The Vibe Kayaks rank among the most dependable. But the Shearwater 125 is certainly one of their top sellers. If you’re seeking a thorough overview of Vibe Shearwater 125, you’ve found the right website. We are awestruck by this kayak, and we’re going to explain the reasons why!
Vibe Shearwater 125 recently jumped into the kayak fishing scene with their innovative sit-on-top kayaks as well as stand-up paddleboards for sale at an affordable cost. Within a short time, their basic Yellowfin 120 and the sea-worthy Sea Ghost 130 have become two of the most sought-after kayaks. Today, Vibe has released the Shearwater 125 as their first fully-featured, full-size kayak designed for serious anglers who love kayaks. Alongside rod holders, tracks for gear, and bungees which are typical of bass fishing, Shearwater boats host unique features that allow them to fish right from the shop.
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What Kind of Fishing Kayak is the Vibe Shearwater 125?
Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Vibe Shearwater 125 is a complete stand-up, sit-on-top kayak that is ready to be rigged for serious backwater and inshore kayak fishing. Comparatively with other kayaks like the Wilderness Systems ATAK 120 or Old Town Topwater 120 PDL, Shearwater boats have a flat deck, a sturdy hull, and clever fishing options. Additionally, as with other boats that are in the full-featured, stand-up class Shearwater vessels can also be paddled, or rigged with motors or pedals. Stand-up Vibe kayaks, similar to Shearwater boats, tend to be well-liked by backwater or inshore anglers who are looking for a kayak that can carry them to fishing spots and also provide a stable platform for stand-up fish. Fishing right from the box, this Shearwater 125 offers unique features that allow you to mount lighting, electronics, and other accessories. Fishing enthusiasts looking for a reliable kayak to fish with serious intensity are now able to think about it. This kayak has a tackle mount removable sealed fishfinder pod housing with an integrated transducer mount.
Key Fishing Features of the Vibe Shearwater 125
Five seats with three power options along with three pods for accessories make it an extremely original most complete fishing kayak of recent times. Alongside the gear tracks, bungees, or flush mount rod holders it also has flush-mount rod storage. Vibe Shearwater 125 has innovative features that make it among the top.
The most important thing to have in a fully-featured fishing machine is an all-purpose seat. The frame seat of the Shearwater can be set up in five different ways. With the option of setting it for high and low positions, the seat can be moved back and forth. In the fifth position, you will need an additional standing platform that can be attached to the rear side of the seating. Fold the seatback forward and then stand 8 inches off the deck to increase the visibility and casting ability.
Another distinctive feature is the numerous accessory pods that transform Shearwater boats into stand-up Vibe kayaks or pedal-best kayaks. The pod is able to fit into an open space on the deck, allowing the boat to alter its appearance according to the needs of the angler. The pod that is used gives the Shearwater an open deck that can be used to allow standing-up kayak fishing. Another pod offers watertight storage for integrated top loading gear and tackle. In order to convert Shearwater into a pedal-drive kayak, Shearwater into a pedal-driven kayak, and vice versa, the X-Drive pod can be used with it with the Vibe X-Drive or Hobie’s MirageDrive and MirageDrive 180. Of course, adding a Pod to the design of a kayak increases weight and decreases effectiveness, but the benefit is a kayak that is able to be used for more than one purpose.
To convert your Shearwater125 into motor kayaks, just connect a Bixpyjet with a battery and a Bixpy jet motor. The Shearwater’s rudder is already drilled to accommodate the smaller Bixpy jet motor and the tank well is able to accommodate the battery, which is waterproof. You can control the speed using an electronic remote, and then turn the rudder to alter the direction.
The comfortable vibe summit seat, flexible pods, and numerous power options give the Vibe Shearwater a fully-featured kayak that is designed to meet the requirements of any angler while putting the boat solidly within the realm of high-end kayaks.
A Note on the Shearwater 125 Xd Drive
Vibe Kayaks aren’t creating a new model. The latest company to join in the race of fishing gear has made use of developments that were made before them. In this year’s Shearwater, the 125 Vibe has chosen to utilize the pedal drive powered by fans like the Hobie MirageDrive. Hobie MirageDrive.
Utilizing the pedal pod of Shearwater that anglers can use, anglers can mount an X Drive pod or any Hobie Mirage Drive. Its XD Drive is lightweight and powerful, with quick shallow-water clearance. If you’re looking for a light but powerful drive, consider the XD Drive. However, if you want the ability to reverse and forward pedals change to the Hobie MirageDrive 180. Vibe engineers are currently developing different pod options that can take various pedals.
Size, Weight, Capacity
Vibe Shearwater 125 is 12’6″ (381 cm) long and 35″ (89 centimeters) wide. It’s a large vessel however not so much as being insurmountable. With a weight of 82lbs (37 kg), it’s relatively light for a kayak of this size and it should be possible to top it off with the proper method and the appropriate kayak rack. As a reference The Jackson Coosa HD is 78 lbs (35.4 kg) however, it is an inch smaller.
Shearwater 125 maximum capacity of 475 pounds (215 kg) which is more than adequate even for the biggest of males and females. Even if you fill the kayak up to 70% of its capacity (which is suggested for improved performance and for a less humid experience) there’s still 300 pounds of space, and that’s enough for the majority of average-sized adults who have adequate fishing equipment.
Features
As we’ve mentioned, Vibe attempted to jam as many features as they could inside the Shearwater so that you do not need to compromise. Let’s look at the features from front to back.
On the bow is a sturdy plastic carrying steering handle that’s similar to the one Vibe currently puts on the majority of the models they make. These handles have proven to be sturdy and durable, so you shouldn’t have any issues getting the kayak up and down.
Then, there’s a bow tank with softcover and an inbuilt paddle park. This is very useful for those who need to swiftly put your paddle away but you still have it in your hand.
Additionally, there are two-rod tip protectors that are on the sides. In essence, they are not designed to protect rod tips as rod tip protectors made of tubes on other models They just serve to keep your rods in the right place when they are stored horizontally. It is also equipped with eight scupper holes and a replaceable skid plate
Pods
When you purchase the Vibe Shearwater 125 it is possible to customize the storage capacity of your boat to increase capacity in accordance with the various conditions of fishing and, thus, you will get the most practical solution.
- X-Drive Peg: As mentioned earlier, the X-Driver Pod comes with the X-Drive pedal kits. Also, it is compatible with numerous third-party pedal drives and you won’t be able to be wrong using it.
- Versa-Pod: This Versa-Pod can be used in water and includes an e-tackler that is magnetic as well as a fast-access cargo net. This means that you don’t have to be concerned about the possibility of damaging your electronics or things while on the ocean, but you won’t have to put them away during a kayaking adventure either.
- Base pod: This base pod expands the capacity of the deck which allows you to cast from standing, wherever you are.
Cargo
- 3 6″ sealed hull access plates;
- Front cargo storage area with Flex Top® gear cover;
- Rear cargo storage area with bungee tie-down;
- The rear cargo bungee includes 4 Vibe Versa cooler clips;
- 4 tackle tray holders;
- Vibe Versa Drawer® with mesh cover;
- Removable Electronics Pod with Transducer Mount.
Performance of the Shearwater 125: Stability, Versatility, and Fishability
With its full-featured standing-up, sit-on-top kayak the Vibe Shearwater 125 is able to do its job very well. It is built for all-day fishing on bass lakes as well as inshore salt. Include a pedal or Bixpy motor option and the Shearwater 125 will cover hundreds of miles.
The Vibe 125’s lineage begins with the hull. A tunnel-style hull that is a bit lower than the Shearwater expands to the outside, which improves stability. The wide space between the pontoons aids in speed and tracking. The pontoons are joined in a flared bow, which cuts through the chop and enhances straight-line speed.
A tunnel hull can do a great job at making sure the kayak is paddling straight and turning the kayak can be a challenge. This Shearwater’s Gravity rudder tries to steer the boat. It could be that the holes pre-drilled in the Bixpy motor have reduced the area of the motor or the rudder isn’t enough in size, but the boat is slower to move, particularly when using an electric x drive. The rudder can be deployed easily–just let a cord go, and the rudder slide through a sleeve before dropping to the bottom of the lake. It took only some time to put in the system and the boat could be set up to have the handle while pedaling, or footpegs for paddling.
The main drawback to every stand-up kayak is the paddling performance. A flat, wide kayak doesn’t sway with the waves or cut through the breeze. Additionally, the raised frame seat functions as sails in the winds and separates the paddling vessel away from water. You can also add the Gravity rudder for better control of the boat’s maneuverability or put in a Vibe X Drive pedal kit or Bixpy motor to extend the Shearwater’s capabilities. As with other stand-up kayaks the Shearwater isn’t designed to be used in open water. Check out Vibe Sea Ghost for more options.
Vibe Shearwater 125 Loaded with Fishing and Comfort Features
The Shearwater is truly stunning from the top. This Summit Seat is soft and has cushioned mesh. The seat can be moved from five positions with ease. I added a standing platform at the rear of the seat to create an elevated position for fishing. The seat is easy to remove and easy to store. I love the drawer for tackle underneath the seat, that keeps my tools scissors, and my favorite lures close at hand and out of sight.
The vibe was over and above its other features that are fish-friendly. Four horizontal rod holders allow you to mount multiple rods for fishing. I have a topwater lure soft-plastic, soft-plastic, and a twitch lure ready whenever I’m fishing for redfish, trout, or stripe bass.
If the speckled trout are extremely picky, I could maintain three different twist lures and a few Jigs in my call. To help me stay organized, tackle cubbies, as well as cup holders on the seat, are ideal to keep lures in and terminal tackle, as well as snacks and drinks.
As with many stand-up kayaks the Shearwater isn’t equipped with either a bow or stern hatch. The boat has removable plates that allow below deck access to set up the Shearwater with trolling motors or lights for navigation. A removable fish-finder with an integrated transducer mount is also included.
Final Thoughts
It’s obvious it’s clear that the vibe Shearwater 125 review has a lot to offer in the game of kayaking. There are a lot of features that other kayaks cannot be competitive with, so it’ll take a while before another kayak can replace it. With the Vibe X-Drive pedal kit system, Bixpy Jet engine, Vibe Evolve paddle, or a unique combination of all three, it is the ultimate kayak.
FAQ
Can I Stand In The Vibe Shearwater 125?
There’s a movable gunwale perch that can be used as a standing platform and an additional assist strap that is included in the kit. Additionally, the deck is spacious, and there’s also an area of padding that’s specially made for this use.
Does The Vibe Shearwater 125 Come With A Warranty?
Sure, Vibe offers a one-year warranty on all new kayaks. It is important to keep the purchase receipt, but in the event, the need arises file an issue with your warranty.
Is The Vibe Shearwater 125 Good For Fishing?
Absolutely! With this many storage options as well as a variety of options for mounting gear and a variety of seating options and seating options, the Vibe Shearwater 125 is more than an ideal choice for fishing. It’s among, even if perhaps the top.
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Shearwater 125 is a great kayak. Flush mount rod holders perfectly match the design of the boat. Vibe Evolve Paddles feature a dihedral angle blade that provides an efficient pull through the water and a powerful blade face so you can move forward quickly.
Thanks for the great review!