Malibu "Ranger 15" Hot

I received the Ranger 15 just last week, and it was with great anticipation. I was intrigued with the first glimpses of the kayak and wondered how it would handle. Coming in a single seat (15.1) and tandem models (15.2), the Ranger 15 is Malibu's entry into the hybrid kayak market.

With the high free board and width, The Ranger 15 takes a wider and higher stroke from the seated position compared to my other Malibu kayaks. It’s a bit wetter from paddle drip and the higher angle of attack with the paddle. While it tracked well into all different wind directions, I think a rudder would help. I found it equal to my Stealth 14 for speed.

I found it very easy to stand up from the seated position, and the stability was good. With a tunnel hull your feet are stuck in one position, which I didn’t like. I’m more used to my Stealth 14, so I guess it would take some getting used to. When standing, the bow is pushed down and the stern is forced up a little out of the water. This causes the kayak to “weathervane” into the wind, making it a handful to keep on a straight course. I found that deploying my anchor (in the folded up position) would help keep the stern from swinging around into the wind.

The seat attaches to a plastic seat tray, which in turn is connect to adjustable side rails. This tray is bolted into position and requires the proper wrench to make adjustments on the fly. In front of the seat is a support bar, which at first glance you would think would be in the way. This was not the case. In fact, the bar helps with standing, and also gives you a place to rest a fishing rod At first I thought this bar should be located behind the seat, and a smaller one located up front towards the bow. This still might be a good idea, giving the hull more stability.

The area behind the seat is rather large, but plenty big for a milk crate or cooler. The problem is, there is no way to secure anything in place. The area that serves as a rear tank well area is to far aft in the single version, but is reachable in the tandem configuration.

With no paddle holders installed, I had to stow my paddle and push pole down inside the kayak. The side pads are installed a bit too far aft, but would be good if the seat was moved back a few inches.