took at least another hour to the concrete under the westbound bridge and when I finally got up from collapsing on the concrete I see about 6 search boats and a helicopter. I just laid there thinking my old lady won't believe this. About 15 minutes later mta police in cars walked down from the highway and found me. They couldn't believe I made it that far and told me they where looking for a body that's why there wasn't a rush.

WOW, what a crazy story! what concrete did you swim to and get on, the huge concrete structure of the main span (across from rockpile) or a pylon? glad that youre safe!

[striperstalker]

That is one heck of a story I never want to hear coming out of my mouth. I'll tell ya, many of the hatch covers on many brands just are not up to the task. Fine in flat water but inadequate for serious waves and constant submersion. All of our kayak crew carry floating, waterproof marine VHF radios with us + phones in a dry spot. I don't always lash my VHF to me but if things get the least bit snotty I slip the lanyard through the clip of my PFD lock it in and clip it to ME. Depending on time of day I could call the water taxi on 68 and walk away for 50 bucks. Serious matters go to channel 16. Glad You made it back to tell the tale and a good one at that!

[Paddle4fish]

i had problems with hatch seals as well with other kayaks. A tip I do is when storing the kayak I leave the hatches open to air out the kayak and not to let the rubber seals have memory that its closed and I also use a little amor all to keep the seal new and not dry and cracking from the sun rays. Thank God someone was looking out it could've gone bad quick..

[walk the plank]

what an adventure, glad your ok.

[daddyg]

That had to be a scary ordeal. Glad to hear your safe. Might be time for a new piece of equipment I use the Cobra marine VHF I have a hook on it so if I think I'm going to be in trouble I will clip it to my vest. {EVERYBODY BE SAFE OUT THERE}

[Memory Maker]

Thank God you're not hurt and back here safe ......... you can always replace the stuff but not you.

For Flotation, pool noodles ........ can't puncture them and you can add or subtract at will ......... John's suggestion of milk jugs are good too mainly because they are free ......... Check w/Russ498 (I think) ......... I think he might have a VIO POV HD for sale if you are interested .......... Just glad you're safe

[FRED driver]

Wow. Bay bridge at high current and high winds is BIG water...not a place I want to be with a yak full of water. Someone was looking out for you above.

[Redfish12]

Glad you're alright man!!! It could have been worse, good thing water temps are higher and you were in a popular place! I know I for one am going to shove a few more noodles in my kayak.

[tufnik]

Wow, what a story. Much kudos to you for keeping your cool and having the strength and determination to swim back under those conditions. Hats off to you!

[kevinfry]

Another good reason to follow Ronault's advice and not fish alone in windy or unpredictable weather. So glad you made it...Miraculous

[Chris burke]

Yea thanks guys, sorry just got my phone back with no email all day today.

[jet]

you got the whole thing on film? post it up!