Christmas came early - Slayer Propel

[buzz]

Oh wow. That is one awesome boat. My new dream kayak.
That horizontal rudder looks slick too. Can't wait to hear from you about how well it maneuvers.

[camelbird]

Sweet new yak, John

[docirv]

Good looking rig.... Can you adjust the pedals for guys with longer legs or shorter legs>

[J.A. Veil]

Good looking rig.... Can you adjust the pedals for guys with longer legs or shorter legs>

You can adjust the seat forward and backwards -- it slides on two gear tracks. It is an easy adjustment -- loosen one knob on each side, then slide. See the 3rd and 10th photos on my original post to see the layout.

This is a new generation of Propel drive unit. Native made a shorter length on the crank shaft this time. Supposedly this improves the comfort of paddling.

[Pinch]

Can you do a test in HEAVY current and in windy conditions of at least 15kts open water? I would like to see how the propel handles it, I have not been able to find any reviews or videos on how the propel will deal with the. Elements. Good looking rig , I am a fan of the lizard lick and copperhead colors.

[Turtle135]

Congrats John! I think that will be a great platform for fishing, particularly for trolling presentations. I think I can hear the stripers trembling beneath the waves already!

[Goody]

Nice new ride. Congrats!

[gliebig]

Always make sure that seat is strapped in. They are $money$ to replace. I found out the hard way.

Boat looks awesome!

[tufnik]

I like the layout and seat. Have you tried an Outback or Revo with the mirage drive? I'd like to know your impressions compared with your Propel. (e.g., maneuverability, speed, thrust, stability)

[J.A. Veil]

I will start my reply by acknowledging that I have never used a Mirage drive kayak. I visited Backyard Boats a few years ago to take a look at the Outback and Revo. I sat in both models on the showroom floor and found that my hipbones rubbed the sides of the seating well. That pretty much took them out of consideration. I'm sure the PAs would have enough room for me, but at that time I was not interested in spending the extra money and dealing with the weight of that model.

There are advantages to each type of kayak. I do not intend to belittle or criticize the Hobie kayaks -- they are very good products. I believe that for my body size and styles of fishing, the Slayer Propel is a better choice for me. I look forward to getting it out on the water and letting other kayakers have a look and take short test rides.

Back to your question -- two days ago, I found a website for Native kayak owners. Someone posed a similar question there http://www.nativeownersgroup.com/sho...Bashing-Please. I felt the replies were quite informative. Feel free to check that out.

I like the layout and seat. Have you tried an Outback or Revo with the mirage drive? I'd like to know your impressions compared with your Propel. (e.g., maneuverability, speed, thrust, stability)

[Hemingway]

Congrats on the new boat! Some unique design features for sure. One thing I am curious about is the rudder, is it in a fixed position that will be easily damaged dragging the boat loading and unloading?

[J.A. Veil]

It does not swing up out of the way like many rudders do. It is permanently mounted under the rear end of the hull. I sure hope it is not easily damaged -- time will tell.

Congrats on the new boat! Some unique design features for sure. One thing I am curious about is the rudder, is it in a fixed position that will be easily damaged dragging the boat loading and unloading?

[dsiekman]

Nice looking boat, John! We'll have to have a drag race down Ego Alley sometime.

[Buzzy.i.am]

Im jealous..