I love that boat bro. I love the width and looks like a perfect size boat. And it's motor/power pole mount ready. I did purchase my 2021 Hoodoo impulse 120, fin drive last year. She's loaded, and very similar but I love those plates for wiring access. The sit on top fishing kayaks today, are really a one man boat. I can walk all over mine at 5ft 7 152lbs. And right now I'm running my J2 bixpy. Stay safe, can't wait for some more vids. Beautiful setup..🙏 😎 🎣
Thanks Anthony! Stay safe out there! Those bixpy motors are amazing they do such an outstanding job, kayaks really have become like mini John boats and I’m here for it 🤙🏼
@@hook_a_yak1629 So true bro. They're so awsome. Unless you purchase a 30k fishing boat. Kayaks today, are getting to where, you can go wherever you want, as far as you want. The safety, technology, add-ons, gps motors controlled by your phone. Awsome stability. Stay safe my friend. 🙏 🎣
Wow! I just came back and watched this video for the second time. I am new to kayaks so I am trying to research. To be completely honest if money wasn't the issue I would be going with either the Blue Sky Boatworks 360 or the Hobie with he 360 drive. Having said that I cannot believe how much kayak this is for the money! If it had a 180 drive I would already have bought it. Chances are this is the one I will purchase. It has more of everything except the price. More rod holders, tracks, space. This is becoming a no brainer. thanks for the video!!!
@Shawn Hicks for the bare model (paddles only no pedal drive) you're looking at 1,445 and with either the prop drive or the fin drive you're looking at 2,044. vanhunksboarding.com/kayaks/fin-drive-kayaks/elite-pro-angler/ here is a link if you'd like to check them out!
You will love your Mahi! I still love mine, I feel like I’m cheating on it a bit lol. They both serve two totally different purposes, and they are both solid rigs in their own right. Wait til you get it out, you’ll really enjoy it!
@@hook_a_yak1629Yeah, it should suit my needs quite well and don't regret buying it at all. Actually considered buying the Elite Pro Angler after seeing it in person but felt it wasn't quite the right fit for me at this moment.
@@sethlloyd1146 for sure man, I’ll end up using the Mahi and the EPA interchangeably. I’m leaning toward the Mahi more in river systems where a slightly smaller boat may be more beneficial to me or for quick trip days where I don’t need the larger boat. It’s funny, kayaks are like fishing poles they all do something different
If you are missing them I’d reach out to Tyrone at the shop in Sarasota I believe mine were in the toolbox that sits in the middle of the yak when the drive is out
I'm looking to by my first kayak and I'm a big guy 290. Do you think the pro angler would be a good purchase for me? Also what pdl drive does it come with and would you recommend an upgrade?
Awesome!!! Congrats on getting into one of the best angling sports out there! If you’re looking for your kayak I obviously recommend Vanhunks. Www.Vanhunksboarding.com is your place to find all your kayak needs depending on size and what type you’re looking for (pedal drive optional). The nice part is all of the Vanhunks models with fin drive or prop drive options on their website, have trolling motor mount options if that’s the route you want to go! They also all have built in rod holders, 4 on the Mahi, Shad and Pike. 6 on the Elite angler. As far as fish finders… the world is your oyster. Do you have any idea what brands you like in that area? The nice part is they are all adaptable to your kayak, it’s just a matter of picking features and brands that you like and you think will be most useful!
@@hook_a_yak1629 Yeah I got a kayak but it's just a basic one I wanna be able to go to the lake with one. Here in Oklahoma where I live im 20 minutes away from like 6 different lakes. I enjoy bass fishing that's why I do the most of! I'll check out the website, the Mahi looks to be outta stock in all colors. I'll build one and put it in the cart when stuff comes back in stock. I like the hummingbird, I'll prolly just do a basic one I saw they got some that damm near show the fish in 3d lol that's cheating.
@@nickbadry4122 if you are hunting for a kayak, feel free to call the Sarasota, FL shop. If they don't have any Mahi's in the folks there may be able to tell you when they will arrive and arrange to have one shipped to you a little quicker then the website will update! They are super helpful and will certainly steer you in the right direction!
Hello brother how you doing? Man that is a very nice kayak you got. I am looking to upgrade to a pedal drive kayak myself. I like how you have so much space on the kayak and how the seat is raised up off the kayak on slide tracks too. I also like how it has a lot of rod holders. I don't carry a lot of rods with me but it's nice to have a little extra. I also like how it's weighs under a hundred pounds. I do have a question? How are the foot pedals on this kayak? Do you know how wide they are? I have big very very extremely wide feet sz15 6E wide with very chubby fat wide toes that are equally straight across making my foot very very wide at at 6 1/2 inches wide from my big toe to my lil toe. It's a very very extremely wide foot i got. Oh do you know if those straps come off the pedals too because my foot will not fit underneath those straps because of my toes being evenly straight across & being very fat and wide. It sucks having a foot that is 6 1/2 inches wide because everybody don't have a pedal that is wide enough for my foot. I'm looking for wider pedals right now but I'm having trouble finding them. Oh do you know if these pedals can be switched out for wider pedals too? I see you pedaling barefooted 👣 so I take it it must be comfortable to Barefooted 👣 cuz that is how I have to kayak is barefooted 👣 cuz my foot out grow shoes , socks , & boots when i was 18 years old & flip flops is the only footwear that will barely and i mean barely fit my foot because of my toes being wider than the flip flops straps. Oh i also like your reef flip flops man I wear same flips flops too. I love them cuz they are so comfortable to wear and it's the only pair that is big size 15 friendly. I really will appreciate if you can let me know about these pedals because this is what's stopping me from getting a pedal drive kayak right now because the other pedals are so narrow my feet just keeps falling off of the pedals which hurts my feet when that happens because am a chubby fat dude with chubby fat wide toes & feet. Good video brother thank you for sharing this. Looking forward to seeing some more kayak Adventures.
The fins won’t kick up when you hit something, in the way of folding back. However if you push one foot forward and one foot back, the fins will pull up just about flat against the hull, you can beach the yak with the fins up in that position. If I know I’m going super shallow, I will just split the pedals like that and get the fins up out of the way.
Another week and I get mine, can't wait :) Question for ya, do you use a cart with yours to get it to the water from trailer or vehicle if so, which one do you use ? thanks charlie
Hey Charlie! I do not use a cart with mine, I unfortunately just lift it and get it to the edge of the water, I believe any car that would accommodate a 36” wide kayak would work just fine. I know Vanhunks has some for sale, definitely worth checking into they would get the job done.
I would agree to that at a look. I think the biggest difference between the vibe (13 ft model) and the Elite is the drive options. The Sea Ghost 130 I believe is only a paddle kayak (correct me if I’m wrong please) where the Vanhunks can be paddle, prop, or fin drive depending on what the kayaker wants. Definitely similarities though for sure, and in the 13’ arena, I think we start to see a lot of blending and it comes down to the subtle differences from boat to boat. It’s curious how each company can be similar yet very different
A few questions if I could? Just wondering how it is as a paddling kayak? Does the rudder come standard with the base model? Does the box that holds the fin drive come out and open a port that may be adapted to a motor? Sorry for all the question; just recently learned about Vanhunks.
Hi Jim! As a paddling kayak it is not bad at all, no different really then paddling a smaller model. It is a little longer, and a little heavier, but overall it tracks well and moves effortlessly in the water. The rudder is standard if you opt to not purchase the fin drive or prop drive, you get a storage box that slots into that hole to keep extra tackle or gear safe and dry. I have seen people run a small trolling motor through the center hole, or, there are two sets of 4 holes in the rear to mount a trolling motor, power pole, or the like. There are certainly options, but as far as a standard mount for the center hole i don't think that exists as of yet, to do that may take some thinking to make it operate in there correctly.
Hey Jim, I’m learning too. It seems either VANHUNKS OR HAMMERHEAD or maybe either, have an adapter that you hook to a trolling motor that fits into the hole. Of course, the handle needs to be turned 180 degrees but from reading, it appears standard trolling motors can be changed that way. Best wishes?
@@jerrytalley802 ... I think Yak Gear makes adapters to replace pedal drive or thru-hull sonar pod openings for various kayaks but not sure if they have one specifically for the VH or HH. I have successfully flipped the control head on a Minn-Kota in the past and I know Newport Vessels has a video on how to safely rotate one on their site.
Just found out about this kayak I am looking to get one and was thinking about wilderness systems recon 120 but now I am thinking about this one what would you say is the better one
Frank I would absolutely lean toward the Vanhunks, what you get for the money is night and day! Check out Vanhunks boarding online www.Vanhunksboarding.com to see the full range and get some in-depth literature on everything this yak has to offer. 10/10 would recommend this boat blows me away
Hey kyle, I have a heartbreaking question I really would love to purchase this kayak but for the life of me I can't understand why kayak companies not make all of their kayaks right hand rudder control able. As a guy that fishes baitcasters all my crank handles are on the right side. For kayaks to just have a left side control handle is ridiculous because I constantly have to switch hands in order to control the boat. And this doesn't seem like a correct design for any kayak judging that right hand baitcasters sell more often than left-handed. So I doubt I will buy this kayak simply for that reason unfortunately. It seems like in amazing vessel but for goodness sakes. As a right-handed retrieve angler fishing out of this would be a pain in the butt. I hope this design changes down the road
I am honestly also a right hand retrieve angler, and to be honest I’ve never noticed it and it’s never really bothered me. I’ll definitely bring this up to Vanhunks though maybe something can be done on future models!!
@@hook_a_yak1629 I appreciate that. Been kayak fishing for years and duo control or at least a right rudder controls is a game changer. Especially doing small adjustments while still holding the rod in your proper hand
@@hook_a_yak1629 , I forget the exact size it was but it was the same thickness as the cord and it's sold at home Depot (total cost was $8) ... Also , little trick... Use fishing line and tie the old cord end to the new cable end and you pull the old cord out and it pulls the new cable in... That way you don't even need to mess with the inside of the boat... basically use your old cord as a pulley, it's already in the sleeves so it's so simple....I also made some nice seat risers to lift it up 3 inches
So a Vanhunks took a Vibe Shearwater, altered the shape a little, put a Hobie Outback Rudder on it, and put their logo on it lol? Jokes aside it looks like a solid kayak, but honestly it looks like a Vibe Shearwater copy.
Definitely a bunch of the same features as the shearwater, but missing a few too. Among those are horizontal rod storage, multi-adjustable seat positioning (and the standing platform). Question. Can the drive be swapped for the hobie 180 drive live a shearwater? So far, the vibe has a deeper feature set. But with the vibe drive and the standing platform, it’s almost 500 bucks more.
I saw that it hold like 550lbs though. Is this actually true?? The only reason I haven’t bought a shearwater is the weight capacity being too low for my big guy kayak camping needs…
my local fishing shop had a sale and i snagged one of these bad boys for $1750! thanks for the review!!!
So happy to hear, welcome to the Vanhunks family!!! Congrats!
I love that boat bro. I love the width and looks like a perfect size boat. And it's motor/power pole mount ready. I did purchase my 2021 Hoodoo impulse 120, fin drive last year. She's loaded, and very similar but I love those plates for wiring access. The sit on top fishing kayaks today, are really a one man boat. I can walk all over mine at 5ft 7 152lbs. And right now I'm running my J2 bixpy. Stay safe, can't wait for some more vids. Beautiful setup..🙏 😎 🎣
Thanks Anthony! Stay safe out there!
Those bixpy motors are amazing they do such an outstanding job, kayaks really have become like mini John boats and I’m here for it 🤙🏼
@@hook_a_yak1629 So true bro. They're so awsome. Unless you purchase a 30k fishing boat. Kayaks today, are getting to where, you can go wherever you want, as far as you want. The safety, technology, add-ons, gps motors controlled by your phone. Awsome stability. Stay safe my friend. 🙏 🎣
Wow! I just came back and watched this video for the second time. I am new to kayaks so I am trying to research. To be completely honest if money wasn't the issue I would be going with either the Blue Sky Boatworks 360 or the Hobie with he 360 drive. Having said that I cannot believe how much kayak this is for the money! If it had a 180 drive I would already have bought it. Chances are this is the one I will purchase. It has more of everything except the price. More rod holders, tracks, space. This is becoming a no brainer. thanks for the video!!!
Thanks for the compliment!!! Let me know what you think when you grab it!
@Shawn Hicks for the bare model (paddles only no pedal drive) you're looking at 1,445 and with either the prop drive or the fin drive you're looking at 2,044.
vanhunksboarding.com/kayaks/fin-drive-kayaks/elite-pro-angler/
here is a link if you'd like to check them out!
Haven't even had my Mahi on the water yet and now I'm questioning my decision lol. That thing is nice!
You will love your Mahi! I still love mine, I feel like I’m cheating on it a bit lol. They both serve two totally different purposes, and they are both solid rigs in their own right. Wait til you get it out, you’ll really enjoy it!
@@hook_a_yak1629Yeah, it should suit my needs quite well and don't regret buying it at all. Actually considered buying the Elite Pro Angler after seeing it in person but felt it wasn't quite the right fit for me at this moment.
@@sethlloyd1146 for sure man, I’ll end up using the Mahi and the EPA interchangeably. I’m leaning toward the Mahi more in river systems where a slightly smaller boat may be more beneficial to me or for quick trip days where I don’t need the larger boat. It’s funny, kayaks are like fishing poles they all do something different
@@hook_a_yak1629 how much?
@@shawnhicks9838 posted a break down above for you!
I would like to see your tournament set-up, do you have something like that?
Hey man do you have a picture of your transducer hook to the bottom of your kayak or a video
hi would like to know what you think about taking the vanhunks kayaks into the ocean for ocean fishing?
Got Kayak looks awesome, question do you recall where they put the screws for the rear handle , not finding them ?
If you are missing them I’d reach out to Tyrone at the shop in Sarasota I believe mine were in the toolbox that sits in the middle of the yak when the drive is out
I'm looking to by my first kayak and I'm a big guy 290. Do you think the pro angler would be a good purchase for me? Also what pdl drive does it come with and would you recommend an upgrade?
I'm looking at building a yak just like yours place to purchase,id like a fish finder,trolling motor,and a rod holder.
Where can I get started ?
Awesome!!! Congrats on getting into one of the best angling sports out there!
If you’re looking for your kayak I obviously recommend Vanhunks. Www.Vanhunksboarding.com is your place to find all your kayak needs depending on size and what type you’re looking for (pedal drive optional). The nice part is all of the Vanhunks models with fin drive or prop drive options on their website, have trolling motor mount options if that’s the route you want to go! They also all have built in rod holders, 4 on the Mahi, Shad and Pike. 6 on the Elite angler.
As far as fish finders… the world is your oyster. Do you have any idea what brands you like in that area? The nice part is they are all adaptable to your kayak, it’s just a matter of picking features and brands that you like and you think will be most useful!
@@hook_a_yak1629
Yeah I got a kayak but it's just a basic one I wanna be able to go to the lake with one.
Here in Oklahoma where I live im 20 minutes away from like 6 different lakes. I enjoy bass fishing that's why I do the most of!
I'll check out the website, the Mahi looks to be outta stock in all colors.
I'll build one and put it in the cart when stuff comes back in stock.
I like the hummingbird, I'll prolly just do a basic one I saw they got some that damm near show the fish in 3d lol that's cheating.
@@nickbadry4122 if you are hunting for a kayak, feel free to call the Sarasota, FL shop. If they don't have any Mahi's in the folks there may be able to tell you when they will arrive and arrange to have one shipped to you a little quicker then the website will update! They are super helpful and will certainly steer you in the right direction!
@@hook_a_yak1629
Oh ok sweet! Thanks!
Hello brother how you doing? Man that is a very nice kayak you got. I am looking to upgrade to a pedal drive kayak myself. I like how you have so much space on the kayak and how the seat is raised up off the kayak on slide tracks too. I also like how it has a lot of rod holders. I don't carry a lot of rods with me but it's nice to have a little extra. I also like how it's weighs under a hundred pounds. I do have a question? How are the foot pedals on this kayak? Do you know how wide they are? I have big very very extremely wide feet sz15 6E wide with very chubby fat wide toes that are equally straight across making my foot very very wide at at 6 1/2 inches wide from my big toe to my lil toe. It's a very very extremely wide foot i got. Oh do you know if those straps come off the pedals too because my foot will not fit underneath those straps because of my toes being evenly straight across & being very fat and wide. It sucks having a foot that is 6 1/2 inches wide because everybody don't have a pedal that is wide enough for my foot. I'm looking for wider pedals right now but I'm having trouble finding them. Oh do you know if these pedals can be switched out for wider pedals too? I see you pedaling barefooted 👣 so I take it it must be comfortable to Barefooted 👣 cuz that is how I have to kayak is barefooted 👣 cuz my foot out grow shoes , socks , & boots when i was 18 years old & flip flops is the only footwear that will barely and i mean barely fit my foot because of my toes being wider than the flip flops straps. Oh i also like your reef flip flops man I wear same flips flops too. I love them cuz they are so comfortable to wear and it's the only pair that is big size 15 friendly. I really will appreciate if you can let me know about these pedals because this is what's stopping me from getting a pedal drive kayak right now because the other pedals are so narrow my feet just keeps falling off of the pedals which hurts my feet when that happens because am a chubby fat dude with chubby fat wide toes & feet. Good video brother thank you for sharing this. Looking forward to seeing some more kayak Adventures.
Is this one or a Big fish 103 more stable?
do the fins kick up when you hit something? what about the prop drive?
The fins won’t kick up when you hit something, in the way of folding back. However if you push one foot forward and one foot back, the fins will pull up just about flat against the hull, you can beach the yak with the fins up in that position. If I know I’m going super shallow, I will just split the pedals like that and get the fins up out of the way.
Have not seen any new videos from you in a long time , are you still using the Vanhunk Pro Angler 13, if so hows it holding up?
I've had mine over a year. it's holding up great.
Another week and I get mine, can't wait :) Question for ya, do you use a cart with yours to get it to the water from trailer or vehicle if so, which one do you use ? thanks charlie
Hey Charlie! I do not use a cart with mine, I unfortunately just lift it and get it to the edge of the water, I believe any car that would accommodate a 36” wide kayak would work just fine. I know Vanhunks has some for sale, definitely worth checking into they would get the job done.
It looks a lot like a vibe. A lot similaritys.
I would agree to that at a look. I think the biggest difference between the vibe (13 ft model) and the Elite is the drive options. The Sea Ghost 130 I believe is only a paddle kayak (correct me if I’m wrong please) where the Vanhunks can be paddle, prop, or fin drive depending on what the kayaker wants. Definitely similarities though for sure, and in the 13’ arena, I think we start to see a lot of blending and it comes down to the subtle differences from boat to boat. It’s curious how each company can be similar yet very different
@@hook_a_yak1629 kinda has some similarities with the sea ghost and shearwater.
I can absolutely see that, drive is very similar to the original Hobie as well.
A few questions if I could? Just wondering how it is as a paddling kayak? Does the rudder come standard with the base model? Does the box that holds the fin drive come out and open a port that may be adapted to a motor? Sorry for all the question; just recently learned about Vanhunks.
Hi Jim! As a paddling kayak it is not bad at all, no different really then paddling a smaller model. It is a little longer, and a little heavier, but overall it tracks well and moves effortlessly in the water. The rudder is standard if you opt to not purchase the fin drive or prop drive, you get a storage box that slots into that hole to keep extra tackle or gear safe and dry.
I have seen people run a small trolling motor through the center hole, or, there are two sets of 4 holes in the rear to mount a trolling motor, power pole, or the like. There are certainly options, but as far as a standard mount for the center hole i don't think that exists as of yet, to do that may take some thinking to make it operate in there correctly.
Hey Jim, I’m learning too. It seems either VANHUNKS OR HAMMERHEAD or maybe either, have an adapter that you hook to a trolling motor that fits into the hole. Of course, the handle needs to be turned 180 degrees but from reading, it appears standard trolling motors can be changed that way. Best wishes?
@@jerrytalley802 ... I think Yak Gear makes adapters to replace pedal drive or thru-hull sonar pod openings for various kayaks but not sure if they have one specifically for the VH or HH. I have successfully flipped the control head on a Minn-Kota in the past and I know Newport Vessels has a video on how to safely rotate one on their site.
Does the fin system pedals have a similar kickup design as the Hobie fins?
Similar yes but not automatic like the Hobie they will run parallel to the hull but you have to manually push them up
QUESTION; what color scheme is this kayak called, she’s a beauty, thanks?
This is the Blue Stone color…. I have to agree is absolutely gorgeous
Just found out about this kayak I am looking to get one and was thinking about wilderness systems recon 120 but now I am thinking about this one what would you say is the better one
Frank I would absolutely lean toward the Vanhunks, what you get for the money is night and day! Check out Vanhunks boarding online www.Vanhunksboarding.com to see the full range and get some in-depth literature on everything this yak has to offer. 10/10 would recommend this boat blows me away
Can anyone tell me about the seat height? I really don't like sitting at a 90° angle. Can anyone confirm how it sits
Don’t know if you can answer this question but how does it stack up to a Bonefide SS127 as far as stability?
This thing is the most stable kayak I’ve ever been in. I believe it would compete nicely with the bonafide
Can you use a 360 with it? I guess you could use a spinner
Hey kyle, I have a heartbreaking question I really would love to purchase this kayak but for the life of me I can't understand why kayak companies not make all of their kayaks right hand rudder control able. As a guy that fishes baitcasters all my crank handles are on the right side. For kayaks to just have a left side control handle is ridiculous because I constantly have to switch hands in order to control the boat. And this doesn't seem like a correct design for any kayak judging that right hand baitcasters sell more often than left-handed. So I doubt I will buy this kayak simply for that reason unfortunately. It seems like in amazing vessel but for goodness sakes. As a right-handed retrieve angler fishing out of this would be a pain in the butt. I hope this design changes down the road
I am honestly also a right hand retrieve angler, and to be honest I’ve never noticed it and it’s never really bothered me. I’ll definitely bring this up to Vanhunks though maybe something can be done on future models!!
@@hook_a_yak1629 I appreciate that. Been kayak fishing for years and duo control or at least a right rudder controls is a game changer. Especially doing small adjustments while still holding the rod in your proper hand
I wanna get me that upgraded drive box
It is night and day, reach out to the Vanhunks shop in Sarasota I’m sure they can help you!! It is totally a game changer
The fin drive , is dose it have a reverse ? Thanks
It will reverse if you pull the drive and reinsert it the other direction. Takes two seconds to do in the water and voila you have reverse
Sorry if I missed it. How wide and long is this
This is 13’ long and 36” wide Tyler
I replaced the rudder cord with stainless cable, so much better, no stretch, better turning
That is a genius idea, with all the in hill access it wouldn’t be a difficult task either. Great upgrade, what stainless did you use?
@@hook_a_yak1629 , I forget the exact size it was but it was the same thickness as the cord and it's sold at home Depot (total cost was $8) ... Also , little trick... Use fishing line and tie the old cord end to the new cable end and you pull the old cord out and it pulls the new cable in... That way you don't even need to mess with the inside of the boat... basically use your old cord as a pulley, it's already in the sleeves so it's so simple....I also made some nice seat risers to lift it up 3 inches
Will these boat take real hobbie mirage drive or not? I happen to have an extra drive
I am also certain they will fit it is modeled after that drive and should fit without issue
@@hook_a_yak1629 Do you know if you can purchase on without a pedal drive for less money. I was wondering this because I have an extra mirage drive
How tall are you? For reference
So a Vanhunks took a Vibe Shearwater, altered the shape a little, put a Hobie Outback Rudder on it, and put their logo on it lol?
Jokes aside it looks like a solid kayak, but honestly it looks like a Vibe Shearwater copy.
Lot of similarities for sure, but devils advocate how much can we really alter from kayak to kayak? I see what you’re saying for sure though,
Definitely a bunch of the same features as the shearwater, but missing a few too. Among those are horizontal rod storage, multi-adjustable seat positioning (and the standing platform). Question. Can the drive be swapped for the hobie 180 drive live a shearwater?
So far, the vibe has a deeper feature set. But with the vibe drive and the standing platform, it’s almost 500 bucks more.
I saw that it hold like 550lbs though. Is this actually true?? The only reason I haven’t bought a shearwater is the weight capacity being too low for my big guy kayak camping needs…
Does the boat have reverse drive?
It does if you use the propeller drive, the fins will reverse but you need to flip them while using it and they will push you backward!
@@hook_a_yak1629 thank you for following up, this was helpful.
How is it holding up
Had mine over a year, and its holding up great.
does it have reverse?
No, you have to remove the drive and put it in backwards to go in reverse. Or just use your paddle.
Too bad cant get those in canada.