Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 Review
Bottom Line:
The Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 may be the best sit on top kayak of 2023. This recreational kayak is built with fun in mind and experts, reviewers, and paddlers are suitably impressed with its tracking and its superb buoyancy.
This boat is a good fit for flat water, though you might have to be more cautious with longer trips. It’s built to tackle surf and flat water alike, and, with an abundance of storage onboard, scores well on its suitability for days spent on the water (just don’t take it too far). If you’re looking for a dependable, fun recreational kayak, then the Malibu 9.5 is worth considering.
Price Comparison:
Specs:
| Brand | Ocean Kayak |
| Size (length x width) | 9'5" x 33" |
| Weight | 54 lbs |
| Capacity | 325 lbs |
| Material | Polyethylene (single layer) |
Comparison to Similar Kayaks:
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| Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 | Eddyline Caribbean 14FS | Perception Hi-Life | Feelfree Nomad | Wilderness Systems Targa 100 | |
| Expert Rating | 8.2 | 7.9 | 7.8 | 7.6 | 7.5 |
| Size | 9'5" x 33" | 14' x 29" | 11' x 34" | 9'6 x 29.25" | 10' x 32" |
| Weight | 54 lbs | 50 lbs | 55 lbs | 46.2 lbs | 57 lbs |
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| Durability | n/a | n/a |
Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 Review
- Ample storage space
- Highly supportive and comfortable
- Easy to stack and store
- Clear upgrade from other Ocean Kayak models
- Keeps nice and stable
- Not much comment on durability
- May not be long enough for taller riders - consider the 11.5
Performance of the Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5
The Ocean Kayak Malibu 9.5 impresses reviewers in most aspects, from its padded seat and flexibility through to its built-in foot-pegs. It’s a fairly supportive boat, which also tracks reasonably well despite its recreational bias. It also offers great stability and versatility on the water, and even beginners can expect to have a blast atop this kayak. The general consensus with experts is that the Malibu is a solid choice for a recreational kayak – and above all, it’s fun to paddle!
Where the Malibu 9.5 performs best is in terms of stability and comfort. There’s plenty of comfortable leg room, calf rests, and onboard storage that’s easy to access on the go. It’ll cut through the surf well, thanks to the Ocean Kayak hull standard, though it seems to be a big winner on the flat, too.
There’s not much comment from reviewers on durability here, though that may go without question – this is a brand many kayakers around the world know and trust!
