Since its founding in 2013, the well known Vibe kayak brand has managed to become one of the best producers of fishing and recreational kayaks. Of the seven Vibe fishing kayak models, Sea Ghost 130 Fishing Kayak is one of the newest. More so, it includes a handful of upgrades and enhancements over its ancestor, the Vibe Sea Ghost 110.
After a major revamp in 2019, the newest Vibe Sea Ghost 130 has a higher weight capacity, better performance in choppy water, and a customizable center console. After taking a close look at our Vibe Sea Ghost 130 review, we found this hard fishing kayak to be a versatile and reliable fishing platform. Along with its absolutely excellent stability, it has one of the most comfortable kayak seats we’ve ever been in. Add a weight of 550 kilograms and ample storage space, and you have a great kayak for an afternoon on the lake or more ambitious adventures of several days.
Pros:
- Excellent customization options, including a center console where you can install a fishfinder
- The dry bags align the center console and the spring hatch
- It can cope with oceans, lakes, and rivers
Cons:
- Heavy for a single 75-pound kayak
- Slow movement in calm water conditions
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Things you should consider before buying a Sea Ghost 130 Vibe fishing kayak:
Although it is possible to fish from any kayak, the Sea Ghost 130 fishing kayak comes with specific accessories that make it much easier. Most fishing kayaks come with special paddle holders so you have your hands free while fishing. And many fishing kayaks have special customization options to hold your rod and other gear.
Knowing what kind of water conditions you want to fish in will help narrow your search. Luckly, the Vibe Sea Ghost 130 fishing kayak is able to handle a wide range of water conditions, from lakes to energetic rivers and protected ocean environments.
Specifications
- Length: 13 feet
- Width: 33 inches
- Weight: 75 pounds
- Load capacity: 550 pounds
Material
Vibe Sea Ghost 130 fishing kayak is made of a durable plastic material called polyethylene, the preferred material for kayaks in this price range. Resistant to abrasions and scratches, the body can withstand drops and most collisions.
Speed
The stable design of the Sea Ghost 130 allows it to maintain a decent speed in wind or wave conditions. We are cautious paddlers, especially on the ocean and we always keep an eye on the weather. So, we appreciate a boat that doesn’t lose too much speed when the weather changes.
However, the weight of the boat means that it is relatively slow in calm conditions. As someone who likes to fish a wide area, we found ourselves working harder to get from place to place. If safety in hard water is the highest priority, this is an excellent kayak. But if you plan to paddle a lot to get to your favorite fishing spot, the extra time required can be frustrating.
Maneuverability
One of our favorite features is the built-in rudder of Sea Ghost 130. This was a pleasant surprise, as most comparable fishing kayaks do not include one with your purchase. The foot-operated rudder gives the Sea Ghost 130 a solid turning radius. If you decide the rudder is not for you, it is easy to remove.
Comfort
We experienced the share of poorly designed and awkward kayak chairs. We consider ourselves tolerant of cramped seats and ambivalent towards models with additional lining and similar characteristics. But we have to admit, Sea Ghost 130 has one of the most comfortable seats we’ve ever experienced.
Properly named “hero’s seat”, the design has excellent support and a mesh cover that will keep you cool and dry quickly. The seat has adjustable settings that can be set up or down depending on your height, while the easy-to-adjust straps control the stiffness. It can even be folded if you prefer it that way.
Durability
Like most plastic kayaks, the Sea Ghost 130’s polyethylene hull can absorb most debris, drops, and collisions. Don’t look at this as a free Get Out of Prison card. Paddlers must be careful not to push too hard into rocks or other obstacles, regardless of the material of their boat. You can also increase the life of your boat by taking it to the water instead of towing it.
Use the same caution when entering rocky beaches or landing in the rain. While the hard plastic body can suffer a beating, multiple strong accidents will eventually weaken the structural integrity of polyethylene.
Portability
To get such a wide, stable, and durable fishing kayak means you generally have to sacrifice something. In this case, Sea Ghost 130 weighs in at 75 pounds. This, combined with the 13-foot hull, makes it self-propelled. The load is somewhat diminished by the four handles along the side, which facilitate transport with a group. A protective plate or similar body protection would be useful and would allow it to be drawn on several surfaces.
Accessory
The rudder included is a big bonus, but that’s not all you get. It also comes with ten scoops that make kayaking easier. The big bonus is the included scupper plugs, which keep the water out in wave conditions. The large and robust design gives it a gigantic weight capacity. Capable of holding 550 pounds, the Sea Ghost 130 can hold a paddler, their gear, and all the fish they can catch. This makes it great if you plan to go on multi-day trips.
Ease of fishing
The wide stable design allows easy fishing in all types of conditions, and the rudder minimizes drift in waves and strong tides. We like how much storage space there is. Below the center console are two compartments complete with dry bags for storing any equipment you want at hand. At the top of the console is a pair of gear tracks where you can mount a variety of fishing gear, including a fish finder.
A spacious airtight sunroof is great for storing equipment overnight. There is another 8-inch watertight hatch behind the seat that is accessible while paddling. Sea Ghost 130 also comes with two-rod holders, which are great when you need a break from casting or when you’re busy catching up. The supports can be covered to keep water out of them when not in use. More so, four drive tracks (two on each side) are built into the body. Various supports can be installed on the tracks to hold different types of equipment, from fishing rods to cameras.
Value
For all customization options, including a rudder and strings, Sea Ghost 130 remains reasonably priced. This combined with its versatility on oceans, lakes, and rivers, makes it a good choice if you want to fish in different environments.
Customer questions and answers
Question: You can order a support bar that you can use to retract your seat?
Answer: Yes, we are using one made by Yak Attack.
Question: What is the weight capacity?
Answer: Length: 13 ‘ ; Width: 33 ” ; Capacity: 550 pounds; Weight: 74 pounds ; Paddlers: 1 person
Question: Can a sail be installed and used with favorable results?
Answer: You know, I think you could install one … However, we didn’t know anyone to have done this before.
Question: Is the seat height adjustable? And if I want to buy an engine for it or pedals, does it fit standard or does each manufacturer have its own design?
Answer: The seat is adjustable, with a high and low position. There is no pedal option, but several owners have added fishing engines.
