Native introduces new Slayer Propel 12.5 Max

[J.A. Veil]

This week Native introduced its latest pedal-drive kayak that has loads of features. The Slayer Propel 12.5 Max builds on the popular Slayer Propel 13 model and brings many innovations. See https://nativewatercraft.com/max/ for photos, videos, and descriptions.

In addition Native announced that all of its 2020 pedal drive kayaks will have the latest version of the Propel drive (model 701) that offers a 5-year warranty on the drive, new pedals and cranks, and a built in weed guard. Like the other Propel drives, switching from forward to reverse is hands-free and instantaneous (just pedal backwards).

If you are in the market for a new pedal-drive kayak and want to experience the latest in comfort and features, check out the Slayer Propel 12.5 Max.

[curtisakatoyo]

Looks solid to an already solid platform. I wonder what the price tag will be on that.

[Crotalus]

Looks solid to an already solid platform. I wonder what the price tag will be on that.

The link says $2,600.

[curtisakatoyo]

The link says $2,600.

Doh... Right in front of me lol. Hmm, at the price point.. wonder how well it'll sell vs the Native Titan 12 which is $200 more for a wider platform. And on that same note, it looks like a narrower Titan 12 lol.

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[PigPen]

Is the square backend specific for a motor or is there other advantages of a square tail? I'd think it would introduce some drag by creating extra tubulance.

[J.A. Veil]

Is the square backend specific for a motor or is there other advantages of a square tail? I'd think it would introduce some drag by creating extra tubulance.

I don't know the exact reason for a square stern. The Titans are shaped that way, and my Slayer Propel 10 has a wide stern too. I can offer a few thoughts on it though. For those who like to stand up, this gives a great stable platform. It also allows mounting for Power Pole anchors. The management of Native suggests that the Slayer Propel 12.5 Max will be Native's fastest Propel kayak. The wide rear may help with stability given the sharp entry bow.

[tarponguy]

Looks like a nice design but wonder what the weight will be? I have the larger slayer propel and not sure I would want anything heavier to transport. Weight is always an issue.

[PigPen]

I don't know the exact reason for a square stern. The Titans are shaped that way, and my Slayer Propel 10 has a wide stern too. I can offer a few thoughts on it though. For those who like to stand up, this gives a great stable platform. It also allows mounting for Power Pole anchors. The management of Native suggests that the Slayer Propel 12.5 Max will be Native's fastest Propel kayak. The wide rear may help with stability given the sharp entry bow.

I like the sharp bow. The bow on the manta ray propels look sharper yet. I wonder what the top speed is like. My mariner can comfortably cruise around 4mph but I can get up to six in favorable conditions. I imagine the manta ray can fight current easier than the old slayers.

[J.A. Veil]

Looks like a nice design but wonder what the weight will be? I have the larger slayer propel and not sure I would want anything heavier to transport. Weight is always an issue.

I have a bit of information from Native management about the prototype model of the Max. The initial projection is hull weight of 89 lbs and total weight with seat and Propel of 108. This is the same weight as the Slayer Propel 13. As Native begins manufacturing many of the new models, they will look for ways to reduce weight without affecting structural stability. The actual production weight may be less. In any case, the Max should be similar to the Slayer Propel 13 and be faster and have more features.

The Max is considerably lower weight than the Titan models.

The Max offers a built-in wheel system called the Sidekick. It looks very much like the Landing Gear, but comes as an option rather than an add-on. That type of wheel system may allow for on-land movement with greater ease.

[tarponguy]

Thanks for the additional info, John. I'm going to check it out when it becomes available.

[vet03]

Native introduces new Slayer Propel 12.5 Max

If the landing gear can simply be rotated up and down by simply removing the pin and not having to pull out the leg; that is a win.


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[gliebig]

I've been doing less river fishing the past few years due to shitty conditions and lack of smb. I'm going to start focussing more on snakehead and have been thinking about a pedal drive since I will now be covering more water. Plus I like the idea of being able to fish while moving.

I have two Native yaks now and am leaning towards staying with them.

First priority is stability, as I'll be standing the majority of the fishing time.
Second - portability. My current boats are 12'. I'm not against a smaller boat and don't need a lot of storage.
Third- speed. Are the shorter boats that much slower? I have yet to even be in a pedal drive. I'm assuming even a short boat is fast than I can paddle?

I am looking at the Titan Propel 10.5. Dimensions/Stability are good.

Would that be a good snakeheading boat? I'll mostly be on the Eastern Shore/Susquhanna Flats area. Open to other recommendations.

[mchottie]

I've been doing less river fishing the past few years due to shitty conditions and lack of smb. I'm going to start focussing more on snakehead and have been thinking about a pedal drive since I will now be covering more water. Plus I like the idea of being able to fish while moving.

I have two Native yaks now and am leaning towards staying with them.

First priority is stability, as I'll be standing the majority of the fishing time.
Second - portability. My current boats are 12'. I'm not against a smaller boat and don't need a lot of storage.
Third- speed. Are the shorter boats that much slower? I have yet to even be in a pedal drive. I'm assuming even a short boat is fast than I can paddle?

I am looking at the Titan Propel 10.5. Dimensions/Stability are good.

Would that be a good snakeheading boat? I'll mostly be on the Eastern Shore/Susquhanna Flats area. Open to other recommendations.

Once you catch a SH, you'll be hooked!

[gliebig]

Once you catch a SH, you'll be hooked!

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[J.A. Veil]

I've been doing less river fishing the past few years due to shitty conditions and lack of smb. I'm going to start focussing more on snakehead and have been thinking about a pedal drive since I will now be covering more water. Plus I like the idea of being able to fish while moving.

I have two Native yaks now and am leaning towards staying with them.

First priority is stability, as I'll be standing the majority of the fishing time.
Second - portability. My current boats are 12'. I'm not against a smaller boat and don't need a lot of storage.
Third- speed. Are the shorter boats that much slower? I have yet to even be in a pedal drive. I'm assuming even a short boat is fast than I can paddle?

I am looking at the Titan Propel 10.5. Dimensions/Stability are good.

Would that be a good snakeheading boat? I'll mostly be on the Eastern Shore/Susquhanna Flats area. Open to other recommendations.

You asked several questions -- I will offer some thoughts using Native kayaks as examples.

1) Stability - The Slayer Propel series (10, 13, 12.5 Max) and the Titan series are all very stable and work well for standing. (I personally never stand in any of my kayaks -- that is due to my own poor balance and leg problems, not to any stability concerns with those kayaks).

2) Portability - When buying a kayak, the weight of the boat is a major consideration for me. My pedal drive kayak is a Slayer Propel 10. I continue to be amazed at how roomy the cockpit is for a boat that weighs 62 lbs hull weight and 81 lbs with seat and Propel drive, and also fits into the back of my minivan with the rear door closed. By comparison, the wider and heavier Titan 10.5 weighs 97 lbs hull weight and 121 lbs with seat and Propel. The new Slayer Propel 12.5 Max weighs 95 lbs hull weight and 125 lbs with seat and Propel.

I am 6'4" and 245 lbs and feel quite comfortable in the Slayer Propel 10. It has plenty of room for gear, but your post said you are not worried about that. The other Slayers and Titans are heavier. I transport my SP10 using a C-Tug. Many of the larger boats get specialized attached moveable wheel systems like the Boonedox Landing Gear. They work, but also take up space and add weight.

3) Speed - For open water fishing on the Bay, the extra length provides more storage room and typically greater speed. At one time I owned a Slayer Propel 10 and a 13. Both had FF/GPS units on them. I did a speed comparison on back-to-back days and found the SP13 moved about 0.5 mph faster than the SP10 with a comparable amount of pedaling effort. But the SP13 was heavier and more challenging for me to transport and store.

I have never used any of the Titans, and cannot comment on their speed. My SP10 can pedal with moderate sustained effort at 2.5 to 3 mph. With harder effort for short bursts, I can get over 4 mph. I use my pedal kayak for trolling and do not need to go faster than 3 mph most of the time.

You can tell from these comments that my personal preference is the SP10 for its light weight and functionality. The other Slayers and Titans are excellent kayaks too. If you are less concerned about the weight and plan to spend many hours at a time on the water, one of the larger, roomier, faster, and heavier boats my be a better choice for you. You are welcome to send me other questions and take a look at my SP10 if you like. I also note that I see many used SP10 and SP13 kayaks for sale at prices well below the 2020 retail price.