New lightweight pedal-drive kayak

[J.A. Veil]

Last summer during the large outdoor shows Native Watercraft introduced several new pedal-drive models. A few weeks ago I reported that Native had begun shipping the new Manta Ray 12 Propel model. This is Native's lowest priced pedal-drive model with a retail of $1999.

This morning Native announced that they are beginning to ship a first-of-its-kind model called the Slayer Propel 12 LT. Nearly all sit-on-top fishing kayaks are made using a rotomolding process and polyethylene plastic. I visited Native's factory in October 2014 and wrote a description of how rotomolded kayaks are made. http://www.snaggedline.com/showthrea...hlight=factory

Over the past year or so, Native joined forces with Hurricane Kayaks. Hurricane boats are made using a totally different process that thermoforms sheets of ABS plastic onto molds. The process allows kayaks to be made considerably lighter than a similar-sized rotomolded boat. Through collaboration with Hurricane, Native is now offering its first thermoformed boat with a pedal-drive Propel unit. The initial specifications indicate that the hull will weigh 61 lbs, have a 12' length, and a 31" width. This puts it in the weight range of Native's Slayer Propel 10 model (which I use). But the Slayer 12 LT will be longer and more streamlined for better speed and tracking. It offers a weight capacity of 350 lbs.

slayer 12 LT Propel.jpg Slayer 12 LT features.jpg

The boat comes fully equipped with an adjustable raised seat, several dry storage areas, several gears tracks, two flush-mounted rod holders, and a paddle holder clip. I am eager to have the chance to test this model out. As an older kayak angler, I am quite interested in lower-weight kayaks that still offer good on-water performance and comfort. Recently while at the Tucker St launch in Annapolis, I met another older angler who was fishing from a paddle-powered Eddyline kayak -- that brand is also made using thermoforming. I was amazed at how light his kayak was -- he told me liked the kayak and also appreciated its lighter weight.

You can see more details about the Slayer 12 LT Propel on Native's website http://nativewatercraft.com/.

[Yak67]

Thanks for the update John. I looked at the website and I think this will be a "Game Changer" for the industry for peddle kayaks. Weight reduction is the key to the future of our sport. Those young healthy backs are fine now, but when you get North of age 50+, weight of the Yaks does matter.

Yak67
2016 Hobie Outback LE#217
2017 Hobie PA-12 Camo

[DanMarino]

I like it. I think the biggest reason that more people don't own pedal powered kayaks is the price. Most people can't/won't drop $2,000+ on a kayak. Once day I'll own something pedal powered. Watching that Martha's Vineyard Albicore video has me pumped up.

[Mark]

Certainly, price is a factor in the purchase of kayaks. However, I believe the manufacturers will respond in the future to a growing market of older kayak anglers who have the needed financial resources to purchase a high-end kayak as today’s gung-ho younger trollers age and typically gain more disposable income. But those anglers will definitely not get stronger as they age and they will be looking for lightweight kayaks.

Those anglers may also discover that pedal kayaks are great for casting because they are easily maneuvered in and around structure while keeping their hands free for launching lures to promising areas. So while younger anglers are often focused on trolling, and the weight of their boat is not a critical factor, their kayak angling preferences are likely to change as they mature. I think Native’s lightweight pedal alternative is the first of many to come as manufacturers see the inevitable demographic trend that has been started by a vibrant, growing kayak angling community now.

The hobby is expanding and those captivated by it will continue into retirement. Their problem then will likely not be the cost of new lightweight pedal kayak but rather finding the time to use it as they negotiate their own health and multigenerational care requirements. But that’s a topic for another thread.

[On the fly]

Certainly, price is a factor in the purchase of kayaks. However, I believe the manufacturers will respond in the future to a growing market of older kayak anglers who have the needed financial resources to purchase a high-end kayak as today’s gung-ho younger trollers age and typically gain more disposable income. But those anglers will definitely not get stronger as they age and they will be looking for lightweight kayaks.

Those anglers may also discover that pedal kayaks are great for casting because they are easily maneuvered in and around structure while keeping their hands free for launching lures to promising areas. So while younger anglers are often focused on trolling, and the weight of their boat is not a critical factor, their kayak angling preferences are likely to change as they mature. I think Native’s lightweight pedal alternative is the first of many to come as manufacturers see the inevitable demographic trend that has been started by a vibrant, growing kayak angling community now.

The hobby is expanding and those captivated by it will continue into retirement. Their problem then will likely not be the cost of new lightweight pedal kayak but rather finding the time to use it as they negotiate their own health and multigenerational care requirements. But that’s a topic for another thread.

You hit the mark on the maturing kayaker's

[bunnielab]

discover that pedal kayaks are great for casting because they are easily maneuvered in and around structure while keeping their hands free for launching lures to promising areas.

This is what pushed me over the edge into buying one. I do wish someone would make a paddle yak designed to make the rudder control easy to move between sides. I cast and hold my rod with my left hand and that makes the controlling my Slayer while working a lure or fighting a fish a pain. I would love to switch my control over, but I cannot see how I could get my arm deep enough into the hull to remove and remount the cables.

[Crotalus]

Does the thermoforming process have any drawbacks in terms of strength, durability, longevity, etc.?

[J.A. Veil]

Does the thermoforming process have any drawbacks in terms of strength, durability, longevity, etc.?

This is how the senior manager at Native describes the thermoformed material: "Material [ABS plastic] has greater abrasion resistance than roto molded boats but has less impact resistance. This is not intended to be used on rocky shallow rivers". I have never used a thermformed kayak and cannot offer any personal thoughts on durability.

Here is a comment from a guy who works at a large store that sells Native products and other kayak brands: "I used a thermoformed Eddyline this season and it performed great...they also use ABS as well as Jackson and Wilderness Systems on their thermoformed boats. I did use it in some easy rivers where I bumped into rocks but didn't slam into them. I also ran over uncountable stumps with the boat. It slides over stumps with ease. After a season it hardly has a scratch on the bottom of the hull. You can really tell the difference in paddling performance as the hull quickly responds to a paddle stroke. AND...at the end of the day when you pull it onto the trailer, you don't pull your back out."